When it comes to cars, everyone wants a bargain. And with cars getting more reliable, more durable and more rot-free than ever they have been, paying pocket money for an older machine need not be a total restoration job.
In other words, old cars have never been such a good buy -- you get a lot of car for your money, and £1,000 is still throwaway money when it comes to cars.
So in the spirit of aiming for fun, low-cost motoring, here's our regular weekly slot following a trawl of Auto Trader's depths to find a drive-away bargain.
1987 Mercedes-Benz 420 SE. Manual, 122,170 miles, D38UUJ. Very clean older Merc 420SE. 235bhp. Switchable auto. 25 a gallon with ease. A lot less if you drive briskly. Quick for a small engine. More smooth than quick though. Graphite with cream leather. Tool-kit there. First aid kit there. Electric seats, roof, cruise, ABS etc. Original Blaupunk stereo. Mercedes overmats. 4 former owners. Service history was promised, but has not been forwarded. Taxed February, tested July. Any test or trial. Rust scabs are starting to appear, but this is one of the nicer 126's around. A pleasure to drive. I have bought a Coupe, so has to go. I am in Crewe. £550.