S Class, quarter of a million miles, £2k, stay away?

[Ade07]

Have been offered a 2002 S class, 320 Cdi with 250,000 on the clock for 2k. Disaster waiting to happen or worth taking a chance? So should I stay away or maybe take a risk at only 2k, if it only lasts a year then maybe break it and sell the parts?

Opinions sought!

[Ade07]

Unfortunately no negotiation on price, got to be 2k and no offers below that figure. Car is not showing any signs of rust at the mo. Have researched prices and it's definitely the right money, have seen same year cars with 100 - 120k for 4500 - 5k ish.

[Ade07]

Welshbeef said:

Well I'm a fan of the S class
Clearly it's not clocked and has done over 25k on average per year sounds like it's been well used.

You might want to change all the bushes and track rod ends to sharpe things up a bit plus all four wheel bearings.
Or of course don't do anything but routine servicing.

If it drives fine has all the history and a decent ticket length he'll why not.
Is it auto of manual? If auto I'd want to change the auto box oil probably never been done so lots of tiny bits of metal wear in the sump. Well worth s change.
Manual when was the pressure plate and clutch and flywheel last changed?

Suspension will be worn likewise the springs you might not be concerned about that but it will transform the ride.

It's an auto with 11 month's ticket and one month road tax left.

[Ade07]

benzito said:

I can't believe a 2002 (one of the bad yrs for merc engineering) merc car made it to 250k miles. Hence go for it as if it hasn't fallen apart by now then it probably never will!

I have seen the same year and model cars reach 300 - 350k, if well looked after they will do lots of miles.

[Ade07]

Wacky Racer said:

Go for it.

If it only lasts a year and you scrap it, it will have cost you £40pw plus fuel, insurance etc.

Bear in mind though, if the gearbox etc packed up it could cost mega bucks though.

Are you feeling lucky???

Good advice. £40 pw?, good point of view, I hadn't looked at it like that!

Feeling very lucky as have received 2 great bits of news today already and it's only Monday.

[Ade07]

dave_s13 said:

over_the_hill said:

dave_s13 said:

What do similar age/spec cars for for that haven't been to the moon and back go for?

250k would only get you there and a little way back, but even so that is the sort of distance it has covered.

But "probably" safe to assume that stuff has been replaced at least once.

<mutherfkr>

Anyway....a quick look in the classified and it seems like you're talking 4-5k+ for a not too leggy 320cdi.

Buy it.

He won't buy it though, he won't update the thread either, does this car even exist?

Update: Asked the seller for a long test drive and he was hesitant and not very forthcoming, I was a little wary about this. Eventually he said to call him again this afternoon to organise it, I called and was told he'd been offered 2.5k cash for it and the car was now sold. I doubt his story and immediately smelt a rat.

Many thanks for all who offered advice. I certainly won't be put off by a leggy S class in the future but will insist on a proper test drive!