Mercedes 420

[drmcw]

First off I know nothing about Mercedes cars apart from the obvious but an elderly neighbour of mine who is due to move house has a 1995 420 Mercedes that has been dry stored since 2002.

I was asked if I wanted to buy it and I have to say if I could face the appalling fuel economy I probably would as it's a nice car with some faults.

Looking it over with a friend it's tidy, nice leather interior and as far as I can see only one tiny bubble of rust near the front grille. That said some rotter has keyed the bonnet so that would need spraying. It's an auto and really does look the part, nice rich dark blue paintwork.

The engine was fine last time it was started which is some years back, the brakes are not seized and one tyre has a slow puncture.

Are these desirable cars is the basic question or should she simply scrap it?

I'm unreliably told that parts for these fetch a good price but I don't want to break it as I don't want to store it as I don't want a divorce.

Any help will be welcomed!

Mike

[ruhall]

It would probably help if you knew which model it is, mileage etc.. If it's been parked up for 16+ years it will need some work, ie brakes, fluids, fuel, tyres etc.

Fuel isn't generally too bad.

[drmcw]

When you say model it says S420 on the boot. Can't get mileage as no battery but it won't be too high as it was only driven properly for 3 years and then only occasionally after that so I'm not expecting mega miles. The owner emigrated to the USA and never got round to shipping the car out so I was told by his Mum he only used it for 3 years.

When you say fuel is OK - I assume you don't mean fuel economy is OK as that was quoted as sub 20 mpg by his Mum who seems to be a bit of a petrol head herself (at 83).

The scrap yard beckons I fear.

[marky1]

I'm no mechanic but I'd say to buy a car like this, that has been stored and unused for 13 years is mental? If you want one would you not be better trying to find one that has been used and maintained? Can't imagine the price difference will be more than a few hundred quid.

[drmcw]

I fear this car will be scrapped. Pity, but I can't face the fuel bills although I'd like to get it running again and have a brief play.

[tobinen]

It will be a W140 and I suspect if you advertised it as a 'barn find' (which seems all the rage these days) and as spares or repair, no reserve, I wouldn't be surprised if it fetched more than £1,000

[drmcw]

Thanks for that, it's not worth the hassle to me or my elderly neighbour. The scrapyard beckons.

[ruhall]

That's a shame, it does sound like it's a 420 S-class, W140 series. These were really well engineered and built cars, probably the last of the engineer-driven mercs, before the accountants took over. Not the prettiest of cars and generally thought a bit OTT evn when new (ie double glazing, fairly slab-sided), but a quality car.

I did mean that the fuel consumption wasn't 'too bad'. It's a big, heavy car with a V8 but if you don't do high miles 20mpg won't make a huge difference.

Whereabouts in the country is it?

[drmcw]

Worcestershire.