I spoke with the owner today, as I was interested in the car. He was a very pleasant, genuine chap, who has a couple of other coupes and is a member of a Mercedes club. I did intend to go and see it this afternoon, however I decided that it's too much of a risk for me.
The car has had 5 previous owners (i did an HPI check and it's come out clear) and a good level of service history, although nothing official for a couple of years from about 2005. As it says, the wiring loom was replaced in 2003.
This is the story behind the gasket failure:
His wife was driving the car a couple of months ago, when the oil light came on intermitantly. She phoned her husband, who said he had checked the level a fee days previously, so not to worry unduly. Shortly afterwards, the light came on again and did not go out. The car was stopped and a local mobile mechanic who happened to be in the garage where stopped made a quick check and topped up the oil, putting in quite a substantial amount. Soon after, on the same journey, one of the radiator hoses blew off and that was it.
The car now has a fully oiled up radiator / hoses / etc.
My worry is that the car may have overheated significantly and if so, who knows what the state of the engine is until it's taken apart. With oil in the cooling system for the last couple of months, the hoses may have been damaged aswell.
I can see the cost possibly escalating, with a worry of an engine rebuilt required and then you've probably spent more than the cars worth.
Pity, as I'm very tempted and it looks like a very clean car, but perhaps not at that current price.
What do you all think? Is it worth me giving it a punt or shall I save my pennies and get one that requires no work?
