Hi Guys,

I know someone who is selling an '81 240-D manual with a little less than 80,000 miles on it. The car has been garaged since day one. I've seen pictures and it looks great inside and out.

They're going to ask $8500 for it. Is that a reasonable amount to ask?

Options include sunroof, AC block heater, AM FM cassette. It has manual windows. I don't know if the sunroof is electric or not. It has the bundt wheels, not hubcaps.

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Current:
2014 VW Tiguan SEL 4Motion 43,000 miles.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (wife's).

Past:
2006 Jetta TDI 135,970 miles. Sold Nov. '13.
1995 E-320 Special Edition. 220,200 miles. Sold Sept. '07.
1987 190-E 16 valve. 153,000 miles. Sold Feb. '06.
1980 300-D 225,000 miles. Donated to the National Kidney Foundation.
1980 240-D manual, 297,500 miles. Totaled by inattentive driver.

There are so many other Mercedes Diesels I'd rather have for $8500. That being said, seems like 80,000 miles is more of a detriment on that age of a vehicle than positive, unless all the rubber, gaskets, and other parts that deteriorate with age have been replaced.

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Mercedes Fleet:
2004 CL600 Designo Espresso SPORT
2004 S600 Designo Espresso SPORT/Lorinser Pkg.
1999 S320
1988 300TE
1972 280SEL 4.5
Diesel Fleet:
2014 GL350 Blutec
1987 300SDL Blk/Blk 4 place seating #18 head
1987 300SDL Smk Slv/Burgangy #17 head
1986 300SDL Blk Pearl/Palomino #14 head w/ 280K
1984 Lincoln Mark VII Fact BMW Turbo Diesel

Premium ($8500 ) asking prices demand premium condition. No rust, original primo condition paint, excellent mechanicals, verifiable mileage and all maintenance records. For that sort of money I'd get a comprehensive pre-buy from a good MB mechanic, and insist the seller correct any fault that was found. What nice things could you do to one of your current cars for $8500?

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'78 300D 310K Maple Yellow / Bamboo
'87 300D 81K Barolo Red / Safron (RIP @ 113K)
2003 E320 34K Pewter/Charcoal
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I'm no expert,
but if I had $8500 to spend, I think I would rather buy 4 better-used 240's. Or maybe 3 240's and a bunch of parts. Or maybe 3 300D's, spare motor. Or maybe just two 300D's, get a turbo this time, and a parts car, spend the rest on a rebuilt tranny. Or better yet, get the 300 and spend the remainder to put a manual tranny in her. Or maybe just one fine MBZ, and bank the other 5 grand.

Maybe I will just have another beer.....

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Think Alternative Energy!
300CD '80 (now gone but not forgotten...)

The NADA high retail is $5325. but then if the car is in really outstanding condition and the manual transmission is really desireable, then maybe he can get it.

I saw your interest in 123/240D. If the car in question does not work out I am considering selling my pristine 1983 240D. It is orient red w/polomino interior, man. shift. The car has just turned 88,754 miles (full documentation, complete books,detailed service records). I have the original dealer order form and window sticker/ service plate. Garaged pampered southern car. If you have any interest email me and I would be happy provide additional details.

Regards
G P Gunhouse
205-871-0844

Thanks,

Actually, I'll be posting the other diesel for a friend. I wish I were in the market for a nice old diesel again. I do prefer the palomino interior over the blue myself too. Maybe if I sold the 16 valve, but I live in a condo and parking is at a premium as it is...

I'll ask my brother in TX if he's interested.

__________________

Current:
2014 VW Tiguan SEL 4Motion 43,000 miles.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (wife's).

Past:
2006 Jetta TDI 135,970 miles. Sold Nov. '13.
1995 E-320 Special Edition. 220,200 miles. Sold Sept. '07.
1987 190-E 16 valve. 153,000 miles. Sold Feb. '06.
1980 300-D 225,000 miles. Donated to the National Kidney Foundation.
1980 240-D manual, 297,500 miles. Totaled by inattentive driver.

Speaking as non-expert, I'd say this is not even close to a good deal. For one third of that I bought my '84 300D with full power accessories.

While the 240s are extremely durable also extremely slow.

The price is a bit on the steep side.

Take heart in that it is unlikely that anyone else will buy the car at that price. After a while on the market you may be able to come in and get it at a better price.

How much better? Hard to say... How much is too much? $4k? $5k...?

For $5k you could probably get a fairly nice used Toyota or a cheaper Honda instead of a nice old 240D.

Your choice...

- Patrick

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1982 240D. 198k, Marine Blue/Blue, 4 Speed, Crank Windows, No Sunroof, No Rust, No Oil Leaks
2001 TDI. 197k, Lagoon Blue/Black, 5 speed, Chip, G60/VR6