Looking at buying a 300CD. I'm not a real "car guy", but looking for something to have a little fun with, maybe convert for WVO, add another car to the garage in preparation for my oldest kid to begin driving (in a couple of years). My "advisor" (a good friend who is big into cars) has essentially advised against anything with even the slightest amount of rust. There are some out there w/o rust, but there are a lot more with "a little" rust. There's one in particular that I've been talking to the seller about...describes it as "minimal rust" along a strip under one of the doors. Will get it inspected before I would consider buying, but the question is a general one: will a car with even minimal rust turn into too big a headache (especially for a non-tinkerer) to justify even the lower price, or is it an "okay deal" to accept a little rust, good mechanicals, and hope for the best.

I know this is a question without a real "answer", but I'm guessing there are some guys who might weigh in on it. Thanks in advance.

a 300CD is a very nice car. to answer your question about rust. it depend how much money you are willing to put into the car. i would say if it has very minimal rust, go for it. YOu can either put it into a shop to have them fix the rust, or you can fix it yourself depending on the size. I fixed the small patch on my car.



if you are going to purchase a car with rust, make sure to take car of it right away before the cancer spreads

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1983 Euro 240D 277K
2016 Mazda 6
Coming Soon, 2013 Mercedes E350 Bluetec
Formers:
2012- Mazda 3
2007 Outlander- complete pile
1995 E300 Diesel 208K
2007 VW Passat 2.0T 63K SOLD
2003 Jaguar X-type 3.0 Sport Sold 04/11 w/88K
2009 Lexus RX350 9061 miles. Sold 04/09
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS:Totaled Sept.,09 @ 24,000
2003 Infiniti I35 58K Sold
1984 300 turbo diesel 222K

My initial thoughts about rust when first searching out my car was I could live with some, but nothing excessive. I don't know that I'd take that position again. After having the car for some time and my becoming more fond of it, the thought of rust bothered me more and more. I have since spent some effort removing ALL of it. Going at it again I would want to avoid it in all possibilities in the first place.

Just the same, if you give me a rust bucket 300SL GW I'd take it.

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