mercedes 560sec?

[third base]

I know this is off topic, but I figured i might as well ask if anybody has anyknowledge about this car. I am looking at buying a 1988 560sec benz. the only reason I am looking at it is because it seems to be a good deal from a family friend. My daily driver right now is a 95 isuzu rodeo and I am getting about 13 mpg and I have no need for an SUV. I heard that the benz gets a little better gasmileage. my question is pretty general...

A) Gas: mpg
B)Service costs and mileage in which somthing needs to be done (Replace parts, ex. timming chain)
C) Problems?

if anybody has ever owned one of these any info is appreciated. I heard these cars last easily 300,000+ miles if taken care of without any major problems(this one has116,00 and my mechanic refered to it as a low mileage car). If anybody is confused of the car it is the same mercedes in the movie "road house". Thanks for the help once again.

[sam1]

Parts are $$$, I think there was an issue with some of the 560 motors of that era - a head problem that will run 3-4k to fix... check a mercedes forum, there should be a lot of info there.

Consider the 1987 300SDL - In my opinion the best post 1980 benz built.

[ProStreet R/T]

How good of a deal is it? Remember while it may run for 300k miles your still working with a 20yr old interior, suspension components, seals, bushings, and so on.

If you want a 300k mile driver look at 90's toyota pickups, those falkers run for ever on just about anything including paint thinner, LOL.

[Gonzostyle]

Well according to http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm you will get about 13/16 with the benz. Is it really saving you any money gas wise?

-Jeremie

[Roadrage David]

this is a no Brainer!! im from the Netherlands right against Germany have driven mercedes and BMW all my life in the BIG cars that is had 86 230E / 90 320E/93 E500 AND A 98 750 IA BMW . THE E500 and the bmw 750 IA will last forever . the 560 sec if driven the right way will outlast everyting past presend ore future those where the last of the BISMARK BATTLE SHIPS . i was haveing a laughf about the Toyota prostreet post no ofends buddy , but its compearing a volkswagen beetle against a 911 porshe . go for the BENZ hands douwn!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[4MuscleMachines]

Along with PT muscle cars, I also enjoy the SEC's. I have had about four of them in my lifetime. Funny you ask, I am also selling one for $6k with 104K miles.
http://automaniacs.com/86Mercedes/86Mercedes.htm

The main things to check for are to make sure all electrical switches and functions are working. IF not, they are difficult to diagnose. Next, check to make sure the AC works and the vent controls and temp controls all work as they should. Parts are not big money, they have come down substantially for these cars. These guys have just about everything. www.adsitco.com (http://www.adsitco.com) and http://www.performanceproducts4benz.com/?vehicle=20552&source=&referer=999 , order their catalog because it will list so many parts for anything interior, mechanical, or electrical related.
Check their prices and you will agree it is inline with domestic car part prices.
Finally, make sure the suspension is up to snuff. Minimal play in steering, no odd noises, leaks on the underside.

The above are the main issues I have had when purchasing these cars. Engines are one of the best.

[third base]

WOW! thanks for the feedback guys. But, I went and drove the car today and decided not to get it. besides the fact that the paint/body and interior did not meet my standards(which are pretty high), i have to say, though they last forever, I did not like the way it drove. gas pedal was unresponsive, braking was soft, and handeling was too loose for my taste. for the money it wasn't worth it.

[BRIAN]

Then it had problems as the 126 style Mercedes is probably the best built car ever made. Parts are actually cheap since they were made in large numbers.