Car Talk Topic

[I cucked Alex Jones]

I found this hilarious, and I'm sure there are some Top Gear fans here, so knowing no other place to share this, I'll put it here.

 

http://imgur.com/gallery/YPTMh

[Lurch]

Did a 2 day AutoX event in the loaner Miata this weekend. Here's a few pics of me in a car I'm way too big for.

Car did horribly and understeered the first day. Played with the ride height and the rear sway when we got home and it did 100% better the next day. It rotated so wonderfully that it was basically just point and shoot. Also started experimenting with spraying tires that seemed to help tremendously the 2nd day. Car also needs more travel. Seemed to be getting really upset by a certain bump near the end of a straight that caused me to lock up once as I got on the brakes at the same time. After a dismal first day, I beat my co-driver every run the 2nd day.

 

It's certainly a lot of fun and really helps you learn the ins and outs of car control.

Edited August 1, 2014 by Lurch

[epoxi]

I just got my new V5C for my new address, but despite deliberately not ticking the "New Keeper" box they have added me as a new registered keeper. It now says there is 1 more "No. former keepers" than there should be and the previous keeper is me at my old address. Obviously this annoyingly devalues the car and makes its history look more obscure, odds are I am going to have to post it off to the DVLA all over again to get it fixed.

 

Has this happened to anyone else?

[Gnocchi Flip Flops]

I'm liking the new C-Class. Even though it looks like a smaller S-Class, I think its great! Almost too good to be true.

[sivispacem]

I just got my new V5C for my new address, but despite deliberately not ticking the "New Keeper" box they have added me as a new registered keeper. It now says there is 1 more "No. former keepers" than there should be and the previous keeper is me at my old address. Obviously this annoyingly devalues the car and makes its history look more obscure, odds are I am going to have to post it off to the DVLA all over again to get it fixed.

 

Has this happened to anyone else?

The DVLA have got a lot better at dealing with sh*t over the phone recently. No harm in ringing them.

[mr quick]

Are 90s 5-series any good? I can go 1990-2000 ish in my price range, but I'm worried that there's so many cheap ones on the market for good reason...?

[sivispacem]

There's loads of 5-series for sale cheap because there are loads of 'em. There are some common issues like suspension bushes failures, tracking etc. But they're generally pretty reliable in 6 and 8 pot form.

[Zyo]

Yeah they are getting cheaper because there are loads of them. I hear the cooling ststems are sensitive on later ones. Check service histories ect. And one that has had a careful owner can be a good thing. Some are abused.

[sivispacem]

Plastic header tanks. They're also pretty hard on brakes.

[Lurch]

I wouldn't mind a 5 speed M30 535i or 540i 6 speed E34. Maybe even an early M20 525i. The 24 valve stuff is ok, but a big six 535i would bt the bees knees. I've heard to stay away from the little V8's though.

[Zyo]

Yeah I looked at one of the e39 535 V8s last year before I bought the CLK. It was a nice car but Its really just similar power to the 3 liter 6 pot but with V8 running costs. Its not a good mix.

 

I am looking for a wagon right now and I would love to get a decent 530i. Manual, with leather and the 2001 facelift.

 

 

Stay away from the 520!

Edited August 3, 2014 by zyonig

[Pat]

I've always loved the E34 myself, and if I ever replace my E23 I might get one, but I'd rather stick with another E23 or even an E24. The problem is price and convenience: in good condition, E34s are far more common and affordable than E23/24s.

 

Plus, I'm absolutely spoiled by my interior. After driving something with an interior that's 90% leather, it's really hard to go back to vinyl, even if it's in better shape.

Edited August 3, 2014 by Pat

[SouthLand]

And no, it's not a concept, you can buy it in any Citroen dealership

 

 

Citroen Cactus

[sivispacem]

I think it's brilliant personally. Glad to see Citroën regaining their sense of humour.

[Zyo]

I have never heard of it but for some reason, I can't help but think Cactus is a great name for a car. Citroen Cactus. It just makes sense.

[Lurch]

I've always loved the E34 myself, and if I ever replace my E23 I might get one, but I'd rather stick with another E23 or even an E24. The problem is price and convenience: in good condition, E34s are far more common and affordable than E23/24s.

 

Plus, I'm absolutely spoiled by my interior. After driving something with an interior that's 90% leather, it's really hard to go back to vinyl, even if it's in better shape.

Having a 5 speed and nearly 30 more horses (talking E34 535i) would trump having all that leather for me.

[Gnocchi Flip Flops]

The Super Heavy Duty became a really hot truck!

[M22]

I have a question, is it worth restoring an old Mercedes.

[Outcast]

I have a question, is it worth restoring an old Mercedes.

Depends, which one?

[M22]

 

I have a question, is it worth restoring an old Mercedes.

Depends, which one?

 

W140 S420, has offered me 3 grand

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mercedes-Benz-S420-1997/SSE-AD-2034334/?Cr=2&sdmvc=1

here are the problems i posted it on whirlpool.

Hey guys, today i had a look at this beautiful Mercedes Benz S420 on carsales, it was really nice, but had issues, it had been sitting in the sun for 4-5 months as the owners had gone overseas, so a few problems have risen

1. Brakes: don't really work, took it for a test drive and well she stopped but your foot had to be flat to the floor and even then, she didn't respond as a Mercedes should had.

2. Misfires:, when starting it up it made a 70's muscle car sound of a ticking and popping sound literally tick tick tick, up and till you drove it, then when back on idle it made the ticking and popping sound and was a little rough on idle.

3. No power: when driving you had to again have your foot on the floor and she then gave power.

This came from a mechanic i was with he had a look at it and said not really worth it, but he doesn't know mercs and said well could be a lot of things, i did drive it though and did feel it. Other issues were left front window went up after studdering and the right folding mirror didn't fold in.

I know it sems stupid to ask you guys since a mechanic has said not really to buy it, but i have a feeling it is just the ASR unit and a couple of brake pads, she was well looked after everything else worked so my question again is, is it even worth wheeling and dealing it. http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mercedes-Benz-S420-1997/SSE-AD-2034334/?Cr=2&sdmvc=1

It is offered for 7 grand but we are thinking 5 or 4

Please help as i need advice as this car is beautiful.

[Outcast]

I have a W140 S600 and I used it quite regularly up until about 5 years ago when it started to become one problem after another. It was constantly in the shop getting something fixed and as soon as I got it back, another problem would develop. Final straw was when electrics started failing one by one in rapid succession and then major problems with the engine, couldn't even make enough power to get out of the underground parking lot. It's been down there ever since. If you do decide to go ahead and buy it, I would advise you have money saved for repairs.

[M22]

I have a W140 S600 and I used it quite regularly up until about 5 years ago when it started to become one problem after another. It was constantly in the shop getting something fixed and as soon as I got it back, another problem would develop. Final straw was when electrics started failing one by one in rapid succession and then major problems with the engine, couldn't even make enough power to get out of the underground parking lot. It's been down there ever since. If you do decide to go ahead and buy it, I would advise you have money saved for repairs.

Damn, yeah i heard a lot of the 600's have problems, i have a mate who is a prestige mechanic who will do the repairs cheap for me. I have 7500 extra for repairs.

Edited August 6, 2014 by MGT86

[Carlover325]

Sounds like a money pit. I would avoid it.

[Zyo]

I am a big fan of old Mercedes-Benzes. I have several myself. My opinion is that while it is a nice car it will probably be an expensive one to run. Its almost 20 years old and regardless of condition 1990s electrics in an almost 20 year old car will be going wrong often. I am not really sure on the market for cars like that in your area but 7000 seems really expensive. Its also got those chromey arches stuck on it and they almost always cover rust. You mighty want to run some of those misfire problems past some folks on a specialist MB forum. I used Benzworld regularly, there a lot of owners and professional MB mechanics on there and they are great for helping diagnose issues.

 

That said, it is a nice looking car and it looks well looked after. Pictures are taken in a nice neighborhood too. Its always a good sign that the car might have been well maintained. If you buy it and it doesnt suffer from any major issues, it could be a fantastic car to own.

[Lurch]

That's not even an "old" Mercedes. It's not at the point where it's appreciating at all, much less appreciating enough to be worth it. Avoid.

[M22]

I am a big fan of old Mercedes-Benzes. I have several myself. My opinion is that while it is a nice car it will probably be an expensive one to run. Its almost 20 years old and regardless of condition 1990s electrics in an almost 20 year old car will be going wrong often. I am not really sure on the market for cars like that in your area but 7000 seems really expensive. Its also got those chromey arches stuck on it and they almost always cover rust. You mighty want to run some of those misfire problems past some folks on a specialist MB forum. I used Benzworld regularly, there a lot of owners and professional MB mechanics on there and they are great for helping diagnose issues.

 

That said, it is a nice looking car and it looks well looked after. Pictures are taken in a nice neighborhood too. Its always a good sign that the car might have been well maintained. If you buy it and it doesnt suffer from any major issues, it could be a fantastic car to own.

but that was everything i mean everything else worked, the suspension is fine and so was the steering and they actually fetch good money in Aus, these S classes are still worth 11 grand and more in Australia especially the V8's, it was in the family since $136,400 so about 4 years old, it has been looked after, just the last three months she hasn't been used, this is why i am still thinking about it, i am going to get him to take it to Silver Star Service Sydney, get them to have a quote, tell me then i will decide to buy it or not.

[Dottie]

I have never heard of it but for some reason, I can't help but think Cactus is a great name for a car. Citroen Cactus. It just makes sense.

certainly looks better than this crap

[hvcciookay]

Only old Merc outside of the obvious models in the W123-4 and other ranges i would consider buying is any W126 SEC model unless a 560 was within a reasonable price. Wouldn't drive it though in risk of a nuclear meltdown the next day. It'll be most likey a centerpiece in my living room honestly.

[Gnocchi Flip Flops]

^ Some dumb broad just cut us off on the freeway in one of those. I like the lights but it is absolutely hideous.

[Outcast]

^ Some dumb broad just cut us off on the freeway in one of those. I like the lights but it is absolutely hideous.

What's absolutely hideous? A W126 SEC? You must be blind!

 

@MGT86: Does it really make sense to spend two to three times the vehicles value in potential repairs? At the end of the day it's your money and your call, it just seems like there could be something better you could spend that money on.