1992 E300 very low mileage - buy or stay away
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1992 E300 very low mileage - buy or stay away
I ran across a 1992 E300 today on a lot that I would have walked past except it shows 81k miles and one owner with records. So I took a drive, and my experience was discouraging. The basic question is whether there is inherent value in such a low mile 1992, or whether it is a waste of time and money.
I am not very familiar with this model, but what I found:
Negative:
1. Paint on hood very oxidized. Fine virtually everywhere else
2. Suspension moves like a boat. Very serious roll through turns.
3. Slow acceleration and braking. Is this just an old E300 thing because it is as heavy as a tank?
4. Passenger window not coming down
5. Hood secondary latch broken
6. Missing passenger visor
7. Some cracking on the finish on wood parts
8. Saggy seats
Positive
Great leather, quick start, all other parts work correctly.
But mostly a ridiculously low mileage on odometer.
LMK
I am not very familiar with this model, but what I found:
Negative:
1. Paint on hood very oxidized. Fine virtually everywhere else
2. Suspension moves like a boat. Very serious roll through turns.
3. Slow acceleration and braking. Is this just an old E300 thing because it is as heavy as a tank?
4. Passenger window not coming down
5. Hood secondary latch broken
6. Missing passenger visor
7. Some cracking on the finish on wood parts
8. Saggy seats
Positive
Great leather, quick start, all other parts work correctly.
But mostly a ridiculously low mileage on odometer.
LMK
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Northern Virginia
85 300SD, 80 280SL, 90 300TE 4Matic, 90 300D 2.5 Turbo, 91 300E 4Matic, 92 300D 2.5 Turbo, 87 300TD
1992 would be a 300E.
Did you see the odometer advancing during your test drive? The odometers on this model car tend to give out after a time. Check the records for mileage entries to make sure they advance.
The body roll could come from the wrong tires, being under-inflated or worn suspension parts. A renewed suspension will give you a brand new car feel.
Hood latch and sun visors are easy to replace, but expensive if bought through a dealer. Pick and pull yards would be your saving grace if you are so inclined. If not a do it yourself'r, then this kind of car can get quite expensive. Fixes such as seats sagging can be bolstered simply enough with pool noodles.
As for the 'leather,' it could be MB-Tex, which is not leather. Many people make that mistake.
Give us the VIN and post a bunch of pictures and we'll give you some more meaningful feedback.
Did you see the odometer advancing during your test drive? The odometers on this model car tend to give out after a time. Check the records for mileage entries to make sure they advance.
The body roll could come from the wrong tires, being under-inflated or worn suspension parts. A renewed suspension will give you a brand new car feel.
Hood latch and sun visors are easy to replace, but expensive if bought through a dealer. Pick and pull yards would be your saving grace if you are so inclined. If not a do it yourself'r, then this kind of car can get quite expensive. Fixes such as seats sagging can be bolstered simply enough with pool noodles.
As for the 'leather,' it could be MB-Tex, which is not leather. Many people make that mistake.
Give us the VIN and post a bunch of pictures and we'll give you some more meaningful feedback.
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From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
The inherent value of the low miles is offset by the fact that the rubber/plastic components are aging now, so will want replacement to get back to the car's great original ride.
Your list is not scary, you will likely need to get used to the "power" of an aged straight 6 and the braking of a tank.
But the bigger list of unknowns would scare me more than your list.
Evaporator? Done, or will soon need?
Head Gasket? Same thing.
At the suggestion of a local, trusted mechanic would be the only way I'd launch into one of these now. Some items on your list appear the result of repairs pushed off into the future.
A recent round of craigslist nonsense taught me that some ads say one owner (as opposed to my parents who have 2 owners on the title) but do not mean original owner. LOL, just be careful. A well cared for and loved 81k mile car would be nice, but if maintenance has been pushed off ... catching up tends to only be worthwhile for the more handy DIY folks here...
Your list is not scary, you will likely need to get used to the "power" of an aged straight 6 and the braking of a tank.
But the bigger list of unknowns would scare me more than your list.
Evaporator? Done, or will soon need?
Head Gasket? Same thing.
At the suggestion of a local, trusted mechanic would be the only way I'd launch into one of these now. Some items on your list appear the result of repairs pushed off into the future.
A recent round of craigslist nonsense taught me that some ads say one owner (as opposed to my parents who have 2 owners on the title) but do not mean original owner. LOL, just be careful. A well cared for and loved 81k mile car would be nice, but if maintenance has been pushed off ... catching up tends to only be worthwhile for the more handy DIY folks here...
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Thank you so much. That is exactly what I needed.
I am plenty handy, but I was trying to get a sense of whether the handling was part of the 300E experience or a signal of a shot suspension. Happy to fix a suspension, but it looks like I am more of a "peppy car" person.
Matt
I am plenty handy, but I was trying to get a sense of whether the handling was part of the 300E experience or a signal of a shot suspension. Happy to fix a suspension, but it looks like I am more of a "peppy car" person.
Matt
