I can't imagine not having a wagon! You will love one when you get it, but don't make the mistake of buying the first one you run across.
I have a turbo and non-turbo wagon. For around town the non-turbo is peppier, but on the highway the turbo has the advantage. Being a manual shift the non-turbo will have even more pep. and maybe cloth seats! and maybe manual AC.
Snap some pics, and give us the VIN when you get it. Tell us what the mechanic says too.
Good luck, but make a good decision, and brain decision, not a heart decision. (like I did NOT do... )

__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

He called this morning and will take the car in at 4pm. (I'll get the VIN then)

More to come...

Wagons are nice- and either the turbo or non turbo's run just fine. You'll like having the stick I would think, and it is correct it was not a USA option. The third seat fits 2 kids up to 100 each pounds just fine, and one over that just fine. If he still has the seat and will include it, take it- it folds completely flat when not in use anyways. Welcome to the wagon club!

I think everyone has posted the necessary info on the car.
It is a euro if it has a manual tranny in a 300 series W123 wagon or sedan. Only the 240D was imported with a manual tranny.
The 3rd seat. IF it was factory installed it will have the 3 headrests between the 2nd and third seat. This was provided for whiplash protection for the last 2 passengers in the rear. You should also have 3 point seatbelts if it is factory installed. The aftermarket seats only had lap belts.
My son and his Friends have sat back there in a pinch. 6' 180Lbs. Its tight but doable.
Euro W123's were available in cloth. A US model was only imported with leather or MB tex ( which will last longer than leather) The Ac controls should be the CC 3 system. 5 horizontal buttons, a temp dial on the left side and a 3 button fan on the right side. If it has round levers and slides it is a euro car. Actually a simpler system. Less problems.

Dave

__________________
1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

I finally got the VIN from the mechanic and the news is not good!!!

The car has a junk title and has been in two accidents. It's a 1982 with atleast $1,500 worth of work needed. The engine and transmission is good but that's about it.

The tires are shot and the front suspension is horrible (one of the accidents was a head on). The back door is dented in as well as the driver's door. The mechanic said there is bondo on another one that is cracking. The only thing he told the truth about is that it's interior was in mint condition. I guess I just learned a $75 lesson not to have a mechanic look at a car until the VIN is provided and I run a check!


I may give up on getting a wagon. The wagon would have just been a third car but I think now a decent old van will work better. I do need to find a 300D (turbo) sedan for my main car.

Thanks for all of your help. If you run across a 300D (turbo) sedan please send me info on it (if it's near or in Florida).


Thanks again!!!

Sorry to hear that... but better than a $3500 mistake....
I am sure someone can find you one... we are always on the lookout.. even when we are not in the market ourselves...
Vans do have some advantages....

I am selling my 1983 300D Turbo in Florida.... check out the thread at http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=127869 - no rust, have all the records for the car since new.

I cannot handle no A/C...I think I would melt away!!!

I understand that.... I melt away everyday in that thing

No offense to Dennis, but at 6K nobody is gonna "jump" on it. For that $ it should be beyond clean and nice. It should need nothing. If so, it would be nice to get one from a forum member.
Good luck to you both. I still say you will love a wagon! (even if it smoked )

__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John