Awesome Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG - Trade for an FJ80?

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Location
United States
Summary: Awesome '95 Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG, trade for an nice FJ80/FJZ80 + $4-5k cash.

Let me start by saying that this is an incredible car. For those not familiar with it, the 1995 C36 AMG is the first AMG sold through Mercedes dealers with a full warranty. As such, it has the over-engineered reliability that the W202 body style is famous for (before Daimler-Chrysler and crappy reliability), with an extra dash of sport and exclusivity. The C36 started life as a C280, shipped straight from the production line to AMG. AMG tore down the 2.8L straight six and bored it out to a 3.6L, upping HP from 180 to 268. Suspension was upgraded with lower springs, stiffer shocks, and stiffer anti-roll bars. The brakes were upgraded with bigger rotors and calipers and cooling ducts from the front facia. Wheels were upgraded to the classic AMG monoblocs, staggered front to rear with rolled fenders to accomodate the bigger wheels. An AMG body kit, exhaust, gauges, sport seats, badging, steering wheel, and carbon-fiber pillar trim complete the package. It includes all the power goodies, like 7 way power heated sport seats, moon-roof, stability and traction control (defeatable), cruise, automatic climate control, 6 CD changer, and power everything. It also has an aftermarket "Avantgarde" grille (big improvement) and OEM Mercedes flat hood badge (original standing star included). I've owned BMWs, Porsches, Saabs, an Audi, etc. This is my favorite by far. It is the best compromise between sport and comfort, equal parts daily driver and sports car. It's fun, but without any bad traits that make it a PITA. Oh yeah, and it gets 25 MPG easily, slightly better than your average Land Cruiser.:D

My '95 C36 AMG is in excellent condition inside and out, with 98k miles. Carpets are essentially perfect, as are the perforated leather seats. The wood has a nice shine, and everything (except the heated seats) works perfectly. This is a very solid car, the build quality is amazing. No rattles, the doors thud like a safe when they close. It drives very smoothly, no pulling or vibration, smooth acceleration and shifting (4-speed automatic is known for being bulletproof). No warning lights. I'm an anal retentive engineer, so during my ownership it's received new Royal Purple synthetic in the diff and transmission, new transmission filter and gasket, ATE Super Blue brake fluid (power flushed), new OE power-steering fluid and filter, spark plugs, fuel filter, steering damper, alternator, battery, Gatorback serpentine belt, fan blade, shift lever bushing, fresh Mobil 1 and filter, along with a few other small things. All of my work is backed up by receipts, summarized in an Excel file. Tires are also very good (see pictures). Clear KS title, no liens. I would trust this car to go anywhere.

The only faults are the heated seats are inoperative except for the passenger backrest heater, very common for Mercedes. The wood has a few hairline clearcoat cracks around the shifter, also very common. Two small scratches on the clear plastic cover over the gauges. The floormats are very clean but the backing is starting to break down, making them sag. Button #1 on the radio is missing, new radios are easy to find on Ebay if you like. The wheels have a few very small spots where the clearcoat has chipped. Body is very straight, one very small ding on the passenger side, I can't get it to show in pictures. There has been some paintwork in the past, previous owner claimed that the front and rear end were re-sprayed around 50k due to scratches and chips. It was VERY professionally done, no mask lines ANYWHERE, no overspray, and a perfect match. After the respray a clear bra was added to the front end and mirrors, so it's almost 100% chip-free today. Body panels all have their OEM VIN tags intact, so I don't believe it has been in an accident.

So, if it's so great, why am I wanting to trade for an FJ80? I sold a truck to buy this car, thinking I wouldn't miss the truck. As you can see from the preventative maintenance, I planned on keeping this car for a while. Unfortunately I under-estimated my truck usage, and am tired of hauling lumber in my wife's Mazda MPV:cool:. An FJ80 allows me to haul things inside if I wish, but more importantly can also pull a trailer. Reason #2 is a newfound motivation to pay off some debt, I would like to get an FJ80 + cash in exchange for the C36. Plus, I've always been a sucker for Land Cruisers.:)

So, what do I want? I'm looking for an FJ80, rust-free and well taken care of. It needs to be clean inside, everything working well, no issues. Cloth or leather is fine, I'll consider non-lockers as well. Condition is more important to me than low-mileage, maintenance and records are a huge plus. Mild mods are fine, but don't expect me to pay what you paid plus the value of your FJ80. As for price, it needs to be in the $4-5k range. When I put my C36 up for sale outright I'll list it at $9k OBO, and I'd like to put $4-5k in my pocket. If you're interested, PM or email me at jessup3 at cox.net. Let me know what you have, with details and pictures. I also have a BUNCH more pictures of the C36. I'm located in Wichita, KS, and willing to travel a reasonable distance to make a deal. Thanks for looking!

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so you want an fzj80 that's clean and in good shape with lockers AND $4-5k cash?

Yes, but I'm not nearly that picky. I'll take an FJ80 or FJZ80. I'll take with or without lockers. I'll take stock or with a few mods. Really, my only hard requirement is that it be clean and well maintained.

Step back for a moment and do the math. I'm asking $9k for my C36 if I sell it outright, which I really haven't pursued yet. There's a number of FJ80s advertised for $4-5k that meet my requirements. So $9k - $4-5k = $4-5k.

The SUV market has gone to total crap due to high gas prices, even at reduced prices many people are having trouble finding buyers. Just read through the for sale threads on here, there's a number of sellers that have their trucks listed for months with no interest. For some people, a trade for a car (like mine) might benefit us both.
 
Brandon, thanks for the advice. I understand the reasoning, but that's really more than I would like to spend right now. Honestly I don't plan to do any hardcore off-roading, so I'm not sure I'd really use the diff. locks that much.
 
Brandon, thanks for the advice. I understand the reasoning, but that's really more than I would like to spend right now. Honestly I don't plan to do any hardcore off-roading, so I'm not sure I'd really use the diff. locks that much.

Fair enough,

I'd do a little more research though. The 1fz is going to be desirable then the 3fe, especially if you're coming from a C36 AMG. You should be able to find a decent 93+(unlocked) for 6kish
 
That I won't argue with. I would definitely prefer a FJZ80 over an FJ80. But hey, lets face it, they're both slow.;) My only thing is the T-O-Y-O-T-A grille, I definitely prefer that look over the newer sombreros.
 
You just had to be in SoCal, huh? I've been as far as Houston to purchase a car, SoCal makes Houston look like a trip down the street. Unless you're headed to the midwest sometime soon, I think the distance kills that idea. Otherwise, that's what I'm looking for.
 
Anyone interested that's NOT halfway across the country?
 
Fair enough,

I'd do a little more research though. The 1fz is going to be desirable then the 3fe, especially if you're coming from a C36 AMG. You should be able to find a decent 93+(unlocked) for 6kish

Not to hash it out, but I agree, the 1FZ is highly desirable. Besides you don't want to get chaffed going from that plush Mercedes leather to cloth seats.:grinpimp:
 
Yeah yeah. Actually, I'm good with cloth. It better suits the "utility" part of the Land Cruiser.
 
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