There are a few people who mod the heck out of these cars. Unfortunately, very few European sedans/wagons hold any resale value in the USA, the 122S is a cheap car. Obviously, the more rust, the cheaper the car.

The 1800 engine in the later models is easily upgraded to the 2L found in the 140 cars, so that is not a big plus either. While the cars are head turners, they are not something most people brag about to their co-workers.

With few creature comforts, compared to a Ford/Chevy, fewer parts suppliers, lack of mechanics that know how to reliably keep the engine running, 122 owners are left only with the big smile on their face knowing it can out corner American iron and get 25mpg to boot.

If I were to replace all of the rubber around the windows, find a working vacuum pump for the disk brakes, blasted all of the white paint off and repainted the wagon, its value might go to $2500 IF I were lucky. Of course, the fender work and the paint job would cost around $2500, so I would still be out around $3500 in current investment.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.