What to look at, buying used 500s

[beavis123]

Hi there, I am intending to buy a used 500 next spring. In Germany it is however quite hard to find one at all, not even talking about less than 2 owners in its years on road and one being LHD (better for the overtaking..). Since many of you are experienced owners for many years, could you tell me what the weak parts are, where to take a very close look at and which technical details might even be worth bringing the car to a garage on own expense before purchasing ? Thanks for your advise !

[beavis123]

München. I guess they might kick us out of this Forum if we start writing german ;o) - would be great if we could meet. I just read the thread on "Ever bought a lemon", makes me quite nervous, to be honest. Why did you sell yours ?

>> Edited by beavis123 on Friday 26th September 10:18

[beavis123]

I have tasted blood a couple of years ago at a (relatively) nearby dealer - the fun was unbelieveable, but then: Who am I telling this ? :-) And I am well aware of the fact, that the SLK I had until last year outruns the Griffith in terms of quality. I noticed at the car I took on the test-drive things like a hood that fell of its rails when opened and humidity in some of the instrument. If its minor things like that, no problem. But I was hoping that the engine of the car is a real Ironheart, and as reliable as the US Smallblocks. This is also the reason I am looking for a 500, because I well remember stories about the early Cerberas being town back to the garage...and even if the Straight6 is now as reliable as a V8 with roots from back in the 50s should be (?): I am unfortunately not able to afford a new TVR. The price for the used cars are almost the same in the UK and Germany as far as I figured out...

>> Edited by beavis123 on Friday 26th September 16:45

>> Edited by beavis123 on Friday 26th September 16:46

[beavis123]

Thanks a lot Simpo Two, it is quite a list: But very helpfull (Better spend 2 hours checking everything than buying a lemon). I did not even think of looking in Zürich, good idea, Ozren, that´ll widen chances to find a good one. Is there somebody driving their Griff also during the winter season ? Theoretically it should be no problem to get winter tyres in the appropriate size...Guess handling 300+ HP on snow and ice with no electronical helper is quite a challenge ;-)