Classic for every day use

icjzfmq7ewon1t

Hi folks I'd love to get your opinion on something I've been thinking about for a while. Would it be possible to run a car such as this as your daily car http://cars.donedeal.ie/vintagecars-for-sale/classic-merc-vintage-car/5724097

I dont mean specifically this one its just an example. I wouldnt be doing much milage maybe 6,000 per year. The other thing is it wouldn't be garaged. Thanks.

iverjohnston

Even if you had not linked to this car , I would have a plumped For a W123.
Totally biased here, as I have a 230ce.
Would try and get an auto, very relaxed drive!
Currently, if I had to choose something else, would love a BMW 2002, or else a Saab 900, one of the bathtub models.

kasper

Edward Powerful Bologna wrote: »

Hi folks I'd love to get your opinion on something I've been thinking about for a while. Would it be possible to run a car such as this as your daily car http://cars.donedeal.ie/vintagecars-for-sale/classic-merc-vintage-car/5724097

I dont mean specifically this one its just an example. I wouldnt be doing much milage maybe 6,000 per year. The other thing is it wouldn't be garaged. Thanks.

an uncle of mine used to use one of them as a daily driver and didn't have a garage to put it in overnight , but he was very particular about cleaning and polishing almost on a daily basis
it won more than a few prizes at some of the shows

Stevo11

have daily driven w123 230 coupe and a w123 250td estate for several years in the recent past, great cars.

Kenny Logins

These were built to be driven every day.

Seweryn

Stevo11 wrote: »

have daily driven w123 230 coupe and a w123 250td estate for several years in the recent past, great cars.

There was no such model . Possibly a 123-series 240TD or a 124-series 250TD. I had both (the S123 was 300TD) and they were excellent.

Michilinrua

Hello Tippwarrior,
I would say yes though I drive a 1985 W123 230E 5 spd manual every day so I am probably biased. I love them.

Some points about them -
very easy to service them yourself, the 200 is perfect with a manual as it is slightly under powered though, doing 6000 a year it would be fine (though I have never driven one), keep them clean, watch the rust - get one with the least amount, look for one with a service history, do your homework (there is a huge amount on the internet) and like any car get it checked if you don't know the car well before you buy. Oh and people will start talking you all the time if you drive it.

That 200 is probably worth 2500 if in good condition, Lack of a history will bring it down along with any other fault you can discover.

If you have any questions let me know, slán

icjzfmq7ewon1t

Sorry for taking so long to get back here and thanks everyone for your replies. I havent had much time lately so only had a quick look on dondeal. At the moment I'm leaning towards a 2 litre mercedes.

I am driving a 2005 VW passat diesel so how would an early 80's mercedes compare in the following departments,

1. What kind of MPG could I expect bearing in mind I'd prefer not to go over a 2 litre engine.

2. Would parts be readily available and would they be expensive. Would service charges be expensive.

3. Although I do small mileage a few times in the year I would do a hundred mile round trip on the motorway and an occassional 200 mile round trip again mostly motorway. How would it be for ease of handling and comfort on those trips.

4. How would it compare to a modern car for reliability I guess what I'm asking is if I head off on one of those 200 mile round trip am I likely to get stuck on the hard shoulder of the motorway with a fuming wife in the passengers seat

5. Where apart from donedeal could I be looking to find one of these cars. I'm guessing it will have to be a private sale.

Thanks again for all your replies they are appreciated. If anyone wants to chip in with anything I haven't thought of feel free.

8~)

1.) 28MPG average. Don't limit yourself to the 2 litre for fuel consumption reasons. The 230e gives a useful power increase, more comfort for overtaking, yet gives about the same average MPG.
2.) Mostly, parts are easy to get and cheap enough. You shouldn't need many. Some stuff like bits of trim getting scarce.
3.) Be sure you like the driving experience. It'll be a lot softer than a modern Passat. Older design, looser steering, more prone to sidewinds and passing trucks.
4.) Clockwork, usually.
5.) Not sure. Lots of rubbish out there though. Best to buy from a keen and honest enthusiast.

iverjohnston

A 200 or 230 petrol will do about 23 to 28 miles to the gallon. I have no idea what kilometers to the litre that is!
200 miles trip- ha! just getting warmed up!
Will feel a bit more "floaty" then the Passat, and keeping to speed limit will feel be more relaxing for both you, her, and your pocket.
Only thing is, sitting at 75 or thereabouts on the motorway , you may get depressed by the number of people passing you out. But the small boys waving at you in your classic makes up for it a bit. If that sounds pervy , its not ment to be!

iverjohnston

you beat me to it, 8~) !

swarlb

Are you considering this because you genuinely have a love for old cars, you want to save on the annual road tax rate, or simply to have something different ?