http://denver.craigslist.org/car/90342936.html

I've already emailed asking how he knows they are original.

Hell, I have a hard time beleiving the miles on this guys car http://denver.craigslist.org/car/89374662.html and he has twice as many posted (he won't return my emails... People don't seem to like pointed questions.)

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B
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1983 300SD

You don't have sufficient data or photographs to help confirm the mileage on either vehicle.

Naturally to believe the first one, with 80K on the clock, you would need to see it in person and go over it rather carefully, and, even in this case, there is some risk.

But, with 180K on the clock, what possibly could lead you to a false mileage claim on this vehicle, with the few photos presented?

Two things: One I'm pretty burned out looking at cars and have dealt with a plethora of bums which leads me to think everyone is full of it. Two, their is an "~" in front of the miles, which I read as approximately. It could be seen as some sort of hi-lighting indicating a desirable feature. But I don't see it this way due to reason number one, and the fact that my few questions (original miles, AC and cruise work, did it grow up in arizona, any rust [before paiting]?) haven't been answered. That's not too much to ask, is it?

Sorry if I'm jaded...

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B
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1983 300SD

It's impossible not to become jaded when you deal with the caliber of individuals who typically sell cars for a living.

How many of them can actually put an intelligent sentence together?

Many of them are intentionally mis-representing the vehicle to maximize their profit. Almost all of them are failing to disclose known issues regarding the operation of various mechanical components.

Herb Phillips gets all pissed off when I say this, but, what the hell:

It doesn't take a genius to push metal for a living.

I don't see any obvious reason to doubt the mileage of either car. They are both local, have you seen them in person? The photos are pretty useless. Pay attention to the transmission on the 82, mine needed replacing at <250K (apparently they were weaker than the later years of the turbo).

I love to see a clean engine, but when I see an engine compartment that has been sprayed with tire lacquer, I automatically turn and run..

What are "Arizonian tires" as mentioned in the second ad?

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1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

Arizonians are the cheap store brand at Discount Tire stores.

Whether it has 80,000 or 280,000 miles is not the issue when buying a 20 year old used car. There are three main issues when buying such a car: CONDITION, Condition and condition. PERIOD!

Sure, low mileage is desirable, but overall condition is MUCH more important.

Good luck,

My second SD came with Arizonian tires. They were round and held air. My 300SE came with Bridgestone tires I would have gladly swapped for Arizonians.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

I thought the Arizonian tires were indicative of general condition associated with the terms "California car", "southern car" "Arizona car etc. " as opposed to tires that only work well in "moderate to high temperatures with average to low humidity"

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1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

I'm always doubt the mileage claims on these W123's. Just do a search on odometer repair with in the list.

Odometers can slip for years before someone gets it fixed. I looked at a low mileage car where the gas and brake pedals were worn noticably more than cars I've seen with 200k on them.

Condition condition condition. Low mileage just seems to extract a higher price, not always a better car.

Michael

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Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E

I have never heard Arizonian as such a general term in describing tires, but that does not mean that it is not the case.

My Dad used to buy Arizonians at Discount Tire and thought he was getting a good deal. There it was a proper name emblazoned on the sidewall of the tire. Maybe the tires were okay, but I was never impressed with them.

Have a great day,

What do ya know? I emailed (under a different email from the frist time) the second ad for the $2700 300d with the simple question of "do you still have the car for sale." Immediate response of "yeah, haven't been able to show it yet, first person that sees it takes it. Do you want to come look at it." I say, "could you answer some questions first?" Then asked basically the same questions as before. Can you guess what happened? No response. I guess he doesn't want my $$$. Or more properly put, he doesn't want a buyer like me, because I'll find some holes in his story, or his car

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B
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1983 300SD

[QUOTE=Brian Carlton] Almost all of them are failing to disclose known issues regarding the operation of various mechanical components.
[QUOTE]

But Brian, IIRC I seem to remember you(or leathermang) giving someone some advice on selling their car that advised something to that effect.

'Don't ask don't tell'

I don't understand why people get upset with sellers, you don't have to buy their wares. It's just the frustration of the never-ending search gettin' to ya. At some point one must either poop or get off the pot. It's up to you to do your homework at all times. At any rate, doesn't matter how many miles are on them they all will need something.

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'02 BMW 325i
'85 300D 450k
'93 190E 2.6 170k(killed by tree)
'08 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S 6k
'06 Ducati S2R800 14k(sold)

Well, I'm a firm believer of not telling the potential buyer what you have already repaired on the vehicle. If you give most of them a laundry list of the parts that have been put into the vehicle, they get the idea that this vehicle is a lemon and that they had better find a better one.

I am not a champion of failing to disclose known defects in the mechanical condition. This is outright deceit and, if you have any integrity, you don't do it. If the vehicle has items that don't function properly, you have a duty to disclose those items, if you are aware of them.