Looking at 1987 420 sel
#1
11-13-2013, 05:33 PM
Looking at 1987 420 sel
I found a 1987 420 sel in very nice condition. Runs well and looks good. Has 170,000 miles and he is asking $1500. I am ready to buy, but I thought I should ask the experts first.
Are parts available, is the car dependable, or am wasting my time?
I sure appreciate you input....thanks in advance
Are parts available, is the car dependable, or am wasting my time?
I sure appreciate you input....thanks in advance
#2
12-25-2013, 04:59 PM
Must of been gone longer than I thought. I would have thought someone would have answered this one already.
1987 420SEL, dependable yes, lots of parts available, 170,000 is nothing as long as car has been maintained good. The timing chain tensioners should have been replaced already around 100,000-150,000 mark. If you start up the car, it should start immediately and smoothly. Knocking or timing chain slap is sure sign the timing chain is loose and better to walk away from it.
Sometimes in many of those cars that AC/heat don't work properly. Many sellers will say it's easy fix. The reality is that many times it's not easy or else if it was as easy as they say it is they would have done it already. The climate control when not working properly can cost a lot and be a PITA in the repair. But if working, it should be straight for a very long time.
Climate control/timing chain tensioner are probably the two most common and expensive repair items on those cars. On the test drive make sure there is no undue harshness/noises of the ride as that point to ball joint and suspension components. These heavy cars can chew through ball joints a lot quicker than lighter car counterparts. The suspension is not too harsh on the pockets and the main worry is getting someone to do it right, the first time.
$1500 price is lot of wiggle room just in case stuff do happen. If it runs well, it's a good deal.
Oh yeah, if it have after market radio or any in dash work done look for SRS light. Many times, when people put in the radios they knock around the SRS module that is in the center part of the dash and cause it to read a code. Usually the airbag still work (first hand knowledge) but really never know for sure until it's time. Best to go get the light SRS light reset and decide from there what to do.
1987 420SEL, dependable yes, lots of parts available, 170,000 is nothing as long as car has been maintained good. The timing chain tensioners should have been replaced already around 100,000-150,000 mark. If you start up the car, it should start immediately and smoothly. Knocking or timing chain slap is sure sign the timing chain is loose and better to walk away from it.
Sometimes in many of those cars that AC/heat don't work properly. Many sellers will say it's easy fix. The reality is that many times it's not easy or else if it was as easy as they say it is they would have done it already. The climate control when not working properly can cost a lot and be a PITA in the repair. But if working, it should be straight for a very long time.
Climate control/timing chain tensioner are probably the two most common and expensive repair items on those cars. On the test drive make sure there is no undue harshness/noises of the ride as that point to ball joint and suspension components. These heavy cars can chew through ball joints a lot quicker than lighter car counterparts. The suspension is not too harsh on the pockets and the main worry is getting someone to do it right, the first time.
$1500 price is lot of wiggle room just in case stuff do happen. If it runs well, it's a good deal.
Oh yeah, if it have after market radio or any in dash work done look for SRS light. Many times, when people put in the radios they knock around the SRS module that is in the center part of the dash and cause it to read a code. Usually the airbag still work (first hand knowledge) but really never know for sure until it's time. Best to go get the light SRS light reset and decide from there what to do.
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