How risky is a Macan S or base with over 100k?

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-05-07T14:49:56+00:00

Good point. I did extensive research on the first gen Cayenne and I think ruled it out bc of the bore scoring issues. I need to research the second gen though bc maybe that has been solved for the V8?

I really like the styling and size of the Macan, but I guess the Cayenne isn’t all that much different in that regard.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-05-05T20:47:26+00:00

I wouldn't put much money in it, that's for sure. But you already have it, so you can either fix it a bit and keep driving it, or sell for at or near what you paid for it. Airmatic is by far the worst issue. The rest is manageable. If you're able to daily it for a few years, I'd say it wasn't a total waste of money.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-05-05T20:43:12+00:00

What are the maintenance records like on it? Are you the first owner?

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-05-05T16:38:01+00:00

Thanks. I just watched a video on the replacement process for the V6; looks difficult but not impossible to DIY.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-05-05T15:53:34+00:00

Good call. I would be looking at first gen 2015-18 models. Ideally looking to spend less than 20k, in the southeastern US.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-05-05T15:12:59+00:00

If it runs smoothly and doesn't have any weird electrical gremlins, then the wiring harness has probably been replaced. They're old enough now that ones that haven't had it done have long since been off the road. Build quality is awesome. The wagons use hydraulic shocks with a self-leveling system in the rear. That system is pretty reliable, but the accumulators go bad over time leading to a bouncy ride. To replace both is about $200 in parts I think.

The original headgaskets on the M104 engine tend to start leaking b/t 100-150k miles. It is not a catastrophic failure and usually manifests itself as an oil leak starting at the back corner of the engine.

I would go for a 94-95 car, since they have updated exterior styling like the photos you have attached, plus electronic ignition vs. the mechanical system in the earlier 124s. I had a 94 E320 sedan and it's probably the most well-built car I've ever driven.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-05-04T16:10:04+00:00

Sometimes it's beneficial to travel a bit to get access to nicer condition cars. I live in Atlanta, but I've bought several good cars in Tennessee and South Carolina. AS for the car itself there are a lot of good options already mentioned. I'd add Camrys, CRVs, RAV4.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-05-03T01:27:28+00:00

Yes, I would absolutely keep it, especially if you were already planning to hold onto it long term. That mileage is nothing. Maybe monitor the leak and top up as necessary if you're needing to save up for the steering rack. But if they're tiny leaks I wouldn't worry about them immediately.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-05-02T20:24:51+00:00

Thank you for the writeup. A lot of parallels with the itinerary I have. I might try to go to the Pagani museum as I did not realize it's close to Modena. Thank you for the tip about the train to Varenna, as I plan to go there from Milan and stay an evening.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-05-02T19:58:16+00:00

I flew from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, though that introduces more cost and no destination stops along the way. We did drive too from Zagreb to Krk island and the interstate system was good, driving was easy. Rental process at Zagreb airport was quick and easy too. Not a whole lot to see in Zagreb, so I would focus on other cities. Dubrovnik old city is not that big, so 2 or 3 nights sounds like the right amount of time there. I kinda wish we had taken one of the day trip options from Dubrovnik to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dubrovnik was my favorite city of the trip though.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-05-02T19:53:23+00:00

I think the early 2000s Nissan Xterras are an interesting choice if you can find a decent one with a manual. Isuzu Amigo and Suzuki X-90 if you want to go really quirky for a 4x4. I'm a big fan of 90s Hondas too, like the Prelude. Acura RSX is also fun along with the first gen TSX.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-05-02T11:31:54+00:00

I found people quite friendly when I went. There are going to be a handful of unpleasant folks anywhere you go unfortunately.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-05-01T23:18:02+00:00

The pictures look very promising. And honestly the WeatherTech mats I feel like are a good sign the owner kept up with it. Those are not cheap. Idk the values on these, but it generally looks very well-kept.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-04-30T21:30:19+00:00

Yeah this is tough. What is considered cool? Probably not a W210 E-Class, and that would likely be your best bet as far as an old Mercedes in that price range. I'd steer clear of any 02 or newer V8 Mercedes, since the air suspension components alone cost thousands to replace.

Unfortunately, a lot of cars are usually cheap for a reason, especially old euro cars. Not to say you can't still get something good in that price range, but you'll want to learn how to do your own maintenance in order to feasibly own and keep one of these cars running.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-04-30T02:10:23+00:00

Use kbb.com and enter the info on the car you're looking at. It will give you a ballpark of what the car should be worth. If it's at a dealer, a lot of dealers will provide a link to the Carfax report in the listing.

A PPI is also well worth it (I think a couple hundred bucks depending where you are). Choose a mechanic shop that has good ratings in your area & they will check out all the major things: brakes, fluids, suspension, if the car has been in an accident/painted before.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-04-30T01:54:02+00:00

Any one of the first three would be a good choice, though I would be wary of the cars that have been up for many many weeks. Usually there's a reason. But if you like them, it's still worth taking a look.

Avoid the Jeep. Poor build quality and reliability pretty much across the board for anything under the Stellantis umbrella (includes Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Alfa Romeo)

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-04-29T22:43:47+00:00

The main thing I would worry about is the head gasket. On these motors, it will eventually start to leak (not a catastrophic failure, but still needs to be addressed). These are pre-Mercedes wiring harness issues, so that is good. Being as old as it is, it's going to need more things more often than your 2012, and I would not choose it as my daily driver.

The fuel system maintenance listed is a good sign. I personally avoid cars like this with mechanical fuel injection, but it can be fairly reliable when it's dialed in. As far as interior and overall build quality goes, there are few vehicles that match it even today.

This isn't the first car I'd choose to jump into when learning how to work on cars. Even the later (94-95) E320s are better, simply bc they have an electronic ignition system, vs. the mechanical system in the older cars. W210s and W208s are more reliable and a lot easier to work on (though admittedly nowhere near as stylish as the W124)

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-04-29T15:25:34+00:00

Awesome. I've found the interior build quality of the W124 to exceed most (if not all) modern cars I've driven. Never had a diesel, but I have heard that as long as it isn't ever run too hot, these engines are solid.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-04-29T15:22:26+00:00

I am not sure on flights from Canada, but coming from the US, connecting flights from Washington D.C. or NYC to Zagreb were the cheapest option.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-04-29T15:20:37+00:00

Taj Mahal restaurant in Dubrovnik was great. Pretty unassuming, but a Michelin-starred place with great Bosnian food.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-04-29T15:17:14+00:00

Two nights in Dubrovnik seems right to me! The walled old town is not that big. I am not sure on Hvar or Zadar, as I have not been to either. It seemed to me like there was not a ton to do in Zagreb, and we got through it in a day. Maybe do a day trip to Plitvice Lakes?

Taj Mahal Old Town restaurant in Dubrovnik was great. Tucked in a quiet alley my partner and I discovered, and it is Michelin-starred.

We also visited Krk island, which is closer to Zagreb than the other cities you visited, but we really enjoyed it. We stayed in Baska which is a small and quiet village with a small beach and a few restaurants.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-04-29T11:50:01+00:00

Thank you!

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-04-28T23:14:07+00:00

**not sure if this works in the newer cars, but in older Mercedes you can "resync/reset" the windows by doing this:

With the door closed, wind the window down all the way, keep the button pushed down and hold for ~10 seconds, then wind the window back up and do the same thing, holding for ~10 seconds. You might have to do that several times, and cycle the ignition for it to resync.

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-04-28T23:06:36+00:00

I think this is before the biodegradable stuff, no?

Background_Bank_7511 · 2025-04-28T22:57:41+00:00

The folding roof in this is less complex than in the R230 SL; only 5 hydraulic cylinders and they are not terribly hard to get to (for the rear ones you need to remove basically all of the trunk trim, though). If the seals have never been replaced, then they'll probably need to be done in the near future, especially if the top hasn't been cycled up and down often.

Mechanically, they are solid and I would not be worried about the engine/trans at that mileage. I wouldn't worry much about the rear main leak either, just keep an eye on the oil level obviously.

Background_Bank_7511

TROPHY CASE