My 420SEL continues to perform almost like new. As long as you keep up on the maintenance, the car will run forever. If you take the cost of annual maintenance and divide it up by 12 months... (Assuming the car is paid for) the monthly cost to keep a 420SEL on the road is not much. Try buying a new car! Car payments, insurance etc will go through the roof. The Benz models are ageless and never go out of style. 10 years from now the 420sel will still be one of the best car in the world.
Be prepared to spend $4K per year (Can $) on maintenance, including a good clean / detail in the Spring etc. Rust proofing, switching tyres (snow and reg. tires)
I don't drive mine from Nov to April. I have learned now to move the car once a month, so the brakes don't rust! At great expenses!
Find A GREAT Technician to work on your car, pay him well, and treat him well. don't look for deal at local Specialty Chains etc. They know NOTHING about this type of car.
They will put a 16 year old apprentice to work on your car!
Look for a grey hair tech!!!
I just purchased a 1986 420 SEL. It has lots of go and not much whoa!. Besides a few kinks and minor problems, it is a daily driver. Yes there is an oil leak from the rear main and front trans pump. Yes the front fender and front bumper are a bit rusted. Replacement parts are available and it keeps me busy. Good thing I am a mechanic and am able to fix the problems myself. Watch for it in up coming auto shows as the restoration to factory specs takes place over the next two years.
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