1989 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL

• Silver-blue paint looks straight and even on every panel, though the shine is a little flat in these photos — budget a polish and detail, not a repaint.
• Chrome grille surround and bumpers look bright and the headlights are clear — no re-chrome money needed.
• The lower front bumper trim looks damaged with a gap on one side — budget for a front valance or trim repair.
• Gray leather seats look smooth and well kept front and rear, and the door cards look excellent — no reupholstery money needed.
• Dash looks clean and uncracked, gauges are clear and the wood trim looks rich — no dash budget from these photos.
• Rear parcel shelf looks sun-faded and the rear glass looks cloudy at the edges — budget small money for the shelf trim and live with or price the glass.
• Headliner looks clean and tight around the sunroof — no headliner money needed.
• The one underside photo shows heavy surface rust on the front subframe, suspension and exhaust — budget for a full underside rust inspection before paying full ask.
• Flat-face wheels look clean and tires show tread — no wheel or tire budget from these photos.
• No engine bay photos in the sample — can't judge the engine bay, hold back money for that inspection.

Money: At $17,500 the tidy cabin and straight paint carry the price, but the rusty front underside, damaged lower bumper trim and faded rear shelf mean real money should be held back for inspection and small repairs.