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What should I look for when buying a W124 Mercedes-Benz?

My mechanic says that all modern cars are trouble, so I now long for an older and really well-made car with a dash clock that I can look at anytime I like. I'm now considering a diesel W124 - maybe from www.w124.co.uk. £6,000 is a lot to pay for an old car. Are they really worth it? Rust and rot kill all cars in time, and so for everyday use as a professional gardener is this still sensible? Maybe I could find a good one up here in Notts for a lower price?

Asked on 21 May 2011 by CO, Southwell

Answered by Honest John
I was driving a 26-year-old Mercedes 560SEC earlier this week and it was astonishingly good. Had hardly aged at all. Like driving a new old car. They don't make them like they used to. Have a word with Nicholas Froome. If there’s a genuinely good W124 going anywhere he’ll be the first to buy it. 124 owners need to be aware that there has been a fresh spate of thefts of these cars for export to Eastern Europe.
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