Eurobox v semi-classic daily runner

[SuperHangOn]

Discovered just how cheap I can get classic insurance on something like a W124. I see pristine grandad since new examples for less than 1500. Are these a viable proposition for day to day 10-12k a year mileage? (mainly duel carriageway runs)

I figure it would use around 750 more fuel than a similarly priced Mondeo TDCI, but save 450 on insurance. No DMF's, injectors, turbos etc to worry about. Thoughts?

[5charlie46]

Go for it, we've had loads of them (my dad is a merc specialist). All in various different states from mint to sheds and None of them have given us any real grief. Obviously you know economy is going to be worse but at the end of the its worth it to have something that feels nicer than a "normal" car. Just do the normal things with older cars, check for some sort of service history, rust etc.

[300bhp/ton]

SuperHangOn said:

Discovered just how cheap I can get classic insurance on something like a W124. I see pristine grandad since new examples for less than 1500. Are these a viable proposition for day to day 10-12k a year mileage? (mainly duel carriageway runs)

I figure it would use around 750 more fuel than a similarly priced Mondeo TDCI, but save 450 on insurance. No DMF's, injectors, turbos etc to worry about. Thoughts?

Do it. Even if it doesn't work quite as cheap, it's way cooler and will more fun and a greater experience.

[falkster]

Got to be almost free motoring! Great auto boxes!!

[billzeebub]

the Merc or a Mondeo, any Mondeo..it's gota be the big benz 124..a truly classless car in the manner of Saab 900 classic, old Range Rover, Defender, Mini, Golf etc. With a Mondeo you are aleways pretty sure its a mini cab driver called Wayne, and probably wearing a shell suit!..

[V88Dicky]

I'd say a £1500 Mondeo TDCi is going to be far more troublesome, have way more miles, and in general be far more shagged than a well-kept old Merc.

Do it.

[900T-R]

If you can get a sound example of one at that sort of price I can't see anything being against it. Stuff will wear out but unlike the moon mileage modern direct-injected turbodiesel it'll mostly be straightforward.

[V88Dicky]

Damn you!

You've got me looking now!

Look at this lovely old bus, not even £700;







http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

[SuperHangOn]

Ooo a 300E

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1989-G-Mercedes-Benz-300E-4D...

[SuperHangOn]

billzeebub said:

With a Mondeo you are aleways pretty sure its a mini cab driver called Wayne, and probably wearing a shell suit!..

Or a taxi driver called Stavros wearing a big hairy moustache in the Merc Would feel like I'm holiday.

[CampDavid]

Am I mad in thinking that an SL280 or S320 or a 300SL from the 90s is going to cost similar amounts to run? May not be a great drop top but thinking of it like a 2 door convertable barge and it's a winner

[sklar]

Get a TE for real depreication free motoring.

http://www.mjsaxbyltd.co.uk/used/Mercedes-Benz/TE%...

300, leather, auto, 7 seat option.

Edited by sklar on Tuesday 12th July 11:57

[900T-R]

CampDavid said:

Am I mad in thinking that an SL280 or S320 or a 300SL from the 90s is going to cost similar amounts to run?

Maybe, but 10x the price to buy...

[CampDavid]

900T-R said:

Maybe, but 10x the price to buy...

Still, £4000 is as low as they go which is only a weeks wages to both on here, right? That's still not massive and I fail to see how they won't keep every penny of that. Most also seem to have led relatively charmed lives and appear to be in decent shape

[Arthur Daley]

I ran a 190E for abit, fantastic car, really good to drive and very reliable.
The following advantages make it cheaper to run than a eurobox.

-Classic car insurance
-Depreciation Proof
-Self service possible as no service indicators, diagnostic worries.

Only downside is a slight increase in fuel but when you factor in how much more comfortable the car is its a no brainer!