developer wrote:
> -->> 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.
Last summer I bought an '81 380 SL w/115,000mi for $6500. Great (almost
pristine) shape both in and out, an A/C that even beats PHX heat, and
lots of extra goodies. Even get women of a certain age flirt with me
over the car. My mechanic told me the drive train and mech thingies
were in great shape. This has been borne out, love driving the car
everyday, esp now with the top down, and had NOTHING break yet.
However, only about 13MPG and acceleration is moderate, not great. If I
had to do it again I would go for a 560 SL. Pricing here in PHX is all
over the map from $5K to $15K. Frankly yours doesn't sound so great for
that price and getting even more for it on resale is iffy. I would look
a while longer. Autotrader.com is a great source, that's where I found
mine.
The hard top is easy to disengage (learn the two handle jig) but lifting
is not easy (unless you have a strong buddy), but I got a suitable elec
hoist from Harbor Freight for about $70 on sale. Then it's easy.
Chip
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