W220 S430 shed - is this a really bad idea?

[-C-]

On my lunch break in the local village I noticed a 2000 W plate for sale, usual ad in the window with some of the facts.

It's in need of a good clean, done 120k but had a long MOT (09/17) most SH, 2 owners from new etc. Panels all look straight with no dings or scuffs.

Car looked to be riding even & at the right height and a cursory glance through the window showed a fairly standard spec inside, ck diction all reasonable but probably in need of some fumigation.

Looks to have a decent set of 19" AMG wheels all with good, branded tyres

It's up for £875 which is bugger all in the grand scheme of things. I know these things aren't exactly vintage era Mercs but the wheels alone must be worth almost that.

Potentially a ruinous idea? With a bit of a haggle I'm sure it could be had for £800 cash so not even a large set of nuts required with the potential to go wrong I don't think?

Will it leave me in a world of pain & frustration?

[kwk]

If that's the type of car you want, for that price, buy it. I would. The 430 v8 is a good reliable engine, my cousin ran one to 270k with no problems. Make sure the auto box does what it is supposed to and give it a gerbox service straight away and it should last you a long time.

[QuiteQuietCerb]

Chad an e430 and currently an ml430 great engine and box pretty reliable, but would recommend an oil change if not done. Not sure if the s has air suspension, that would be my main worry

[K12beano]

QuiteQuietCerb said:

Not sure if the s has air suspension, that would be my main worry

S430 likely to be on the Airmatic, rather than the expensive-to-fix ABC.

I have a 2002 S and was unlucky to have to replace the compressor for the Airmatic last April. But, hey, it's an awful lot of car for the money - I'm taking the risks on a few big bills over a potential few years of ownership and enjoying it while it lasts! YMMV.