buying a pagoda

[glickbo]

hi all, how do you all feel about purchasing a 230sl which had an engine change to a 280?  how does this affect the overall value of the car, assuming the swap wasnt a result of a major accident, just the engine outliving its usefulness-there is a car i may be interested in buying as the rest of the car looks good but waiting for it to arrive in new york so i can see it for myself-thanks in advance

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

I would hesitate purchasing such a car since it surely would affect resale value due to the fact that it no longer has the original motor. On the other hand, if this is not one of your concerns (re-sale value) and you truly like the car then go for it if the price is right.

Good Luck!

[cabrioletturbo]

I second Dieter's comment. Getting the 230SL car and fitting it with another 230SL engine may be a costly adventure, if you were to pursue that.

My advice is simply, either:
a) buy the car for what it is and enjoy it (this is probably less-headache option), or  
b) buy, replace the engine (230SL) for increase in value. Mind you, 230SL came only in 230SL (unlike 280 where there is relative abundance of engines from W108 etc.), so the engine must come from another less fortunate pagoda. Finding 230SL engine and one in good shape may be a challenge. Don't ask how I know...

hi all, how do you all feel about purchasing a 230sl which had an engine change to a 280?  how does this affect the overall value of the car, assuming the swap wasnt a result of a major accident, just the engine outliving its usefulness-there is a car i may be interested in buying as the rest of the car looks good but waiting for it to arrive in new york so i can see it for myself-thanks in advance

[batman]

I reckon a 15-20% discount.

Here is an example in Australia of a very nice 230 being sold with a 280 engine.

http://www.classicthrottleshop.com/car5.html

Dont worry about the actual asking price (A$ 115,000), the point is that if this particular car had its original 230 engine then, (based on similar condition cars currently for sale & recently sold), it probably would be 20k to 25k higher.

[Cees Klumper]

There should be a mark-up because:
- the engine is better than the original one
- spare parts are cheaper

That is the more rational answer. Unfortunately this is not a rational business so probably the value is affected negatively, but how much depends on the condition of the car. For a tired example the difference should be small while for a top-end car the difference xould be as Mark suggests.

[jameshoward]

If its a good car, I wouldn't worry in the slightest. At least the seller has stated this upfront. I wonder how many buyers would notice.  It wouldn't worry me at all as its a good engine. I'd think a 20% discount a bit rich. Were I the seller I'd be declining an offer of 4/5ths of the value I'd placed it for sale. I think it could be a discussion point, but real haggle value should be on condition. I would suspect the majority of 50+ year old cars aren't driving around with the original engine. If you like it, and the price matches the condition, buy it.

[stickandrudderman]

Here in the UK at least, it will only matter if it is a high end car. ie: one that has immaculate body/interior, low owners, full history etc.
Otherwise there are plenty of 230s that have had this transplant done and owners are generally happy with them.

[glickbo]

thank you all very much-alot of helpful info-ill keep you all posted on what happens