I would try to find a facelift if you can, its not just avoiding the SBC brakes, the later bodyshell was much more corrosion resistant and according to my indy they sorted a number of troublesome electrical niggles that plagued the earlier model...i'm sure HJ made notes about these things in ''reviews'', or have they been edited.

Course if its in really good rust free condition and the SBC pump looks like its been replaced then it could still be a very good buy, just be very careful if you work on your own brakes, there's a shutdown sequence to follow for safety.

Thanks everyone. Do you use an indie at Rushden called Albert Gordon. He used to have cars for sale.

I have used Albert for many years, but haven't been over there for probably two years, so couldn't tell you even if he's still going.

Yes Albert has Star (my 124 is too old to need such a thing), and imho is one of the most capable people out there in MB diagnostics, he's forgotten more than almost all the rest will ever know.

Take for a good drive before you bu. My brother has driven several as loan cars while his older Merc is serviced. He says they're very boring to drive.