Private one owner vehicle with 187k mi. in excellent cosmetic condition. Recent repairs include rebuilt transmission, new evaporator, and timing chain. There is a small oil leak and small rear diff leak. Needs tune-up with plug wires and a front end allignment. It sounds like a no brainer at $3000 (family discount). The rear leveling system seems to work, but how would I know otherwise? The auto front seat only works when the door is open. All windows work. Anything in particular that I should be concerned with or have checked?

 

How much longer do you expect the engine to last?
At 187 k it might be any moment and rebuild engine will cost much more, than $3000.
Checking leveling system is easy. With engine off have someone sitting on the trunk and measure distance from the ground to bumper. Start the engine and see if it will raise.

 

thought my buying back a 77 450sl from my brother also was "no brainer" , but later had some regrets.... originally purchased by our father in late 76.

was out in el paso, good for rust, but still found some in rear under carpet padding.........seems window gaskets are not holding.......

the worst part was , while in elpaso, the cam shafts were replaced, but not properly reassembled...... 2200 bucks later, that problem solved.

given the length of time car wasnt driven, the fuel tank, fuel lines suffered....... requiring replacement..... 2800 bucks later, those problems solved.

now that the car is running well again, i ve forgotten the regrets..

each car has a unique history of course, quality of maintenance and repairs i found to be most important when buying a older car

i wish i could do more of the work myself, but space and time do not permit, thus costing the big bucks at the shop..

i was looking at 88 s before finding the 350sdl must have, found plenty with 80000 + - miles between 13-18 k....