CideRed
New Member
Hi - after a chance conversation, I have an opportunity to buy a car from someone I know, who is selling on behalf of a relative who sadly passed away. The previous owner has owned the car for nearly 23 years, and was the third owner.
Initially the price range he wanted and the mileage (50k), plus fresh MOT with one advisory for corrosion on a brake pipe made this a no regrets purchase assuming it wasn't completely rotten, but on seeing the car today - i can see in 2002 it had a replacement instrument cluster, and the mileage at the time was 89k. Makes it a much more believable 140k mile car, so at likely 6k-6.5k isn't quite the mega-bargain i hoped.
The car hasn't moved much in a year, and is filthy and still full of personal possessions sadly, but underneath I think there may be a great car there. Now - don't judge me - but whilst I could never think of modifying my R129, I think a 560 SEC is begging to be subtly lowered, and with either 17" or monoblock 18" AMG wheels. So end state would be that, with the key jobs done, and then some happy wafting.
I've done lots of googling over past 2 weeks to try and get up to speed on the larger jobs, but could use some advice:
- Parcel shelf rot. Whilst the bodywork in general is exceptional (had had new wings quite recently), looking up from inside the boot shows a hole, and lots of rust. How much for a future-proof repair, and does this ever risk an MOT failure if left for a bit?
- Seat belt extenders. Driver's side doesn't work. How much of a pain to resolve?
- Rear looks a little low before started. Stupidly, i didn't check it again after a drive. Am i right in thinking the rear would self level when pressurised? Even if there is an issue - would the typical means of lowering one of these effectively by-pass the SLS anyway?
- Sun roof retracted about 80% of the way back. That normal, or should it go all the way? I know fixing or replacing is a big job....
- How much of a pain is it to fix the rear blind? I can hear the motor, but nothing happens.
Otherwise, starts fine, idles beautifully, stops well (and 4k bill from 2017 where discs and calipers were replaced), everything else electrical works, including heated seats. Air con blows cold, no warning lights, and drives well - although pulls the the right a little under acceleration (tyre pressures looked very low tho,which won't help). If i can get for 6k including a perfect plate, I figure even though i don't plan to sell soon - i couldn't go far wrong. What am i missing?
Initially the price range he wanted and the mileage (50k), plus fresh MOT with one advisory for corrosion on a brake pipe made this a no regrets purchase assuming it wasn't completely rotten, but on seeing the car today - i can see in 2002 it had a replacement instrument cluster, and the mileage at the time was 89k. Makes it a much more believable 140k mile car, so at likely 6k-6.5k isn't quite the mega-bargain i hoped.
The car hasn't moved much in a year, and is filthy and still full of personal possessions sadly, but underneath I think there may be a great car there. Now - don't judge me - but whilst I could never think of modifying my R129, I think a 560 SEC is begging to be subtly lowered, and with either 17" or monoblock 18" AMG wheels. So end state would be that, with the key jobs done, and then some happy wafting.
I've done lots of googling over past 2 weeks to try and get up to speed on the larger jobs, but could use some advice:
- Parcel shelf rot. Whilst the bodywork in general is exceptional (had had new wings quite recently), looking up from inside the boot shows a hole, and lots of rust. How much for a future-proof repair, and does this ever risk an MOT failure if left for a bit?
- Seat belt extenders. Driver's side doesn't work. How much of a pain to resolve?
- Rear looks a little low before started. Stupidly, i didn't check it again after a drive. Am i right in thinking the rear would self level when pressurised? Even if there is an issue - would the typical means of lowering one of these effectively by-pass the SLS anyway?
- Sun roof retracted about 80% of the way back. That normal, or should it go all the way? I know fixing or replacing is a big job....
- How much of a pain is it to fix the rear blind? I can hear the motor, but nothing happens.
Otherwise, starts fine, idles beautifully, stops well (and 4k bill from 2017 where discs and calipers were replaced), everything else electrical works, including heated seats. Air con blows cold, no warning lights, and drives well - although pulls the the right a little under acceleration (tyre pressures looked very low tho,which won't help). If i can get for 6k including a perfect plate, I figure even though i don't plan to sell soon - i couldn't go far wrong. What am i missing?
.
