Hi there,
As well as a Vw addiction (already fed) I also have an addiction to old Mercedes Benz. The w123 and w126 series in particular.
Now besides the Vw the only car I have ever owned was a 240 Volvo so I know some what what running an old euro can entail (was the fuel consumption that was the killer with the 240).
The time has come for me to get a car with air conditioning due to work requirements and I am seriously considering an old Mercedes, there are quite a few good ones for 6-7k or less on car sales ATM but am apprehensive due to potential servicing costs and unreliability.
So far the Vw has averaged about 9lt per 100km around town and 7 on the highway and servicing is a breeze and the car has not even hiccuped once let alone thought of leaving some one stranded in my familys almost ten year owner ship.
Any experiences or tales about old mercs some one? I know the idea is stupid but I would just like to hear it from someone
Thanks
Mike

A new SLK cabrio would be much easier to live with

parts for any old merc are rediculously expensive doesn't matter what year !!!!!
Cheers
D

Put air conditioning in your beetle.

Yogie

Old mercs rust in the firewall is a problem and hard to spot due to sound deadner. Air cond repairs are super expensive as well because they are buried deep in the dash. Buy a cheap Yaris or swift if its just for work.

Old mercs rust in the firewall is a problem and hard to spot due to sound deadner. Air cond repairs are super expensive as well because they are buried deep in the dash. Buy a cheap Yaris or swift if its just for work.

The w123 Merc were a reliable old bus. Have a look at how many were taxis across Europe and Africa. It was the model James May used in their across Africa jaunt. The 6 cylinder motor is almost bullet proof. But if its economy your chasing, you may be disappointed. Not too bad, but certainly not great. Their n/a diesel was a slow old tech motor, but was pretty reliable. They would be a bit expensive to repair these days, though.
I love the old mercs, so I say get one. Just check for rust in the above mentioned places and try to get one with low Kim's. they cost a bit to rebuild and a smoky motor should be avoided.