Buying a 1991 300 SL

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Buying a 1991 300 SL - 2/8/2008 12:49:11 PM    dakrri   Posts: 13 Joined: 2/8/2008 Status: offline I'm looking to buy a 1991 300sl 85,000 miles on it. Sold by a Lexus dealer. Any "heads up" advice??? Thanks Dale Post #: 1

RE: Buying a 1991 300 SL - 2/8/2008 3:39:42 PM    bobterry99   Posts: 126 Joined: 1/19/2005 Status: offline If you are in the U.S., then I would advise not to spend more than $10,000 for this car. (in reply to dakrri) Post #: 2

RE: Buying a 1991 300 SL - 2/10/2008 2:32:31 AM    brookings   Posts: 152 Joined: 6/1/2007 Status: offline I have a 90.  Do a complete check out of all systems.  Seats, steering wheel, mirrors, top, air, cruise, etc.  At 100k you will probably need to at least change the timing chain and get the valve stem seals replaced if it uses oil.  check front and rear crank seals for oil leaks.  I've put about 40K into mine over the years.  A third of that was a waste do to poor and dishonest mechanics.  Finding a good mechanic is key and the more you can do the better.   With that said they are wonderful cars.  BTW run a carfax. (in reply to dakrri) Post #: 3

RE: Buying a 1991 300 SL - 2/10/2008 11:42:45 AM    dakrri   Posts: 13 Joined: 2/8/2008 Status: offline When I went to try the car, the dash light went on saying low radiator fluid. I went back to the dealer only to find the top of radiator/hose plastic outlet broke off.. The car was very clean otherwise. The car did not overheat. They will need to install a new radiator and I'll close the deal on Wednesday It does not have the door opener key fobs, anyone know where I could buy them cheap?  Is it common to change the timing chain????? I thought only timing belts needed changing. (in reply to brookings) Post #: 4

RE: Buying a 1991 300 SL - 2/11/2008 1:27:00 AM    brookings   Posts: 152 Joined: 6/1/2007 Status: offline I had the same thing happen to my radiator.  If the thermostat housing is made of plastic, that's next to break off.  They have an alloy replacement for it.  btw I'm old school when it comes to timing chains and belts.  If WHATEVER joins the cams to the crank is made of metal I've always called it a timing chain.  If it is made of anything other than metal we'll call it a belt. Replace that thermostat housing if it is plastic. (in reply to dakrri) Post #: 5

BOUGHT!! 1991 300 SL - 2/11/2008 6:25:01 AM    dakrri   Posts: 13 Joined: 2/8/2008 Status: offline Thanks Brookings... http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsprdpage=thumb&car_id=234912174&dealer_id=608267&car_year=1991&model=300SL&num_records=&systime=&make2=&start_year=1991&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=1&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=75&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=MB&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A3Aispsearchform&min_price=&body_style=CONVERT&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=53081&advanced=y&end_year=1991&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=53 Here is a picture of the car. I pick it up on Wednesday. I will replace the thermostat housing myself if it is indeed plastic. I'm also having them check the cruise control. It would stay on for a mile or two and the go off. Must be a loose wire??? (in reply to brookings) Post #: 6

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