Just bought a TD, now what? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

phidauex · #1 10-26-2004, 03:35 AM

Hi,

Fortune has smiled upon me, and I'm now the owner of an '84 300TD. Or rather, I will be very soon. I'm in Missouri, the car is in Texas, and I've sent a deposit. Next weekend I take a train down to pick it up and bring it home. It is a very nice example, excellently maintained (the PO is a tech at an MB dealership), and the worst thing that can be said about it is that the paint is a little tired looking (totally forgivable), even the A/C (134 converted) and CC work! Its got 240k on the clock, and in the last 30k its had a transmission rebuild, a new hydraulic pump, new timing chain and tensioner, and scads of other general work. It even has CLK wheels and tires and a CLK stereo and battery installed.

However, the car isn't what I'm worried about, its this whole 'getting a car from far away' business. I've never bought a car before (my previous transportation has always been motorcycles and scooters), and certainly not from any great distance.

Here is what I'm wondering... For the drive home, the car won't be registered to me, and I won't have insurance specifically for it (though I currently carry Progressive liability insurance on my motorcycle, if that counts for anything). I'm not even sure if it will have plates, since its possible that the PO will be transferring them to another car... Should I find out for sure if he is doing that? And if so, what should I do (besides drive the speed limit and act inconspicuous

)?

Second, what is a good set of basic tools to bring in case of trouble on the way home? The PO is tossing in a full set of fluids, so thats handy, and it has a good spare and lug wrench, but if you could choose a small bag of basic tools to bring, what would they be?

Any more advice for a first time long distance car buyer? I've talked with the owner a lot, and gotten a very good feeling about the sale, as well as having seen lots of pictures. However, I'm leaving myself a good 'out' so I can turn him down if I need to, and just catch the train back. Anyway, the car seems fine, and I'll be putting it up on the lift at the dealership to take a look around myself before bringing it home. Its just all the details of buying and registering an out-of-state car that I'm not very familiar with. I just know that a lot of people have bought a LOT of MBs (hope I don't become one of you...

), and thought you might be able to offer some advice for a new purchaser with a long drive ahead of him.

Thanks!
Sam

flash123 · #2 10-26-2004, 03:55 AM

First take a copy of your paperwork to your insurance agent. He should make sure you have coverage on the way home. You can also start the registration process with the DMV. Well you're there and I'm here, so maybe you can't but in Khahleefourkneeha you can. Sorry if the spelling is off we have a new official pronounciation that I'm having a hard time getting used to.

Anyway make sure you have metric allen wrenches. The other stuff, a regular set of 6 point metric sockets and end wrenches, pliers, hammer and screwdrivers are easy to pick up if you need them. Take then if you have them, but the allen wrenches especially 10mm and up may be harder to find at Wally Mart. Bailing wire duct tape and other basic routine needs are assumend. Just grab the tool kit off your bike and add the allen wrenches.

I have heard that Mercedes wagons have particularly bad luck in Missouri, something to do with curvature of the earth and the magnetic lines of force. If you decide not to take a chance I have been looking for a wagon.

Your insurance agent and the local DMV or auto club should be able to help with the more serious questions. The answers may vary from state to state. In fact if you are not an AAA member, you might think about it. I'm sure you will be fine, but it couldn't hurt.

phidauex · #3 10-26-2004, 04:42 AM

Big metric allen wrenches, check!

Sometimes I'm glad that the only vehicles I work on are a Subaru (Japanese), my Aprilia (Italian, mmm), and my bicycle (Japanese drivetrain). I don't have an SAE wrench in the house! God help me if I ever decide to buy an American vehicle.

I suppose actually talking to my insurance agent would help. I just have this irrational fear that if I speak with an insurance agent I'll somehow get screwed by him. I don't even want to look them in the eyes. But he's my agent, he's on my side (for now, at least), so I'll just steel myself, raise my head high, and walk in there.

Likewise with the DMV...

Thanks for the input. I'm going to bring my biggest electromagnet with me to make sure it stays steady here in Missouri, I'm hoping to keep this one around for a while.

peace,
Sam

BrierS · #4 10-26-2004, 05:58 AM

Sam,
Congratulations on your purchase. Having driven one home from a distance prior to reading the suggestions posted here on the forum, I can understand your concern.

If I remember correctly, some items you may want to secure before making the trip should include proper fluids, i.e. MB anti-freeze, correct oil, belts, fuses, etc. Having a set of jumper cables always struck me as a handy thing to have. Make certain the vehicle has a properly inflated and balanced spare, and the jack/lug wrench are with the car. Since the seller is a tech, good communication with him/her should help if you layout your concerns over the drive. The one I drove home was checked by the seller prior to me making the flight down.

Insurance typically is handled via a binder to allow you to make the trip. Since you will have the specs for registering the vehicle you will have everything the insurance carrier will need.

Registration . . . can't you get a temp plate from your state? I have never had any fear calling NH DMV and asking them questions. They work for you not the other way around.

Good luck and keep us posted.

dmorrison · #5 10-26-2004, 07:16 AM

In Texas the plates belong to the car, not the individual. So they will probably go with the car.

Dave

tomm9298 · #6 10-26-2004, 07:29 AM

You should take the long way home. Take I-20 east to South Carolina, sell me the wagon. We have a great Amtrak station here and I would gladly drive you in my, I mean your new wagon.

Maki · #7 10-26-2004, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flash123

I have heard that Mercedes wagons have particularly bad luck in Missouri

Is the MO Highway Patrol still driving around with drug-sniffing dogs in the back seat? I drove a 300cd home from Calif a few years back and they pulled me over (doing 75 in a 70) to search for contraband. They seem to focus on out-of-state cars...I saw several others stopped with trunks open as I hurried up I-44.

You might want to give your prize a good vacuuming in the nooks and crannies before you embark on the trip home ...especially if you keep the Texas plates.

Russ M

Hatterasguy · #8 10-26-2004, 01:59 PM

The dealer should be able to give you temp plates, my friend bought his E300D up from NJ and the dealer gave him a set of temp plates. Also get insurance what happens if you get into and accident?

Anyways it sounds like a nice car I always like to have two things on me a cell phone and AAA towing policy!

But a set of wrenches is a must 10mm is popular. Also a set of sockets and allen wrenches. Don't forget duct tape!

Alan Hamm · #9 10-26-2004, 02:21 PM

And don't forget, all Mercedes are covered by Mercedes Roadside assistance (someone else will have to provide the number), for life. So if you run into a bind, you can call them and they send a tech out. Better, I think, than taking it to a shop that knows nothing if you get into trouble.

dieseldiehard · #10 10-26-2004, 07:27 PM

Courtesy WannaWagon:
That service is described here:

http://www.mbusa.com/brand/containe..._assistance.jsp

It specifically states that it's available no matter how old the car or how many owners it's had. Just remember 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES. Cool!

1971 220 (gas) 4-spd manual 106441
1979 300TD w/ ’85 turbo engine 295530
1983 300D 243280
1985 300TD 217300
1987 300D 258230