I know that this is somewhat subjective as it depends on who is giving the answer. But here is the best description that I can give.

1979 300SD w/ 252,000 miles.

This vehicle traveled backand forth from Indiana to Mexico on a regular basis for the winter. It was purchased about a year or so ago by my uncle. He only drove it a few times and then just lost interest in the vehicle. It has sat since that time without being driven or started.

Condition:

Body overal looks really great for a vehicle of it age, I found a car cover in the trunk which leads me to believe that the PO covered the vehicle. At present it is quite filthy.

Rear window seal needs replaced as it is cracked, trunk has water in right storage well. This may have been caused by buildup of debris along trunk lid seal. I did not see any other water stains that would indicate leakage from rear window area yet.

Interior has normal wear and tear, carpeting looks realy good and leather on seats is not all ripped. Drivers seat bottom needs repair as the cover has become detached from the frame at front edge.

Did not see any rusted out ares under the car other than small spots where under coating has flaked off. I did look under the drivers floor mat

All lamp lenses intact, Engine compartment looks fairly clean did not see evidence of oil leaks. Squirrels have had a hay day though as evidenced by the nut hulls.

My cousin related the following information to me as he had driven it a few times after my uncle lost interst. Transmission hesitates when placed in reverse until warmed up. Radio antenna raises and lowers, sunroof operates. Overall the vehicle ran fine.

Any help that can be given as to the value of this vehicle would be greatly appreciated. I am looking to possibly purchase it and I know that it will take some TLC to get it back to road status.

Thank you,

Doug

My 300SD (w126) was in better shape than that and I payed 750 for it...almost 500 bucks

But I am sure you can get more than that for it

Hello Doug
1979 300SD w/ 252,000 miles.
Body overall looks really great for a vehicle of it’s age, I found a car cover in the trunk which leads me to believe that the PO covered the vehicle. At present it is quite filthy.

The water in trunk is from rear window seal. RE: Rear window seal needs replaced as it is cracked, trunk has water in right storage well.

DIY on forum. RE: Drivers seat bottom needs repair as the cover has become detached from the frame at front edge.

Need pictures of this. RE: Did not see any rusted out areas under the car other than small spots where under coating has flaked off.
Look there. RE: I did look under the drivers floor mat

Ouch, they can destroy a car quick. RE: Squirrels have had a hay day though as evidenced by the nut hulls.

This could be big or small issue. RE: Transmission hesitates when placed in reverse until warmed up.

Good. RE: Radio antenna raises and lowers, sunroof operates. Overall the vehicle ran fine.

Much depends upon transmission condition and rust issues.

Best guess:
$750.00 USD
$1,500.00 USD

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/

Thank you both for the replies.

whunter I think I have been past your shop in Pontiac, my sister lives in that area.

My uncle just recently passed away and I did not even know that he had this fine auto. Trying to help my cousin out with getting something done with it. Hope to get it to my shop so I can TLC it, I am just glad that it was only Piney squirrels and not mice or rats. I feed those rodents lots of bait in my shop.

Thanks again

Doug

How much are they asking? I nice 116 with no rust AND a sunroof AND a nice interior with 250k miles could easily be worth a lot more than 1500. It could also be a $500 car. Are you just trying to find out what is fair to offer a family member?

__________________
RT


1984 300D---Sold
1995 E420 - 106K - Brilliant Silver Metallic/Orion Gray --- Sold
1984 300SD - 151K Manganese Brown Metallic/Mostly Black --- Sold
1982 240D - 79K - Manila Beige/Palomino---Sold

I am just getting a feel for what offer. I had no idea as NADA & Blue Book do not back far enough. I have an idea what I am going to offer my cousin and hopefully he will not think I am trying to take advantage of the situation. My uncle paid a lot more than what has been suggested at a sale about a year ago or so for it. We will see.

Doug

I just talked to my cousin this evening and my uncles estate has finally been settled. The vehicle will be coming to shop finally after all of this time. I had almost given up on it. Whoot Whoot Hopefully I can squeeze a few thousand more miles from it.

Now if it is has not been crushed by the tree it was sitting under or some other disaster.