Reliable old car

R

rules

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Hi all

I'm between cars at the moment and considering getting something "cheap"/old as a temporary solution until I can "invest" (oxymoron when it comes to cars :P) in something proper (read: new with motorplan).

I'm looking at something like a '92/92 MB 230E, which can be had for anything between 20 to 50K. They seem to be very well built and seems to run forever.

Good idea, bad idea, other ideas?

Cheers,
R
 
You still see plenty of those on the roads so they can't be too bad.
 
That range of MB's are very good cars but are quite expensive on parts.
I would recommend the AE92 version Corolla/Conquest/Tazz (87-96). These cars just keep going and its easy to find cheap pirate parts for them. Running costs will be low.
 
Had 92 MB ... expensive if it breaks and troublesome to get parts.

You cant go wrong with a tazz and you will get your money back since they dont make them anymore
 
5/7 series BMW
S500 Merc
Old Land Rover (just remember to buy a toolbox and can of oil, If it's not provided with the sale. :D )
Golf / Tazz / Corolla / Jetta 2 - all good old cars, but meh to drive ...

Remember, you are buying a old second hand car. Stuff like km does not matter. The condition of the car is very important. Also get a feel for how they looked after the car. (services, accidents, etc.)
It is still possible to find a old car from it's first owner (old oomie) that will be in excellent condition.
It's just look everywhere (junkmail, gumtree, autotrader) and you'll find something.

I assume you are paying cash?
 
Oh please no, just not that :P My wife used to have a Tazz, belongs to her brother now ... sure it is still running, but just barely and the interior would look better if you set it on fire.

Did a quick search and parts for the MB seem to be few and far between and the places that do stock parts seem to be rather expensive. Do those have common problems to look out for? Is it stuff that can be diy'ed?

Any ideas on mid '90s Volvo 850's?

Apart from the fact I would prefer a bigger car for the family, all the smaller variety seems to be very popular nowadays so end up costing the same as these older luxury cars with similar mileage. Obviously build quality will sway it towards the lux models, but that could be countered by cheaper parts etc. for the econo class.

Decisions decisions :P
 
W124 Mercs are pretty much rock solid. They set the build quality standards by which most people judge Benzs today. Provided you find one that has been looked after and in decent nick, you will have no trouble whatsoever.
There are plenty of independant merc workshops who can keep your car going, and it will definitely not bankrupt you parts/maintenance wise. Just have a look at how many are still on the road today.
the 200E/230E have the standard suspension whilst the higher end six cylinder models have the more expensive to replace SLS.
 
I bought a 97 E320 with 150,000km about a year ago for 60k. Pleasure to drive and not a day of trouble.

Still sometimes I find it hard to believe that I got such an unbelievably luxurious car for such a low price. Every creature comfort that you are sure not to find in any new car under 200k is there.

Consumption is a bit high but for that price you can drive a long way before equalling just the instalment on a much lesser new car. Also you can get away with balance of 3rd party insurance. The other car can be written of and all this tank will need is a paint job.

If its well looked after you can't lose. Frankly at 150,000kms the previous owner just ran in the engine for you - its still new :-)
 
W124 is a nice car, but it is a little on the heavy side. If you can get a W201 by any means then you should definitely go for it. Its the 190E which is the precursor to the C-class (W202). It was developed along side the W124 E-Class so it has the same bomb proof design, but it is smaller and if you ask me it looks better. The 1.8 models are not the fastest cars around but they are by no means a slouch .
 
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