Valuable: Mercedes W124

The Mercedes-Benz W124 series has been a benchmark for years when you talk about a youngtimer. Too modern to be classic, too classic to be modern. At the beginning of this century (when the concept of youngtimer slowly became integrated) a W124 was the highest attainable.

Now, in 2010, a well-maintained car with low, substantiated mileage is a stable car. This is mainly due to its excellent driving qualities, very strong build quality and the durability of the engines supplied, which were often good for half a million kilometers. Business drivers discovered the tax-friendliness of these cars en masse and cheerfully drive a few tons with the cars at very favorable costs. The rinse, however, becomes thinner and you notice that in the prices of mainly the six and eight cylinders.

Examples to be tipped are the six-cylinder 300 E-24, E 280 and E 320, eight-cylinder 400 E, E 420 and 500 E and all diesels. An automatic transmission is an advantage for the six-cylinder engine. For the diesels it makes no difference, except for the 300 D because it should have a nice automatic transmission for the most ideal cruise feeling. The Kombis, coupes and convertibles are at a slightly higher level of value than the sedan.

Are you in the market for a tax-free copy? First give your eyes a good appetite and don't just buy the first one you come across. It is not uncommon for very large amounts to be asked for dubious vehicles with astronomical mileage. Only because the car is still tax-free. My advice: safely opt for a later copy and then take that tax to the bargain.

Chris de Raaf.