Diesel Market Value - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

t walgamuth · #31 11-08-2005, 06:20 PM

thanks for the compliment, i think, but i havent ever owned a 190. thanks for the estimate.

any other opinions?

tom w

rltorregrossa · #32 11-08-2005, 06:23 PM

Took this '84 300SD for a test drive today http://seattle.craigslist.org/car/107956390.html. 80k miles The asking price is $8900. Offered by a dealership specializing in bio diesel and green cars.

The interior was pretty good, although the driver's seat had some tears. The leather was ripped by the seatbelt retractors. The headliner was sagging a bit. In general, the interior was just ok. I would definately have to replace the seat.

The tranny was pretty jumpy. From what I've read here, these are supposed to shift pretty smoothly. This one was pretty jerky from first through third. Downshifting was smooth though.

Acceleration seemed good, though I don't really have enough experience with these vehicles to make a good judgement. Seemed like there was a lag between pedal action and accelleration - especially in the city. Once it was out on the highway, accelleration was smooth and quick.

Engine seemed to run pretty rough. When I was idling at a stop sign, the vehicle was shaking.

I gotta say, for $9k I would expect a smooth running engine and a very clean car. Definately not "perfect" as the ad describes.

Ra_ · #33 11-08-2005, 06:30 PM

I think you're in a tough buyer's market?

I read a story about a successful businessman who changed careers.
He became a Mercedes Wrangler.
He bought Benzes in L.A. and brought them up to the Northwest,
where the move to alternative fuels is very hot.

It might be well worth your while to travel to So Cal,
if you find something there that looks cherry online?

For $9000, you can probably score something very sweet,
if you are patient and look in the right places.

I recently got my SDL for $5000...
and it is a solid 9, in my book.
I really think I could sell it for $10K

Gleams like new. Beautiful interior, even the carpeting looks great.
Runs strong and quiet and gets 30mpg on the highway.

#34 11-08-2005, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ra_

I read a story about a successful businessman who changed careers.
He became a Mercedes Wrangler.
He bought Benzes in L.A. and brought them up to the Northwest,
where the move to alternative fuels is very hot.

I've wondered if you could make any money doing that. I guess you would have to know both the cars and the markets very well.

Ra_ · #35 11-08-2005, 06:46 PM

I think if you are one of those people who can fix these things,
you can definitely make some nice money.

Dealers, or even independants, will eat up the profits on a lot of cars,
if you have to resort to them.

If you can confidently diagnose problems,
you can get flawed vehicles at a good price
and then sell a fixed vehicle, in a better market.

rltorregrossa · #36 11-08-2005, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ra_

I think you're in a tough buyer's market?

I read a story about a successful businessman who changed careers.
He became a Mercedes Wrangler.
He bought Benzes in L.A. and brought them up to the Northwest,
where the move to alternative fuels is very hot.

It might be well worth your while to travel to So Cal,
if you find something there that looks cherry online?

For $9000, you can probably score something very sweet,
if you are patient and look in the right places.

I recently got my SDL for $5000...
and it is a solid 9, in my book.
I really think I could sell it for $10K

Gleams like new. Beautiful interior, even the carpeting looks great.
Runs strong and quiet and gets 30mpg on the highway.

I think you are probably right. I've pretty much given up on ebay, since it seems like you just get into insane bidding wars. Craigslist is a notch above, but even there dealers are becoming more and more of a presence (as are high prices).

Not a ding against these cars, they are great. But $9k or $10k takes the fun out of it. Who knows? Maybe these things will keep going up in price relative to the price of dino fuels.

By the way, after the diesel test drive, it was a real joy to jump back into my '72 108 4.5 and open her up on the way back to the office

There is just something about the way the 108's drive...

Ra_ · #37 11-08-2005, 07:19 PM

I was always a sports car guy, when I could afford better than junkers.
Now I'm finally ready to surrender to luxury.

With a performance car, you can't hardly ever enjoy it properly,
without risking trouble.

With a sumptuous luxury car,
you can enjoy it 100% of the time!

Love setting that cruise control for 80 and just rollin' all night.

RobTheMod · #38 11-08-2005, 11:06 PM

See attached pic, I really do believe that I stole this for $1500 given the current state of things! Purchased 4/25/05

t walgamuth · #39 11-09-2005, 07:34 AM

good luck with it.

tom w

Ra_ · #40 11-09-2005, 09:05 AM

Seems so odd that you can get a beautiful Mercedes Benz for such a small price.

Enjoy!

Mitch H · #41 11-09-2005, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rltorregrossa

Took this '84 300SD for a test drive today http://seattle.craigslist.org/car/107956390.html. 80k miles The asking price is $8900.

The condition is that of a $2000 car if the climate control and A/C work. The miles might make it a $3-3.5k car. I'd expect a near showroom 300D 2.5 for $9k, not a scruffy 126 that's ten years older. JMHO.

aroohk · #42 11-11-2005, 03:34 AM

So I picked this up in So Cali... Paid 1000.00 for the car with 409K on it, but it has been WELL serviced and cared for. The guy who owned it was told it needed a head gasket, but was out of control with maintaining the car. His mechanic moved him into a nice 1991 350SD he had taken in with really low miles since he was sick of dealing with the 300. I have had the car checked 6 ways to sunday, cant find any cross contamination, am not losing coolant, and the car is getting 24mpg mixed driving. I have put almost 600 miles on it since I got it, and could not be happier. It needs only a couple of things... Left rear window repair (plastic clip broke and I have the new ones in the trunk ready to install, sunroof guides replaced, power antenna rubber grommet, and the power rear seat disgnosed) otherwise it ALL works and works well. Temp control, seats, gauges, AC, etc, etc. Tell me what you think from the pictures... It was a desert car so there is some paint chipping on the front, but its getting a respray of the front wiper area, and the hood, and some euro lights! New tires and some window tint to round it out!

Hatterasguy · #43 11-11-2005, 10:15 PM

Very nice, and their are those amoung us that queston the mighty 603.

I want to see a pic of that speedo at 120mph when you roll over 500k.

You are due two mileage badges by the way. 250k, and 500k. I think the 1m is like 600k or 700k miles.

ceiii2000 · #44 11-11-2005, 11:45 PM

Well I just bought my first Mercedes. 1987 300SDL with 217K on it. I go pick it up in Arizona on Monday. I am paying $6000 for it and had decided that was as high as I would go. I know some are worth a bit more then that with maybe 90-100K on them in perfect shape.

I am also new to the forum and will have loads of questions.

H-townbenzoboy · #45 11-11-2005, 11:52 PM

That car has aged gracefully for a 1987 model with 409K miles. Try to find a 1987 model American car that still looks that good so many miles and years later.