This Mercedes newbie could use some advice ....
I checked out an 87 wagon today at a Mercedes shop. They're asking $1400 - and it does need some work. I'm wondering if it's worth buying as a project car. White w. blue interior, 307,000 miles, 3 owners, VIN history is good, regular maintenance for first 6 years (booklet).

Here are the positives - Cylinder head replaced in 2000 with #22 head. Interior is good, power seats & sunroof works, cruise works. Does not run hot, shifts OK. Belts run true, starts cold at 70F. Lots of service tickets, parts replaced include - motor mount in 1994, rear wheel bearing in 95, differential bushings and cover in 96, rear rotors 96, injector pump seals 96, starter in 97. A/C compressor, accumulator, complete overhaul & R134 in 98. Head, radiator & 2 lifters in 2000 ("injector pump has wear" note on service ticket). Glow plugs replaced over the years. A/C seems to work (not a major concern for me). Suspension seems OK, not able to test SLS in rear.

Here are the negatives - needs complete re-spray, some rust around weatherstripping. Power steering feels heavy & does not self-center. Driver seat spring sag a bit, power locks do not work, tailgate will not stay up, needs both sunvisors, 3 power windows do not work (no motor movement). Fluid dripping from IP side of motor, smells like fuel.

I got a serious case of sticker shock when I went through the service tickets and saw the cost of parts. In 6 years, I'll be retirement age, and am wondering whether I can afford to maintain this car after that. It seems that the 124s have a reputation for reliability, but when something does go bad, from age, will it break the bank? Oh yeah ... the nearest experienced Mercedes mechanic is 50 miles away.

Any thoughts, suggestions or such would be greatly appreciated. They're not advertising the car, so I have a few weeks or so to decide.
Thanks.

 

.. you are really making it hard for the poor guy, there is no sweeter sound than that six... but alas, you are correct.... there must be a reason why it is only $1400!!!

 

According to the owner of the shop (dealership, well respected), the last owner had a stroke, could not drive, so they bought it from him to use as a loaner car. It seems to have sat un-used for a couple of years. It still has the "oxidizer trap" on the turbo ... I thought those were replaced during a recall or something? He put it up on a lift, no rust (Georgia car) or drips, tranny's not leaking. But if the car overheated and cracked the head, could other damage have happened?

Thanks for the suggestions. The idea of doing my own work is not daunting (I once rebuilt a VW engine in my kitchen), but the availability and cost of parts concerns me. $350 for a radiator (in 2000) ... yikes.

 

That was probably dealer markuppricing. You will find that places such as eBay are 1/3-1/4 that cost...

 

I have an 85 wagon I have contemplated selling in the past and the only detail shared with your potential "buy" is the sagging spring seat..I would stay away...I paid 3K for mine.