1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC

Last week I looked at a low mileage 1991 560SEC and explained while I think they are amazing cars, buying a ultra low mileage one isn’t the best decision if you want to fully enjoy them. Today’s C126 for sale in New York has a little more miles and is a little less pricey that maybe makes it a little better option if you are looking for a great SEC.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC on Craigslist

Year: 1988
Model: 560SEC
Engine: 5.5 liter V8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 55,680 mi
Price: $20,000

1988 Mercedes 560 SEC. $20,000 OBO. Only 55k miles. Less than 29,000 of these W126 super coupes were ever imported to the US during their run from 1986 through 1991. This low miles, pampered, always garaged 560 runs and drives like new. Only 2 owners in its history, current second owner has had the car since 1992 as a second car, not his daily driver.

Paint and chrome in excellent condition, body is straight and solid, no rust. AC, heat, heated seats, all options working. Solid dash, no cracks. Interior and burled walnut trim is excellent. Original Stereo System. All gauges work as do all electronic features, leather is terrific. Car is accident free and has a clean Car Fax. Newer tires. Original alloy wheels are excellent. Car starts right away and shifts smoothly. Steering and brakes are great. Still has the original unused spare tire, first aid kit, jack, 2 original keys, spare key, and tool kit. Includes original manuals with service stamps. Maintenance provided by a Mercedes technician throughout its life. Only 55,680 gentle miles as driven around upstate NY. Exterior code 441 Desert Taupe. Interior is a very light beige leather.

VIN and further details available upon request. Make us an offer, we hope she goes to a good home with tender loving care soon. Thanks for looking!

This 1988 is everything you’d want from a C126. A long-term, caring owner that has a full history with a little over 56,000 miles. Everything seems to be in working order and basically is a turn key car. The only issue I do see on this car is that the 560SEC rear badge on the trunk lid is off by a few inches. It’s up too high and off to the right too far. That usually tells me either the trunk lid was replaced then carelessly rebadged or it was debadged then carelessly rebadged. Seeing as the seller says this car is accident free, my guess is that it’s the latter.

While the car itself is great, the presentation is not. Every single picture is framed terribly and a handful of the photos aren’t even the right orientation. What’s even worse is that the photos were taken in the shadows so you can’t even get a good idea what the paint even looks like. The engine bay is also filthy and doesn’t give you a good view of what you are looking at. If you want to sell a car at a premium, you need some kind of effort to do so. This might be a $20,000 car, but I can’t tell because the photos are all so bad. A little bit of effort is the difference between someone falling in love with the car and giving it a glance then quickly moving on because the photos are so horrible. I hope the seller can take note and provide improved pictures because it’s otherwise a tempting package.

Thanks to our reader Colleen for sending this in!

– Andrew