my friend who owns a mid '80s benz is encouraging me to buy one instead of a japanese car. he told me that benz' parts are now abundant and they last longer (german made parts). so in the long run, it's cheaper to maintain than the regular jap cars. i'm quite convinced but would like to know your experience on this...thanks
my tito, who owns a W123, says the exact same thing. This may be true for old 123s, but im not sure that the same is true for newer models (parts being cheap and abundant)
Its true, pero limit it to W124 bodies and older models.
the newer models have declined in quality & reliability and have really expensive parts.
Any new benz that has a engine computer needs to be check by the star machine occasionally. its 15t per plug-in analysis. Also avoid benzes with too may electronic gizmos like air suspension etc. Really expensive to repair.
We have the W123, W124, W126. Parts are cheaper than most modern Japanese cars. They are also better built using better materials and construction techniques. They are also elegantly simple to work on and there are may Benz specialists shops around the Metro.
Surplus, brand-new, OEM and replacement parts are very much available. How's Php 150.00 for a brand new fuel filter?
And the panache of pulling up to a fancy hotel's driveway in a classic Benz is hard to beat. A dropped, winged and customized Jap does not even come close.
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They still lack the "x-factor" of a class A restored Benz. Especially the Mister Slims and W123's. Someting about how carefully cultivated it's culture and heritage is.
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but yup.. your uncle is right.. may mga parts na relatively cheap na yung mga old MBs.. meron din na medyo mahal pa rin.. but in the long run.. that car would probably outlive a lot of jap cars....
engine, if taken cared of properly.. would definitely outlive the body....
My friend who used to own a 123 before is all praise to that model. He sold it after awhile. Nagsisi. Now he's looking for one. He can't stand driving a Crown.
w123's and 124's are awesome cars that will run forever. perhaps the only disadvantage to them is that they have none of the safety and performance technology of more recent years.
you won't get a lot of respect from the riceboys, but true car enthusiasts will always give you your props - especially if you keep it immaculate and as close to new condition as possible
W123 versus Japs? Heck, of course it should be the Benz!!!
You can even bequeath it to your son or daughter later on if everything (interior and exterior) is kept in pristine condition. BTW, there are a lot of very good shops who can restore and maintain your W123. I suggest you buy an original Benz repair/workshop manual (from books4cars.com) for your own reference.
Benz or Jap Car..
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