I am a very happy owner of a '96 965 wagon that I bought last year for $7000 in excellent condition with 102,000mi.

I am now looking at adding a mint (runs like new/looks like new in and out/no dings/dents/rust) 1990 740 4-door (16 valve/auto tranny) to the stable, but wanted to check in about price. The car is original owner even cleaner than my '96 965, and has only 85,000mi, but since the $3000 price is only $4000 less than what I paid for my 6 year newer, more advanced 965 I am somewhat unsure about the comparable value.

On an objective scale $3000 for a nice car does seem reasonable, but on a subjective scale, the car is 13 years old and all. It also has less power and handles less well than the 965 (it 'feels' more like the '85 240 I once owned). The interior is also more 'dreary' in that it is black leather with more plain accoutrements than the 960 Series. Still, it is in such beautiful condition...

What have you guys been paying for similar cars, and would you bit on one as described at this price? I know the NADA and Kelly prices, but obviously I trust this forum's judgement more.

Thanks,
Bob

First, you need to double-check something. In 90, if it has a 16-valve, it should be a 740GLE, not a GL.

$3000 is pretty cheap. I bought one for that a couple years back - just because I happened to be at the dealer at the moment it was being traded in, and the dealer offered $2200. I sold mine a few weeks after purchase for $4500 to a very happy buyer.

I think your perspective is off. Don't compare this car to a later 965. Instead, compare it to "what else can I buy for $3000 that will last 10 years or more?"

Just be aware that if it is a 16-valve, it is an interference engine and sensitive to timing belt changes. If there's no receipt or sticker, change the timing belts immediately on purchase. See the 700 FAQ for more on this engine.

Sounds like a steal, if you ask me. Lucky for you I'm not in your area, I'd buy it in a second!

Jeff Pierce
--
'92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '93 945 Turbo (a kickass family car), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece)

Let me also add that I'd be surprized if you weren't driving this car long after you've given up on the 965.

Jeff Pierce
--
'92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '93 945 Turbo (a kickass family car), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece)

When "totalling" my 1990 760 turbo with a lot more miles, my insurance company valued it at $4,500.

Hi Bob,
For what it's worth I just bought a '90 745GL(8 valve) back in May. Condition was similar with 67K miles. This car was 2 owner at a dealer. I was able to talk them down to $4500. Mine is nicely equipped, and is a wagon which seems to bring up the price up a bit, but to me the price on the car you are looking at seems reasonable. After driving mine awhile, I don't feel I paid too much.

Dane Klaproth