Where to find good 1980-90s MBs in SF and OC?

[744Brillantsilber]

Planning a holiday trip to California for next spring. This trip was already booked for spring back in 2020 but then the world changed.
Anyway, instead of playing a rental I plan to buy a 1980-90s MB and maybe bring it to Germany afterwards.
Other than the usual Craigslist, where do you recommend to look for used cars?
A friend of mine offered help with the purchase and registration that's why I would like to limit it to the SF and OC areas.

Thoughts were a R129 500SL MY 95 or earlier, a R107 or maybe a W210 E55 or W202 C36. The budget would be up to 8-10k for the right car, no need for low mileage but in good condition.

A Porsche 944 or 924 may be an option too but probably too expensive for the budget.
Is this realistic?

I would appreciate your input on it.

 

[kegmankipp]

It sadly seems like craigslist is walking dead around here and the Faceplant Marketplace has taken over.

Lots of MB for sale in SF and Sacramento valley for sale

 

[195910]

Shipping costs are much higher now, its +50% higher the last time I shipped from Germany to the gulf. Terminal charges are also much higher in Rotterdam and other ports. Put these factors into consideration.

 

[gsxr]

Other than the usual Craigslist, where do you recommend to look for used cars?
A friend of mine offered help with the purchase and registration that's why I would like to limit it to the SF and OC areas.

Try Craigslist, but it's not being used nearly as much anymore - scammers and dealers posing as private parties kinda ruined it. Facebook Marketplace seems to be the new CL. There are some other CL replacements like OfferUp, plus AutoTrader, CarGurus, and a few others. Since your trip isn't until next spring, sign up for notifications at sites which provide this - so you can get an idea of what's available at what price.

Thoughts were a R129 500SL MY 95 or earlier, a R107 or maybe a W210 E55 or W202 C36. The budget would be up to 8-10k for the right car, no need for low mileage but in good condition.

It may be hard to find an E55 that you want for under $10k. Not sure about the C36. Probably could get an R129 though, should be a decent selection of those... but I'd highly recommend the 129.067 (with LH-SFI) instead of the early 129.066 (with mechanical CIS injection). The .066 is 1990-92 USA model years, .067 is 1993-95 USA model years. R107... CIS... and are you sure you would want one?

A Porsche 944 or 924 may be an option too but probably too expensive for the budget.
Is this realistic?

@LWB250 or @Jlaa might have some input on the Porches.

 

[744Brillantsilber]

Thanks a lot for the information so far!
@195910: thank you for the information! I need to contact some companies regarding shipping costs from CA.
@gsxr: thank you for the information too!
Regarding the 129 I would not mind a .066 with the oldschool KE-injection. A 107 would be nice too, especially the Coupe and or a euro-spec grey import. I know the feel of a 107 Roadster and Coupe well and prefer the longer wheelbase Coupe.
A C36 or E55 would be a very nice thing, as would a 129 with the ME-Motronic M119. But it needs to be in good condition and "cheap".
For the background: cars 30 years old and older are cheaper to import: No customs fee instead of the usual 10% plus a chance to pay 7% tax instead of 19%.