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Classic Cars I spotted an (insert obscure car name here) classic car today!
17970 messages, Last post on Dec 02, 2009 at 1:47 PM
You are in the Classic Cars Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright
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fintail and shifty, I think my question and comments in message #14270, and your subsequent responses, applied to the Mercedes W210 models (years 1996-2002?), not the W124. From further reading, it seems that Mercedes first took cost into (greater) account with the introduction of the W210. Is that correct? Also, whether because of of this change of philosophy, or other factors, such as more features, isn't it true that the W210 has more maintenance/repair issues, and is more expensive to maintain than the W123 and W124 series? The reason I'm asking these questions is that, if you subscribe to the notion that to reduce the probability of high cost-of-ownership one should avoid buying new cars and cars that are very old, then the W210 comes closer to the sweet spot than the W124. In fact, maybe all but the newest W210s may be too old to avoid the expenses associated more with age than mileage. If one can afford it, do first and second year (2003? or 2004) W211s tend to be more reliable than, say, 2001 and 2002 W210s?
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How does the following skrike you?... "1998 E300 Turbo Diesel. 45,000 miles, mint condition, garage kept. Smoke silver. Parchment leather. CD Changer, Mobile Phone, Rain Sensor, ESP, Headlamp Wiper/Washer, Xenon Headlamps, Michelin tires, glass sunroof, Bose Premium Music System. 3.0 Liter 24 Valve 6 Cylinder Turbo Diesel Fuel Injection. 34 Highway 26 City. One family ownership. Currently have a 2008 E320 Bluetec Diesel. Have the 1998 window sticker and can pdf this document. An absolutely fabulous car and the low mileage is your gain. All service performed by Mercedes of Fredericksburg, Virginia currently Central Euromotors. Same Mercedes mechanic performed all work and shop forman. Please email if interested." I know certain post-W123 diesels are problematic, but I forgot just which ones. |
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Replying to: andre1969 (Aug 01, 2008 6:21 pm) I think you could only get a manual tranny in a 442 those years if you had the 260. |
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Replying to: hpmctorque (Aug 02, 2008 6:21 am) I would recommend a late W210 over an early W211. Although they have both lost a lot of value, the W210 will still be significantly cheaper even if only a year older, and it is no less reliable. I own a W210, an E55 from the last few months of W210 production. It's well put together, the upgraded interior is very nice, and of course the tuned V8 is fun. That diesel you mention sounds like an exceptional car - good colors and options, and the history sounds ideal . The diesels and AMG cars tend to have less issues, in my experience anyway. The diesel engines have less electrical issues I think, and back then the AMG cars were still assembled at a seperate facility. |
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Replying to: fintail (Aug 01, 2008 5:37 pm) As for the Peugeot truck, the guy has other cool rides on his site that he ledns out for films and tv, but not for sale. Check them out . and the rat rod is cool too. I like rat rods, but that one is too much finished for my tastes. I'd like one with flat black paint, or rusty colored metal, unpainted.
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| Thanks, fintail. You answered all my questions with just the details I was looking for. | |
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Replying to: fintail (Aug 01, 2008 5:37 pm) |
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Replying to: boomchek (Aug 02, 2008 10:30 am) And hpmctorque - if you buy one of those cars and it turns out to be a headache, don't look at me!  ...of course, if it turns out to be awesome, I'll be more than happy to take credit.
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"if you buy one of those cars and it turns out to be a headache, don't look at me! ...of course, if it turns out to be awesome, I'll be more than happy to take credit." I know full well that with used cars you win some and you lose some. I know your statements were tongue-in-cheek, at least somewhat, but, again, the info you provided hit the bulls eye, in terms of what I wanted to know. I have confidence in your opinions, and Shifty's. If I bought one and it was disappointing, well, hey, that risk is factored into the depreciation. My situation is such that I don't NEED another car right now, but if I came across a really nice, well maintained E300 I'd consider it. I prefer to buy one owner cars from private parties who've kept maintenance records. That limits the number of offerings, but it gives me greater confidence about knowing what I'm buying. Dealers throw away all records, including the owners manual, for liability reasons, I guess. If I were in a hurry, I'd check out the dealers, but I'm not. Cars with above average mileage don't scare me, if I have the sense that they've been well maintained and driven with reasonable care. I checked Craigslist today but there weren't any E300s in my area that I'd seriously consider.
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| Incidentally, the new E Class cars are really nice, but they have many more features than I want in a car. That's more or less true of all luxury brands, at least the ones sold in North America, and it's only getting worse. That's one of the reasons why I generally prefer the older ones. | |
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