Hello fellow OzBargainers,
I plan on buying an old Mercedes and was looking for some advice on the best way to do so.
I plan on having a pre-purchase inspection done before buying.
Anything about this specific model or buying a used car in general would be appreciated. Also looking for rough repair and servicing costs.
Thanks!
Edit: Thanks to everyones input! Really appreciate it. So what would you all recommend as a car with a good blend of luxury and reliability but also good value (sub 30k).
The W208 is quite possibly one of the worst cars along with the W210 in terms of reliability as they're from the "dark ages" of Mercedes reliability. Save more money and buy the later C209 Series CLK. Its a much better, far more reliable and better looking car.
Speak to your bank manager and see if you can afford the servicing and repairs it’s inevitably going to require.
It’s a 20yo MB. Getting parts for this thing is going to a nightmare. Even if you can find them, it’s going to be expensive.
Exactly, pay for the car in cash and get a loan out for the repairs!
I hope you've got quite a bit of cash set aside. Spare parts on a 20 year old Merc will cost an arm and a leg. Maybe even a testicle!
I've got an old 911 - providing you can do mechanical work yourself, parts are surprisingly cheap and plentiful. But if you're paying a mechanic to do work for you, it can add up.
For example, I was quoted $1100 to do a rear window regulator, did it myself for $90.
Also was quoted $1800 to fix my convertible roof, I removed the cylinders myself, bought a replacement seal kit for $50, and paid a local hydraulics shop $100 to change the seals. Refitted everything and refilled the system and it's done.
Personally, I love buying old luxury performance cars that everyone else is afraid to buy, as I know I have the ability to work on them myself. I've been hunting for an old CLS55 or E55 with the supercharged V8, can't wait for that to break down so I can upgrade it!
I know I have the ability to work on them myself.
This is where the difference between you and OP is. If OP is asking a bargain forum (not even a motor vehicle forum), then that type of vehicle is not likely to be suitable to him/her (unless they have super deep pockets and are willing to spend the cash).
I've got an old 911
964, 993 or are we talking older than G body?
Hope you have plenty of lube, its going to be a rough relationship.
It might be old, but it’s not old enough to not have much in the way of electronics. Computers are expensive to replace and mysteriously go in the fritz and stop the car from working.
Really old cars (think 80s) are simpler to work on and there are no (or minimal) electronic systems that communicate. Also makes them easier to upgrade as newer parts don’t need to talk to each other.
Likely the worst possible period you could purchase a Mercedes from. Not sure why you would want this model.
Advice; Enrol & complete the following courses
Old mercedes = Money Pit = Run away as fast as you can
I plan on buying an old Mercedes and was looking for some advice on the best way to do so. Check out the many threads on here posted by others. The plan of attack is the same. Or Google purchasing used car tips.
I plan on having a pre-purchase inspection done before buying. Great. Also get them to advise on likely maintenance costs. Ie timing belts, water pump..
Anything about this specific model or buying a used car in general would be appreciated. Also looking for rough repair and servicing costs. Call up a few Mecedes specialists mechanic with mileage and usual car issues.
Good Luck. Enjoy the visit to the Mechanic. You'll likey get to know them really well.
Have a look at Legit Streetcars on YT and ask yourself if you want to pay someone to repair the faults that are common to most of his Mercedes.
Then work out which independent Mercedes specialist you will use if you still want to go down this path.
Why an old CLK? Understand if it’s a special AMG version but you’re getting a standard model. Expect very high maintenance costs.
This might not be the best place to ask about a 20 year old Merc. Maybe consider dedicated fan forums.