1986 Merc - should I???

greenmoneysaver_2

Hello,

Just had my beloved Smart blow up, and am looking at a cheap car for summer as I need a car just a few days a week and come Spet/Oct I'll know if I need something for more days/longer distances.

I have found a Merc 300 1986 plate with 133000 on the clock, and MOT for the next year, it is £1000 (tho hope to haggle).

The insurance will be £400.

I fancy somehting a bit fun and different, and need an automatic.

Do you think this is worth it/risky?

Any advice gratefully received.

Quietmanc

Is it petrol or Diesel? Does it have a good service history? It may well benefit from a change of the transmission fluid by a good independent garage.Check everything works.Change engine oil and filter(only genuine MB filter)regularly.And enjoy.

Kilty_2

I'd give it a go for a laugh - can't see you losing much when you come to sell it on

niccy

had a look on e bay one there for a grand 88 from a garage ,so its a bit pricey like you said

apart from that should be a bird puller enjoy:j

rev_henry

In a word, yes. They're fantastic cars, mercs of that era had superb build quality. Will probably guzzle fuel but will want for nothing else, except what quietmanc says.
1986, would that make it a 123 or 124 series then? Both are excellent.

Also if its a diesel its a good candidate for veg oil.

greenmoneysaver_2

Thanks - I am having a slight wobble. . .

There is also a SKoda Felicia for £825, 1996, low miles, insurance £200, should I be sad and go for that (am thinking cheaper to run etc)

http://www.finchleyandtotteridgecarcentre.co.uk/

rev_henry

Tbh they're both good cars. The felicia was the first skoda made with VW involvement, ergo the first good skoda. Both look very well looked after though. The merc no mention of service history, that's a question that needs asking. But if you can afford the fuel bills I'd still say the merc. It'll be so much more fun, comfortable, and you'll look like an 80s gangster. You'll also need to find yourself a decent independent merc specialist for servicing.

I thought you needed an auto, which the skoda isn't?

Paradigm

The Merc all day long... bullet proof quality!

Will cost more to run but what's the smile on your face worth? Offer them £800.

blue_haddock

Buy the merc on condition rather than mileage and age as it was built when Mercs were actually a decent motor rather than a badge.

greenmoneysaver_2

Thanks, I was willing to forgo the auto option for the cheapest option.

I can drive a manual, but find it can play havoc with my lower back if stuck in traffic daily (London bound as I am. . .) but won't probably drive it daily.

There is a service history with the Merc and the garage will give it an MOT.

It is a garage I have used for the Smart and they are pretty good, have been good in the past with Smart/Merc issues. I could go down the ebay route, but time is off the essence!

There is an independant MB specialist just up the road, called "cars with stars" brilliant! I have just emailed them for prices on oil and filter change and service costs etc - thanks for the heads up on that!

I have a test drive booked for Wed! Will let you all know!

There is also a crappy Nissan Micra, but would rather poke my own eyes out than drive it!

greenmoneysaver_2

Paradigm, was going to go in at £700 and end up at 800, but have found some on ebay at £500-600 so may haggle lower!

The garage has just leased their part-ex site to someone else and need to shift stuff. . . not sure how many people are looking for an automatic tank in white!