Been offered a R107 SL for £2k - what to look out for?
Discussion
Friend of mine is moving back to the states and has offered her 1981 SL to me for £2k.
Looking at prices on autotrader and it's in very good condition, it would appear to be a steal - but as I'm unfamiliar with classic cars, what should I be looking for?
I don't fancy buying something that drops to bits when a ton of rust breaks out but I do like the idea of owning this car.
Advice?
Looking at prices on autotrader and it's in very good condition, it would appear to be a steal - but as I'm unfamiliar with classic cars, what should I be looking for?
I don't fancy buying something that drops to bits when a ton of rust breaks out but I do like the idea of owning this car.
Advice?
Pre 1987 R107s we're not galvanized and will rot like pears. Look at the rear floors, the heater plenum and bulkhead and the hood storage well particularly but pretty much anywhere will go. Just bear in mind that these things go for scrap for not much less than £2k so you're either getting the bargain of the year or a glossy snotter
No 107s were galvanised, the last facelift was around 85/86 when the 300/420/500 model line-up came in - easiest way to check visually is to look for the 'modern' black plastic door handles on the very last cars.
At the age they all are now the amount of rust or lack of it is more a function of the way it's been used, stored or repaired. For £2k and if it's driveable for a year or two without massive expense I don't think you can go wrong. Most other cars will cost you that in depreciation over that period - this one definitely won't go down in value.
Our 1984 (pre-facelift) SL has been wonderful, we've not had to do much to it to keep it on the road since we bought it in 2007. Just regular servicing and the odd replacement part (couple of relays and a water-pump as far as I can remember). It's never let us down.
At the age they all are now the amount of rust or lack of it is more a function of the way it's been used, stored or repaired. For £2k and if it's driveable for a year or two without massive expense I don't think you can go wrong. Most other cars will cost you that in depreciation over that period - this one definitely won't go down in value.
Our 1984 (pre-facelift) SL has been wonderful, we've not had to do much to it to keep it on the road since we bought it in 2007. Just regular servicing and the odd replacement part (couple of relays and a water-pump as far as I can remember). It's never let us down.
Sophiefatale said:
Friend of mine is moving back to the states and has offered her 1981 SL to me for £2k.
Looking at prices on autotrader and it's in very good condition, it would appear to be a steal - but as I'm unfamiliar with classic cars, what should I be looking for?
I don't fancy buying something that drops to bits when a ton of rust breaks out but I do like the idea of owning this car.
Advice?
Did you buy it? If not I'll have it!!!!!! Looking at prices on autotrader and it's in very good condition, it would appear to be a steal - but as I'm unfamiliar with classic cars, what should I be looking for?
I don't fancy buying something that drops to bits when a ton of rust breaks out but I do like the idea of owning this car.
Advice?
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