"TheBaron2112" (TheBaron2112)
08/31/2013 at 23:43 • Filed to: None
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"TheBaron2112" (TheBaron2112)
08/31/2013 at 23:43 • Filed to: None | 0
| 14 |
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/4003476571…
So my Ford Focus is getting long in the tooth. There are odd vibrations. I'm sort of bored with it and its lack of character. So I'm wanting to move on. Now I could easily make a massive purchase and get a Mazda 6 or a Fiesta or something similar.
But something about the idea of spending so much less than that on a DD that will serve me well for a couple years is appealing.
And so are old Mercs.
Now, I have no experience with old Mercs. I've only ever been in a 95 C-class. And that was only for a few hours on day this summer. I stumbled upon this W124 on Craigslist. No interior pics. Price is right about where I want it.
So, Oppo. I come to you. What maintenance woes do Mercs from this era hold? What should I budget for repairs? What are common problems? Will this make me look down on the proletariat masses?
Assist me in either validating or quashing my lust for sensible, bulletproof German engineering.
Agrajag
> TheBaron2112
08/31/2013 at 23:58 |
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I have a w123 and parts are really cheap for it. That said you're looking at an older car and expect some needed maintenance, particularly the steering components. That can be expensive. The following links are the best places I've found for parts, so I'd suggest looking at some common items to price out.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/Mercedes-Benz/…
Nibby
> TheBaron2112
09/01/2013 at 00:03 |
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Bro, I don't think you know what trolling means...
Did you mean patrolling? That would make more sense.
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TheBaron2112
> Nibby
09/01/2013 at 00:28 |
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I'm old. Trolling meant something else before it means what it does now.
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TheBaron2112
> Agrajag
09/01/2013 at 00:34 |
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Thanks.
How long have you had yours? Any persistent annoyances?
AddMustard
> Nibby
09/01/2013 at 00:38 |
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He means trawling,
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TheBaron2112
> AddMustard
09/01/2013 at 00:43 |
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No, I mean trolling. As in a trolling motor on a boat. I'm from the south, you see.
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AddMustard
> TheBaron2112
09/01/2013 at 00:45 |
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I've never heard of a trolling motor. Trawling and trolling are methods of fishing (different methods, but in your use of the word, either works, they involve sort of indirect catching of fish in large numbers) that are pronounced the same way (rhymes with doll). To avoid confusion, as we have here, I use "trawling" as the word because it can't be confused with modern trolling, which is not even remotely related to fishing.
edit: I see a trolling motor is used in this. We're talking about the same thing
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Agrajag
> TheBaron2112
09/01/2013 at 01:26 |
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About a year and a half. No problems other than the aforementioned maintenance to be expected on an older car. Have not had 1 problem with the car other than it is the slowest thing on the planet, but that is a trait of the car.
theonetruetom
> Agrajag
09/01/2013 at 01:45 |
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I don't know much about Mercs, but in my experience with BMW, another thing to check is dealers' parts counters. Sometimes they're more expensive than other places, sometimes they're actually cheaper. Sometimes they have exactly the right part rather than a kludge that'll get you by. Does $80 for a set of plug wires hurt a little? You betcha. Will those plug wires last 100k+ miles trouble-free? Oh yeah.
The other thing to be ready for is some weird Teutonic quirks. In the late 80s, ze Germans were way ahead of the Detroit 3 in terms of fuel management, safety, and definitely reliability, but sometimes the systems were engineered to tolerances that were very very small, and once they're out of those tolerances, tracking down the problem can be a headache.
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Power0459
> TheBaron2112
09/01/2013 at 06:50 |
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First time commenting on this site, but I'd really say go with a facelift model. Any W124 is solid though. One of the last truly over-engineered M-Bs.
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TheBaron2112
> Agrajag
09/01/2013 at 09:19 |
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Slow, eh?
It'll still do interstate speeds I assume. Just takes a bit to gain the momentum?
I was looking at the engines on wiki and the HP figures did look a bit low.
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Agrajag
> TheBaron2112
09/01/2013 at 09:21 |
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Mine is a 240d with something like 65hp. The gas ones or even turbo diesels are fine as far as acceleration goes. Mine has no problems at high way speeds, just takes its time getting there, and overtakes need to be carefully thought out.
Slave2anMG
> TheBaron2112
09/01/2013 at 10:07 |
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A/C and climate control parts and issues can eat you alive....otherwise parts aren't bad. I had a W124 300D 2.5 for several years...fantastic solid car. I think those gas engine 6 cylinders are prone to timing chain wear? Not sure...arg.
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TheBaron2112
> Slave2anMG
09/01/2013 at 10:14 |
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Alright. I was waiting on A/C issues.
My Porsche 944 has something wrong with its air conditioner. I've basically stopped driving it if it's above 85 degrees outside. I'm wary of the same happening to something like this—the thing I'd use as a new DD.