OK, I am over my grief now. I guess that I wanted to know that I am not the
only one out there that has made a similar mistake. One thing that I should
clear up is that this is a great looking car structurally (not eaten up with
rust), it just does not drive as I expected (never drove an old Porsche before,
I am use to MB) and the thing leaks oil in 3-4 places ( I have since found out
you need to expect this on an old 911). I feel like the 3k difference was the
oil leaks and the replacement of exhaust and heat exchangers that will be
required. I am very much my own mechanic and expect that I will do all this
work myself, its just that I did not want to do it so soon and I would have
rather spent the $$$ on new carpeting and seat upholstery.
Someone mentioned that these cars are complex. Maybe so to a Healey, but I have
been working on MBs for over 10 years - these cars are complex. But it all
boils down to the same principles and if you are mechanically inclined and you
have a manual (and tools) you can work on any car. That's the way I feel about
it anyway. Hell, I sold a perfect Accord EX to buy my first MB 450SL (big
mistake at that time too), but I have years of joy and pain for all the
accomplishments that I gained in repairing that car to a great driving machine.
I have since gone on to buy the 300TD wagon - no doubt the most reliable car MB
ever made and I am confidently giving this one to my brother with 250k miles on
it. My wife drives the last year model in-line-6 E320 wagon MB built. This may
rank to be as reliable as the 300 models, we'll see -so far so good. So as of
today, I still have all 3 MBs and 1 Porsche and a nearly complete frame off
restoration on a MKII. Yes, I have a problem desiring old cars that look
gorgeous, and I am certain that I have a problem buying cars that require work
because deep down I love the challenge and the experience. Sometimes the money
just gets in the way and I need a list like this to vent and feel better. I
will certainly chalk this up to experience and learn to work on at least one
more brand name.
Regards,
Olin
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