1985 300D with 71K miles...hasn't been driven in two years...should I buy it? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

wsalopek · #1 03-08-2005, 11:07 AM

I believe 71k miles is for real...but the car hasn't moved in two years (except just recently a couple miles to the shopping center parking lot with a for sale sign).

It's a turbodiesel.

I'm brand new to Mercedes...looked at them from time to time, but never owned one...I'll probably install a vegetable oil kit (from Greasecar.com) in this car...I have a '97 Passat TDI right now that I run on veggie oil.

Sorry for what must be a VERY repeated question, but in general, what should I watch out for (problem spots) for this vehicle, and what additional problems could I have because it hasn't moved in two years (besides driving it to it's present postion a few days ago)?

What kinds of maintenance will I want to do right away? Fluids throughout?

It looks VERY good from the outside...I haven't got in it yet or driven it...the owner is asking $4500...I only wish it was a wagon...maybe I can buy this one and someone will trade me their wagon .

Your thoughts?

Thanks very much...

lee polowczuk · #2 03-08-2005, 11:35 AM

I would take it to a mechanic to get the low down....

the biggest problem here is that it may not have been driven enough..

issues will always be rubber bushings...possible dry rot tires

Kestas · #3 03-08-2005, 12:31 PM

The first thing to suffer on a car from storage (besides the battery) is the braking system (rotor brake surface, sliding surfaces, calipers). Two years in a garage isn't that bad. Two years outdoors can be brutal on a car.

Like lee said, have it checked out. If it's running, the car is most of itse way back on the road.

Hatterasguy · #4 03-08-2005, 01:08 PM

First repost over in the diesel forum.

But don't trust the odo, a 271k car can be made into a 71k car in about an hour. Forget about the odo reading.

Have a mechanic that knows these cars do a ppi. Also what are they asking for it?

The only way to tell if the mileage is acurite is to check the maintaince records. If it is a well taken care to car it should come with a stack of paper and you should be able to watch the mileage tick off.

At this age rubber parts will be getting tired, also figure the radiator, water pump, alt, starter, ect are getting tired if they are original. Other then valve adjustments every 15k miles 617's really don't need much. Just keep the fluids and filters clean.

el presidente · #5 03-08-2005, 02:17 PM

Get it if PPI turns out good.

meltedpanda · #6 03-08-2005, 04:28 PM

Great Car, just use your head, any car that sits for 2 years will have issues. MB uses a lot of rubber to soften/ dampen movement and probably will need attention.
Do not drive it much if fluids have not been changed, ALL FLUIDS
Make sure ACC system is functional
All in all if you need to sink 2-3 K into it and you get it for 3-4 AND those are original miles - Then you win, good luck

haasman · #7 03-08-2005, 06:06 PM

I would be concerned in a word with: algae

From my experience with having owned four diesels, the fuel system needs to be cleaned as soon as possible.

If it were my car, I would get rid of the fuel in the tank (pump it out), put in fresh diesel, add some Redline or other good anti-algae additive and drive it until several gallons have run through the fuel system.

This is, after all safety items that have been discussed, have been addressed.

Additionally, some had the trap-oxidizer in the exhaust system. I don't know a lot about them, but they could cause problems. I heard that Mercedes was replacing them for some time as it was a polution control system.

An 85 300D with 71k miles is a rare find! I love those cars. Some of the true great ones.

Haasman

wsalopek · #8 03-08-2005, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meltedpanda

Make sure ACC system is functional
All in all if you need to sink 2-3 K into it and you get it for 3-4 AND those are original miles - Then you win, good luck

By "AAC" did you mean air conditioning?

So it sounds like the car in very good mechanical condition is worth $5-$7k?...OK...that gives me a good idea.

Thanks...

Hatterasguy · #9 03-08-2005, 10:20 PM

If the car is the real thing with a full maintaince history and no stories, then on ebay it might break $10k.

meltedpanda · #10 03-09-2005, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wsalopek

By "AAC" did you mean air conditioning?

So it sounds like the car in very good mechanical condition is worth $5-$7k?...OK...that gives me a good idea.

Thanks...

Yes and Yes

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