350 SL - what questions should I be asking?

[PeterE320Cdi]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=002&item=120004973877&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Thanks, Peter.

 

[reflexboy]

Not an expert by any means and I'm sure there are plenty of others on the forum whom will give you far better advice than myself-BUT-Negatives: 13 previous owners, horrible chrome arches (rust??) and manual gearbox. Positives: It's a Mercedes.

 

[league67]

Feedback rating

0 feedback rating would be enough to make me run unless you can see the car. As said rust is your main concern. I'd paid someone who knows cars better to have a look.
That stopped me from buying SEC which looked great on the outside, but had shot diff (whatever that is) , non-working aircon compressor (seller was usuall just-need-regassing). Best 150£ ever spent (on inspection).

There is plenty of them around so it pays to do homework.

Regards Voya.

 

[fatherpierre]

Obvious stuff like service history, and ask to see its last test sheet for advisories as the MOT is due soon.

With a car of that age you've really got to see it in the flesh and give it a good spirited drive too.

0 feedback on ebay is something all ebayers start with, so don't dismiss it on that count.

If you're serious about it, why not get an AA inspection? That could save you £1000s

 

[Vips]

Also if you are a member of the AA, then they will be able to do a full vehicle inspection. I did this when i was buying a BMW a few years back. I paid around 50 /60.00. Don't know how much this is now, but it is money well spent.

 

[Vips]

Ohh, Pierre, what timing!!!! We posted the same response at exactly the same time, spooky.

 

[fatherpierre]

Must be sound advice then

You stalking me

 

[mstar01]

lovely car, i would take a expert as old cars like these normally have some baggage, 13 owners? wow, and only 125k hmm?

 

[nick mercedes]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=002&item=120004973877&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Thanks, Peter.

Does it smoke/use any oil?

Is the spare wheel well rusty?

Is the hood in good condition?

450SL are better cars...

 

[wobbly]

From the pictures, it looks nice,the engine bay looks very clean, probably just been jet washed, the hood looks new, and interia looks ok, and the number plate is worth a bit.

I wouldnt have a manual, and I prefer leather seats.

But the problem with 107s is rust, one of the main area that can cause huge problems is the bulkhead, if the drain holes are blocked, the bulkhead can rot from the inside, and be near impossible to repair.
I would also check behind those horrible chrome arches for rust.

Timing chains on early V8 sl were a problem

Wobbly

 

[Vips]

The car appears to have been resprayed / restored. So hopefully there should not be any rust, esp on the arches. I really do like the car, BUT its a manual, which is a little off putting.

 

[COUPE FREAK]

seller could'nt even be bothered to take decent pic's of it,, and rubbish decription,, should tell you something about car & owner,,

 

[Flash]

seller could'nt even be bothered to take decent pic's of it,, and rubbish decription,, should tell you something about car & owner,,

LOL your pics of your painted black alloy wheels were not exactly the best as your car needed a wash in the Wheels/Tyre section of the Forum...

 

[Parrot of Doom]

I'd find a classic car club, find a member with a similar car, and ask him to accompany you on the viewing.

Personally, I wouldn't touch that. Something looks funny about the entire advert.

 

[COUPE FREAK]

LOL your pics of your painted black alloy wheels were not exactly the best as your car needed a wash in the Wheels/Tyre section of the Forum...

yep,, but i'm not trying to sell mine,,

 

[Ian J]

Negatives: 13 previous owners,

Surely the fact that the current owner has had it for seven years should go a long way to countering the large number of owners.