-->> T.G. Lambach <<-- wrote:
> Buying this 26 year old dog would be a dumb move, IMHO.
>
> Why should the ball joints be worn out after only 56K miles?
Good point, and although I didn't mention it, that thought had crossed
my mind.
> Probably more like 156K.
Could be. Does the odometer on '82 Mercedes show 5 or 6 digits?
Hopefully, a good mechanic could recognize the difference in 100K miles
despite the odometer reading. If it turns out this guy is being
dishonest, I'd walk away in a heartbeat and probably key the thing while
I did so.
>
> And the 3.8 engine is a gas hog and anemic - 155 HP for a relatively
> heavy car. Obsolete technology in today's world.
>
I wouldn't expect it to get the same kind of mileage as my current car
does and I might feel differently after a test-drive, but I would expect
it to be a bit better at acceleration - it being a Mercedes and having 8
cylinders and all.
> And don't fool yourself about car values published in some book. Only
> cash counts. Check www.autotrader.com in your area for comparable cars.
>
Well, actually, that's where I saw it and there were a number of similar
cars for a higher asking price. Some of them were even older and all
but one or two of them had much higher mileage. The one or two with
lower mileage (not anywhere near me) had MUCH higher asking prices.
I suppose I shouldn't pay much attention to the '85s since they have the
dual-chain timing belts - I've read that the single chains in pre-'84
models are problematic.
> Forget it if an old car like this doesn't knock you out with its
> appearance for it's just too expensive to put it right.
>
Well, exterior looks pristine, although the interior carpet and seats
look as old as it is. I know my car has almost as many miles on it and
the leather seats have not cracks at all.
I actually think if I did buy it, I would put a for sale sign on it
immediately and ask for 1500 more. I'd also put a for sale sign on my
current car and ask what kbb says it's worth.
If the 380SL sold first, so be it - I got to drive it for a bit and
turned a small profit. If my current car sold first, that's fine too.
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