Car-buying based on a professional inspection only

[BGarside]

I've been looking for a while now for a good Mercedes 190E or W124 to buy, but due to my location (Aberdeen) have found hardly any cars within viewing distance of me. I guess it's more likely Scottish cars would be in poor condition too due to the harsh weather and salted roads for about 5-6 months of the year here.

I keep seeing apparently good cars cropping up 3-400 miles away - too far to travel just to view what might be a let-down. Most recently I've spotted a nice-looking W124 E320 coupe with an ideal spec. for me but it's down in Staffordshire.

I've been wondering about buying based on an AA- or RAC-type inspection, as I can order and pay for this without having to travel to see the cars.

Has anyone on here done the same? Are these types of inspection any good or are they just generic and would fail to spot the model-specific issues, especially on older cars like these?

Finally, are there any Merc specialsts offering this kind of service?

[Stegel]

If it's the coupe on Car and Classic in Stafford, as I live in south Staffordshire I'd be happy to pop in and give it a once over before you splash out on a full inspection - one more 124 in good hands is always welcome!

I can't hold myself out as an expert, and I'd certainly recommend you follow it up with a "professional" inspection, but having looked at a few 124s before buying my cabrio, I can give you a view on the general feel of the car (and the vendor!).

[BlueMR2]

Definitely try to get someone nearby to have a quick look before spending out money on an inspection.

You might be better getting a specialist to look at the car, rather than the AA/RAC etc.

[BGarside]

Stegel said:

If it's the coupe on Car and Classic in Stafford, as I live in south Staffordshire I'd be happy to pop in and give it a once over before you splash out on a full inspection - one more 124 in good hands is always welcome!

I can't hold myself out as an expert, and I'd certainly recommend you follow it up with a "professional" inspection, but having looked at a few 124s before buying my cabrio, I can give you a view on the general feel of the car (and the vendor!).

Thanks for the offer!

It's this one actually, it's been discussed before on the '1-5K Smoker Barges' forum:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C487913

Ideal spec for me in that it's a Sportline car with the later 320 engine but minimal equipment (no AC, electric seats, cruise etc).

Seems an excellent buy for the money, but perhaps a little cheap compared with other similar cars.

If you were willing to check this out I'd be more than happy to cover your travel costs and something for your time. Only obvious hassles I can foresee is that it might be need a wiring loom / head gasket soon.

[Stegel]

I thought it was that one - rare set of options by the look of it. No Sportline badges, and I thought Sportline brought a different steering wheel with part- timber rim?

I could pop up this Saturday morning if it suits the vendor - it's only 20 miles away. Drop me a PM and we can sort out arrangements.

[BGarside]

I've seen Sportline cars without the wooden rim, but they usually have smaller steering wheels than the standard models with a more 'triangular' centre boss, if that makes sense. Not sure about the lack of badges though.

Will PM you & thanks again.

[BGarside]

Hi Steven. Cant seem to reply to you on the phone no. You left on my voicemail. Message may be unclear. Please could you text me your number? Thanks, Ben

[r129sl]

There was a range of sportline options. On the coupé it consisted of chassis (£1,800), wheel and shifter (£170) and sport design upholstery (£180). The badges can get lost in time, if they came in the first place.

[harry kular]

Sportline does have a different wheel (which this car has), smaller diameter but not by much, and noticeable by the lower two spokes being closer together, giving the "triangle" look described earlier.