280GE FOR SALE
I have seen a 280GE, SWB 6 seater 5 speed manual 1989 model, genuine 58800 miles for sale at £2500. Tested 12 months, taxed 6 months. New front discs, handbrake cable. Spoken to the owner, and i'm tempted to buy it from his description-does it sound a decent buy at the money? My 230GE is still in the auto repair shop, so I need a motor quick. Any thoughts appreciated thanks!!
manuals are rare and desirable but with g-wagens condition is everything but having said that it sounds a very fair price.
Hi the mileage appears very low...the number of owners.. stamps in the service book .All the old mot's and any service invoices would help you establish the true mileage...waggle the wiper spindles or look for water in the footwells..engine should start cold at 1200rpm and run for two minutes (this weather) before settling at 700/800 rpm.. and at hot rev to 1200 for ten seconds and settle to 700/800rpm...then there's the usual rust spots. drivers seat wear.etc hope it is as good as it sounds :roll:
sounds good, get it snapped up quick
Hi yes!!! it is a good price if it all adds up...heating could be a failed blower motor (a very common problem) ..if the fan does not work when you turn the switch with only the ignition on chances are it has siezed or burned out..motor costs GBP 110 but labour with MB is GBP 400 + as the access is difficult...check window winders/motors as another high labour item...and any vibration when driving could be propshafts ..also a high cost item..58000miles since 1989 means only 5 services in 20 years based on Mileage only..things like moisture in the brake clutch and diff lock fliud (which should be changed every three years) can cause major high cost hydraulic component problems so look for invoices showing servicing on a yearly basis not just service stamps in the book......
I think your mechanic is right. At that price things - even the high cost items - can be done and even if it's actually got 158k on the clock it's not that bad. I wouldn't sell mine for that! I would advise a drive first though. I bought mine unseen and there were a few surprises when I picked it up. Does it have Recaro seats?
Hi and thanks again! Have bought and driven home today. Some surface rust, mainly behind trim bits, but only 'rot' under lip of back door. Several light switches not illuminated, mainly rear wiper /window switches. Rear wash not squirting water-is there only one reserviour? When in 4WD should the dash yellow logo light up, as it engages ok? Petrol leak, temp guage never moves out of cold, but fan works fine, as new one fitted 2 years ago. First gear very notchy-is this normal? Whilst I was at the vendor's he had 2 more calls, and so negotiating was tricky, however I got a wad out and paid £2400. Should it have failed test in October on CO2, as it doesn't have a Cat so can't be valid?? Don't know what was done but got a ticket 2 days later!! Has Recaro seats-trim is nearly mint, only slight sagging on driver's seat. The mileage is just under 60k and whilst there isn't enough evidence to prove conclusively, the steering wheel, trim etc looks about right for that. Oh, and the rev counter actually works!!!
Hi Congratulations...Health to enjoy...rear wiper jet prone to blockage or pump impeller siezed.. one reservoir three pumps....no light on dash for four wheel drive only green for diff locks...first gear could be worn bushes in the selector rods..co2 emissions IS part of mot AND A PROBLEM IF THE BOSCH K JETRONIC FUEL SYSTEM IS NOT SET UP RIGHT....petrol leak could be part emissions problem unless it is fuel tank leak.they tend to rust easily..water temp guage could be sender in engine block ..take the lead off and touch it against the engine with the ignition on the indicator should move to hot at the touch....proving that it is the sender..if engine running cold the fuel will be rich and emissions will be high..... lights are fiddly but cheap to fix....
i have loads of gear selector bush parts if you need them
Hi-savage fuel leak, i'm now on the way to my pal's farm hoping to sort out-put £20 fuel in last night, on empty again today after 15 miles!! Looks to be a constant drip from the centre of the motor. Usual drips of water on the inside from the screen. Door locks not working, apart from driver's (central locking u/s)-still that's what you have to expect when it has had only infrequent use. Would I have had this to do if i'd paid another £2000? Who knows....On the plus side, had a call from the auto shop today about the repair on the 230GE. After the sludge was removed, along with bits of metal from a burned out clutch band and new parts fitted it looks good. They are just suffering a vibration which they think is the propshaft not lined up...will know more tomorrow when I call....
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Hi-thanks for the feedback. Just an update. I rang the owner this morning to make an offer unseen to buy, as another person was due to view today. My friend who works at a main dealer, and who has worked on my 230GE thinks anything that may need doing is 'do-able' at that price. The thermostat may need replacing as it doesn't get very warm from the heater (same as mine) but he assures me everything works, inc the rev counter, and it has running boards, mudflaps and headlamp wash wipe from new. It appears to have enjoyed a fairly sheltered life. Unfortunately, the vendor has had a lot of interest at the full price but is hanging on until I go tomorrow so I will know more then. The interior, he promises to be immaculate, with no tears on the seat covers, Rust-wise, no rot, only cosmetic marks/scratches. We shall see-I will check your pointers re revs etc-very helpful. Will post more comments tomorrow on my return.