I'm contemplating an '88 300CE in the $9k range. It appears to be mechanically sound, other than a few electronic doodads not working (front end is tight, and there are no obvious mechanical deficiencies). It also has repair and service records (which I have yet to look at in detail) and is an old lady's one-owner car. My problem is, the odometer is at 145,000 miles.
Now, I know the big deal about a Benz is it is supposed to have practically infinite drivetrain reliability, but, like, I don't believe in such nonsense. Trannies break. Engines eventually need valve jobs, even if the bottom end is rock solid.
Can anyone give me a clue as to how much longer before I have to pitch the tranny? I mean, $5k wouldn't be bad if it lasts another 50kilomiles, but it would suck if I had to do it right away.
I have no objections to spending rather more than $9k for a newer car, but Benz had the poor taste to abandon the straight-6. And I really dig straight-6's. Particularly the one in the '88 (the damned 4-valve-per one doesn't make the car go any faster, so, like, what is the point? -just more stuff to break). Plus, I don't much care for the "granny eyes" styling of the later vehicles.
thanks for any advice,
-Lupo "Nothing shocks me. I'm a scientist." - Harrison Ford, as Indiana Jones