Trust me, I have no illusions a/b maintenance costs. But I do know that the car has been lovingly maintained, and I've ridden in it a few times. The guy also owns a small plane, which requires an almost anal compulsive attitude towards maintenance. He's the kind of nut that will have the whole car detailed if one of his kids drops a french fry in the back seat!

As far as the A/C is concerned, my Honda has a bad compressor and I didn't use the A/C once last summer — and I survived. Open the windows and sun roof and enjoy the fresh air (the Benz has a sun roof, too).

Something like a 4-7 year old Malibu or Taurus or Pathfinder will cost a/b the same as this Benz, so why not get a little snob appeal in the bargain?

Will decide by mid-next week.

Figure out if the MB a/c has R-12 or 134A freon, it is hard to find R-12 anymore and if you do it is very expensive. Hoses may look ok bu they go bad from the inside out, open the system since it is not charged and check the fluid...if it has black specks or is black at all hoses will need to be changed along with the compressor, condenser and evaporator...just got a quote for a 75 Pontiac to replace A/c...4 grand...could almost buy an aftermarket unit installed for that

Good points and among other questions I'll be asking him over the weekend. As I've said, if I can get a year out of it and then sell or trade it, I'll be satisfied. But I still need more info before I take the offer.

In my opinion, I think this is a great deal. These cars last forever, from what I've heard if they have been maintained which this one has. You will enjoy the heck out of it. As for the mileage, with you only driving 9000 per, this shouldn't be too much of a problem IMO.

Have fun

Dave

The guy also owns a small plane, which requires an almost anal compulsive attitude towards maintenance.

Much of which is FAA rules - but yes unlike a car anything fails usually means death, so you always have one eye focused on maintenance.

So much for trust.

When my client proposed this deal to me last week, he told me that he was sending an email a/b the car to his list, but that he wanted to give me first right of refusal before he entertained any other offers. Monday we discussed how to do the deal without making the accountants nervous, and he suggested that I take the car for the weekend so I could have my mechanic check it out. So yesterday I made an appointment with my guy for a used car inspection, and in the course of that conversation, he, knowing the Honda's service history and condition, said he'd buy it to part out — or take it in trade against any work that the Benz might need. The deal is getting even sweeter!

Then last night, my client calls to tell me that one of his salesmen wants the Benz. He tells me the guy was away all week and only just saw the email. I reminded him that he promised me first right of refusal. "Well, this is an employee, y'know, so how can I say no?" was is response. Gee. What a guy!

He said he'd confirm one way or the other today, but after that stunt, I'm no longer interested — even if his employee changes his mind.

He's a good client in that he always pays his bills on time. But he is a moving target — constantly changing direction and contradicting himself — so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. And at least now I can go back to looking for basic transportation. Meh...

Now you can get that new bike!

Wasn't meant to be.
But you did look like Brad Pitt for a few minutes.