fernan_b

I was once part of this board, but left when I sold my W124 (1988 260 E), and bought a Volvo S70 instead. I am now car-less, and there is a 1986 300E in my area that is being sold for 1,000 (it has really high miles, 250K). I haven't seen it yet, and there might be problems awaiting me under the hood. When I bought my 260E three years ago, it had its own set of problems (and was purchased for 3,000 and had less miles on it). My question is, would you...or wouldn't you...buy it, that is?

GEDaggett

It would be worth it as a parts donor car but that is about it. You will most likely put enough money into it in order to keep it running that you would be able to purchase a newer nicer lower mile 124. Just my thinking but I would hold out for a bit.

neanderthal

theres no real worry about buying a high milage car at that price if you have all the maintenance records for the car

but be aware that that kind of car is not going to be a reliable daily driver for you for years and years and years. you would rather spend a little more and get a more reliable car with lower miles. there's deals out there right now with the bad economy. have cash on hand, and be patient.

pifcat2

it would depend one what's been replaced and how well it was maintained. At 250k nearly every wear part is near or past need of replacement. You may get lucky and have a couple of trouble free years but you would have to be prepared with parts failing at any time and possibly stranding you...

fernan_b

All right, I've made my decision...

to wait until a much better one comes along. Thank you =)

PS- I'd thought of waiting, and by mid-spring, after taxes and all, I should have enough for one that isn't such a big risk

ZedStyle

yeah man, good call... not too many miles for a w124, but only if you put them on yourself.
sadly our cars are not worth much any more, i would lean towards something like this:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/963973260.html

GEDaggett

You can find plenty of 124's for under $4000 that are in really good shape. I have come across multiple 420's and 320's in that range with just under 100k on the clock. You will be much happier not having to deal with the gremlins of a 1/4 million mile car.

childofjuly

thats just too many miles to consider, if its not already in a good running condition. Regardless the brand of the vehicle

YNVDIZW124

Well, it all depends on the owner. My car is actually in better condition than it was when i bought it. I've changed most of the fuel injection, fuel pumps, suspension, steering, brakes, and basically runs smooth everyday at 70-80mph for 20 miles to work. What I do when I buy a used car is basically start from scratch. First thing you do when buying a used car is to change most of the parts that need regular maintenance like belts, hoses, brakes, fluids, and/or anything with rubber on it.

You want to make sure major engine work has been done by the 250k mark like head gasket replacement. Other than that's pretty much it. Also, I would not buy a low mile car under 110k because that means you are looking at problems around 150-180k. I've had more problems with my low mile w124s and w201s than my current 300e. My car has around 280k btw and it's 22 years old ( i got it with all the service records and even the financing papers from the original owner.)

Ohh, I think the m103 engines are way easier to work on than the m104 or m119.