Wisdom of buying high mileage
 

I have never owned a Mercedes, but am considering buying a high mileage (100K+) model to drive this winter while my S2000 takes a well deserved rest.
Something about a big old lumbering Mercedes that makes me smile more than a Camry does.</P>


Should I be wary of cars with high mileage or are these cars generally bulletproof beyond 6 figures as a Honda or Toyota would be? Are there specific signs to look for that might clue me in to whether a particular car will be trouble or not?</P>


All advice appraciated.</P>

Wisdom of buying high mileage
 

yes mercs are literally bullet proof especially the w124 range. major problems are autobox slipage, leaking engine oil on older mercs which isnt expensive but a nasty job all the same, and finaly rattles when holding onto gears in manual models. this suggests that the timing chain is on its way out, so either account for it or walk away (£600 or so regardless of model). (manuals show it with half throttle in first/ second gear, autos dont but i dont know why).

obviously paintwork is important as it cost £1600 to spray my 87 w124 200. service history is a must with cars over 1995 but if they are older they dont mind and couldnt be stopped.

overall they are bombproof cars so you really shouldn't have much bother and my 200 has 107,000 miles on it and is still running as smooth as it left the factory. i have also seen a merc with 786,000 miles on it and it was for sale at a local garage so agian they cannot be stopped unless they are crashed.

if you really want to know my essential buyers guide ( i do honestly know my mercs) just reply and i can help you out.

Wisdom of buying high mileage
 

yes mercs are literally bullet proof especially the w124 range</P>


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You can't go wrong with any of the 1986 thru 1991 560 SELs. Great cars and if you give them regular care you just can't wear them out. Truly the flagships of the MB line. <IMG src=smileys/smiley4.gif border="0"></P>

Wisdom of buying high mileage
 

What is your budget?