Buying an R129
Discussion
ras62 said:
Prices have risen for sure and 500's seem very thin on the ground. Some of the prices are shockingly high, has the market cottoned on to these cars?
Or owners are over optimistic, to make decent money they need to be exceptional. I saw one for sale the other day, average early 500, owner thought it was worth £15k but willing to take £13.5k. 
As a 500 owner I am of course hugely biased but...
£13.5k for a good one, if you think about it, is nothing for what you're getting. Iconic of-the-era design, pioneering technology, legendary Mercedes quality and durability and a howling 326bhp V8 (arguably one of Merc's finest). And the roof goes down.
All that for Fiesta money. Ignore historic bargain basement prices, the market must be starting to recognise that it's worth that any day of the week.
£13.5k for a good one, if you think about it, is nothing for what you're getting. Iconic of-the-era design, pioneering technology, legendary Mercedes quality and durability and a howling 326bhp V8 (arguably one of Merc's finest). And the roof goes down.
All that for Fiesta money. Ignore historic bargain basement prices, the market must be starting to recognise that it's worth that any day of the week.
The r129 is certainly one of the iconic shapes of the 90's but perhaps appeals to a different group to something like a Pug 205 GTI which is also a icon of that era. Where value is concerned though there really is no comparison between the two.
I have a problem looking at the prices of fast Fords or something like a Lotus Elan and thinking SL prices are high. Prices could double and they would still be great value in comparison. Maybe the market is starting to think the same way.
I have a problem looking at the prices of fast Fords or something like a Lotus Elan and thinking SL prices are high. Prices could double and they would still be great value in comparison. Maybe the market is starting to think the same way.
Its interesting doing research on the R129 - they've had comments about being the next sought after classic for years (I've just seen another from 2012) and for whatever reason its not really happened yet (recession generally, perhaps). Does seem the V8s are thinner on the ground so seems more likely they're perhaps more likely to increase in value before the 320/300 or 280? More desirable+fewer numbers = modern classic?
There's a right load of old cobblers talked about emerging classics!
The 129, in it's homeland at least, is an established "youngtimer" which means it's achieved a status elevating it above other vehicles of a similar age and signifying that it has an enthusiastic following.
They only went out of production in 2000, and are still too numerous to command specific rarity value, even though good ones are harder to find than when I bought mine six years ago.
Prices have firmed up a bit, but I don't see them rocketing away like the air-cooled 911s did a while back. Owners can enjoy a gentle balm of appreciation, but must be mindful of a (potentially costly) programme of preventative maintenance.
The usual rules apply though, buy on condition and history alone.
The 129, in it's homeland at least, is an established "youngtimer" which means it's achieved a status elevating it above other vehicles of a similar age and signifying that it has an enthusiastic following.
They only went out of production in 2000, and are still too numerous to command specific rarity value, even though good ones are harder to find than when I bought mine six years ago.
Prices have firmed up a bit, but I don't see them rocketing away like the air-cooled 911s did a while back. Owners can enjoy a gentle balm of appreciation, but must be mindful of a (potentially costly) programme of preventative maintenance.
The usual rules apply though, buy on condition and history alone.
If or not a car can be deemed a classic is in the eye of the beholder. Regarding the increase in value of such a car, this will happen gradually over a protracted period of time, and the financial gains will naturally be off-set by routine maintainence. Occasionally a car will have a dramatic spike in value, often due to featuring in a popular TV show or movie (Cortina MK3/Life on Mars is a good example), or by the manufacturer of the present day incarnation of the car in question using it as a form of retro marketing (Mini being a good example).
All fair points. I think they're a lot of car for little money, ultimately, which is why I'd like one. My only interest in its desirability is that it doesn't depreciate much over length of ownership. I had my camaro 7 years and sold for only a little less than the purchase price. It would be nice to think it might only cost me maintenance and fuel.
I treat maintenance and fuel costs as "joy factor" - I tell myself that it's only reasonable to pay (something) for the enjoyment that a car brings!
And if the capital value goes up a bit, then great. I don't see the car doubling in value - slow and steady appreciation seems more likely!
And if the capital value goes up a bit, then great. I don't see the car doubling in value - slow and steady appreciation seems more likely!
Willwors said:
I treat maintenance and fuel costs as "joy factor" - I tell myself that it's only reasonable to pay (something) for the enjoyment that a car brings!
And if the capital value goes up a bit, then great. I don't see the car doubling in value - slow and steady appreciation seems more likely!
Yeah I've never understood people who buy cars and then don't maintain them. Takes all sorts I suppose.And if the capital value goes up a bit, then great. I don't see the car doubling in value - slow and steady appreciation seems more likely!
You are correct Zoner - it is the Hunstanton car. I decided in the end that a bit of a lack of servicing was forgiveable when it had been stored nicely but used very little in recent years. The owners were nice too which makes a difference. What really swung it for me was the absence of rust. I have experience of crusty Mercedes jacking points (having a 190E) and this car is delightfully clean in that respect. Yours looks a nice motor too. Do send me an invitation to the Pearl Blue 500SL gathering..
Time will tell. But this is by no means a mal-treated car. All dealer stamps are present and correct until this recent phase of 5-10k miles during which it has had fluid services allied with local MOTs. In fact it actually feels a lot less niggly than when I took on my 190 Cosworth of the same age (though it had twice as many miles).
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