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

[wsalopek]

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 .

Also, I'm used to VW maintenance ('93 Eurovan, '97 Passat TDI)...kind of expensive...Volvo ('99 V70 XC) was TOO expensive for me...how will Mercedes compare to these on average?

Your thoughts?

Thanks very much...

[billrei]

For 4,500 the car should be in very good condition. Was the car parked for 2 years inside or subject to the elements? Why was the car not used for that period of time? Where is the car located? That will give us some idea if the car has seen road salt etc.

[boneheaddoctor]

and drive it on a test drive enough to see the odometer click over....not the trip meter but the odometer....I lay odds its slipping.

[Jimmy Joe]

Those long periods on non-op are real hard on seals.....

[wsalopek]

Originally Posted by billrei

For 4,500 the car should be in very good condition. Was the car parked for 2 years inside or subject to the elements? Why was the car not used for that period of time? Where is the car located? That will give us some idea if the car has seen road salt etc.

The car was parked for 2 years in a garage in New Mexico because the driver came down with a medical condition that prohibited driving.

It's a 1-owner car and as far as I know has been in New Mexico all it's life...and from the way it looks, garaged it's whole life, but that's just a guess.

Thanks...

[wsalopek]

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

and drive it on a test drive enough to see the odometer click over....not the trip meter but the odometer....I lay odds its slipping.

OK...I'll look for that...I hope to drive it tomorrow (Wednesday).

Thanks...

[boneheaddoctor]

Originally Posted by wsalopek

OK...I'll look for that...I hope to drive it tomorrow (Wednesday).

Thanks...

It may or may not slip regularly......but if it does....thats when its most likely to happen.

At $4,500 I would get a mechanics inspection........

I just paid $2,800 for an '83 300D with 142,000 miles and no rust and nice interior....

[lietuviai]

The thing to watch out for is to see how well the trans shifts and to see if it slips. There was one with about 50K miles on it that I had looked at not too long ago that was in a thread here. The original owner ended up putting in a new transmission in the car and this was a car that was driven regularly but not long enough. Also the brake calipers had seized up on that car as well . They're relatively inexpensive to fix. Also make sure the car does not overheat. The thermostat may be stuck from sitting, a cheap fix there.

[Snibble]

If I were in the market for a diesel... I'd get that car if it comes out OK from the mechanic's PPI.

That car, if offered on ebay could sell for nearly double that asking price. Old sub-100k mile mercedes are very hot right now on the market. People are understanding now that they don't make them like they used to.

good luck

[tomm9298]

I would also check the vacuum system, most of the car runs off the vacuum system. Use the key to lock/unlock doors, make sure the fuel door opens, check to see that air blows on the floor when set to heat, watch the center dash vents, turn on the A/C, and make sure air blows through the center vents. other than that, I think every thing else has been mentioned. Good luck!!! Let us know.

[tscorda]

Cars with exceptionally low mileage require exceptional proof. Do you have maintenance records. Was the Odometer replaced? Do you have registration records.

I bought an Ebay 198o 240D last fall advertised with 75K miles. Once I had it delivered from out west to PA within an hour I had determined it had 250K miles. I sueded and won luckly.

If you can pay 50 to 100 dollars to have a mechanic who understands MB diesels check it out. I had a 1984 300D in California I was going to buy sight unseen through a dealer. I had it sent to a mechanic, he determined the turbo was not functional. This I did from 3000 miles away.

Be real carefull. History of the car is real important.

Hope this helps. Regards Tom

[MTUpower]

one thing is for sure- the tires are now not round if it was not moved for nearly two years. They most likely cannot be balanced, and thus no matter what the tread is like you'll need new ones.

[wsalopek]

Nuts!

Well the owner sold the car out from under me...I had even made the PPI appt at a local shop...I guess we had a misunderstanding about what was going on.

Well...I really want a wagon anyway, and all the replies I got will definitely help me with the next Benz I find.

I'm actually looking at that 1895 300DT wagon from Colorado in this forum...sounds like it has been REALLY well maintained.

Thanks again guys.

[boxscar]

where in NM are you? where was the car for sale? i knew of a wagon for sale but has since been sold for $3000.
roberto