New Member Boston

[n/a]

I have recently joined the SL Forum - But I am a user without an SL and need some help.  I am interested in purchasing a 280SL for my wife as a birthday present (ok - so actually it's a present for both of us- but she does not need to know that!).  I have spent time doing some research on the W113 models - reading, talking to mechanics, other owners, etc.  Would welcome! feedback on the best way of finding an honest car - I'm a bit leary of dealing with the Ebay dealers (esp. give some recent discussions).  I would not expect my wife to drive this car more than 1000 miles annually - and given the New England weather probably only in the summer months.  Am willing to spend the right amount of money for a nicely restored car....but what is "the right amount"?  Appreciate your comments.  Robert.

[Tom]

Robert,

You are fortunate to live in an area that has several reputable vendors for these cars.  The first is Hatch & Sons.  There is also Dearborn in Topsfield.  Finally Gernold Nisius is near Portland Maine and while not a dealer can help you evaluate these cars so you don't run into trouble.

Good luck and keep us posted on your efforts.

Best,

Tom

1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic (restored & enhanced)
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown (low mileage stock)
1970 280sl Deep Red (Project Car)

[Mike]

I think that your wariness of ebay is well founded.  I can tell you some great stories about mistakes that can be made on ebay purchases.  Unfortunately, I made a few of them myself.  The one thing that I have learned in the last couple of years is the following:  there is almost nothing that is more expensive than a cheap 113 series Mercedes.  A premium price on the front end, for the right car, turns out to be far cheaper in the long run.   I strongly suggest that you rely on advice from experts, including some users of this list who reside near you.  Good luck.

Michael L. Hund

[Malc]

Agree whole heartedly with Mike spend as much money up front for a good car.
If you find one privately take someone along who knows about the cars and can help you "inspect" it
Good luck in your search
Malc

PS unless you are like me who is prepoared to spend lots of time and money restoring one, when's the missus's birthday???

[n/a]

Thanks for the great advice guys.  I had planned on visiting Hatch and Sons this weekend.  Glad to hear that they are well respected.  I will make a visit to Topsfield, too.  I have until mid-December to find "the right present".....will keep you informed of my progress.

[rwmastel]

Robert,

Step One is educating yourself on the W113.  This means understanding the VIN number, Engine Number, Option Code Numbers, etc.

Step Two is examining and driving as many of these cars as possible.  I recommend you drive every example for sale, regardless of condition, within a 2 or 3 hour drive of your home.  When doing this, take every car seriously as you might find a rusty & beat up car with a well tuned engine or some other unexpected combination.  Even if the whole car is almost junk and needs an entire restoration to be useful, you could probably end up learning something by closely examining it and driving it.  Experience is priceless!

Pagoda World #4 will be mailed out very soon (I'm stuffing envelopes tonight) and it has a very comprehensive summary of things to examine.  If you become a full member, you get Pagoda World.  They are available seperatly on eBay from time to time.

Best of luck in your hunting!

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Douglas]

There are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself aside from the obvious like price. For example, would you prefer a restored car or an original car? Does a color change bother you? Do you want a manual trans or an automatic? (People swear by both in this forum) Those are just a few initial questions that come to mind, but I'm sure there are plenty more out there.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220