R129 prices - spring vs summer
R129 prices - spring vs summer
Author
Discussion

Harris_I

Original Poster:

3,348 posts

288 months

Saturday 21st January 2012
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I will be returning to the UK in late summer and intend to buy an R129 SL500. £6k seems to be the ball park for a mid 90s model.

Since I will also be briefly in the UK at the end of March/beginning April, I wondered if it makes sense to buy then and keep it with a family member until I arrive permanently in August. Is there normally a significant price difference in early Spring vs late summer?

Thanks in advance for any help.

chris333

1,034 posts

268 months

Saturday 21st January 2012
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I would definitely have a look in the spring.

Its obviously best to have a look at a few cars to get an idea of what to look for (there are plenty of posts on here about R129s) and it would be a shame to miss a good one by waiting until the summer.

Given the potential for fairly big bills, its better to find the right car rather than try to save a few hundred quid by delaying a purchase.

MarsellusWallace

1,180 posts

230 months

Saturday 21st January 2012
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Given the price of these currently I can't really see them getting much cheaper-they are excellent value at the moment.

Xtriple129

1,173 posts

186 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
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I paid £6K for mine last february. It was mint body and interior with full history and I think I did well to get such a tidy car. In the summer, they were definitely dearer for the same condition. Dealer I bought it from sold sports/classics and seemed to welcome the wedge in his hand even after I'd chipped him £1500 from his £7500 asking price.

Buy now and get a good one for less, look at ones that are higher priced and chip hard. Discounts are hard to get when the suns shining!

Harris_I

Original Poster:

3,348 posts

288 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
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Thanks all. Will definitely try and source one before Easter.

ras62

1,115 posts

185 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
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you will do well to find a nice car at 6k imo..as always buy on condition, nice cars are not that easy to find.

Harris_I

Original Poster:

3,348 posts

288 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
quotequote all
I will be looking for something I won't be too precious about: a station car, something I can do the school run in, something I won't think twice about parking in a tight spot at the supermarket.

That means I won't be looking for a low miles garage queen. I actually like high miles cars as that can often mean low stress motorway schleps and plenty of regular servicing.

I would be interested to know if 6k is too ambitious for a mechanically sound car with a few miles on the clock. My understanding of these engines is 100k is barely run in, or am I being optimistic?

ras62

1,115 posts

185 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
quotequote all
Miles are no issue at all so long as the service record is good. Sadly many cars have not been cared for properly as they get older, some people are reluctant to spend what is necessary to keep on top of any issues and consequently the quality of cars varies hugely.

Harris_I

Original Poster:

3,348 posts

288 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
quotequote all
Got it. I will be appropriately cautious.thumbup