There is a local 1986 Mercedes 560SEL setting in front of a donation center for sale for $1000. I pass by the car daily, as that is my normal route to the west side of town from my house. The first time I seen it, I stopped and it was $3500. I phoned the next day and the woman in charge said the owner was moving out of the country and donated the car to them. The car has set there for a while, so I called again the other day, to see if the price was reduced. Indeed it was. She said they wanted $1000 for it, but now it needs transmission work. It slips going into 2nd. Also, the engine cannot be heard unless someone brings some gasoline, as they let it run out of gasoline. She said it run good though. It is a solid, 100% rust free southern car, body is excellent and interior is good. It has some tears on the front seats. It has 188K miles. The only thing I dislike is the fact that it is a light yellow color. :o I have called some transmission shops and have been quoted prices from $1000-$1800. The $1000 place said that starting price was $1000. It depends upon what they "run into" when they get in there. Any other recommendations for a transmission repair? If it is "slipping" going into 2nd- does this likely mean a rebuild is required? I can also buy a good running 81' 300SD with 284K fo around $2000, or a very nice 85' 500SEL for $5200. Thanks for any advice.

 

The 560 starts in second gear as most MB V8. It didn't slip into it.

 

This sounds like a very nice deal! Just take it for a spin and make up your mind then.

Even with transmission work, it is cheap and 188K miles is no issue unless the car had been abused thoughout its live.

Wolfman

 

I agree with Wolfman. Take it for a spin and see how it drives. Then decide. If it drives well, I think it is a good deal. If it drives well and you pass on it because of the color, and if it is located near Michigan, LET ME KNOW!

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I have no idea about the transmission. I am just going by what the woman at the donation center told me. One reason why I have not checked sooner is that she said the car "ran out" of gasoline and it would need gas before it would start. Seems as if she wants me to bring my own gasoline in order to hear it. Should I offer her $500 for it, without even hearing it run? I really do not need it, as I have a Lexus, Buick and a Pontiac, but I really like these cars. I really wanted to buy a 81-85 300SD to use as my daily driver (work car). Sorry- the car is not close to Michigan- it is located in northeast Tennessee, so it is a 100% rust free car- which is a good thing. Body is very good. I may stop by there on Friday and take a look and perhaps make an offer- or see if she wants to give me some gas money and I will get some gas to put in it. Thanks again for the replies.

 

Get the 300 SD...