So, you think a 1984 300D is worth this much? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Uriah · #1 11-15-2005, 03:40 PM

$2500.00? The car is extremely clean, runs, looks, and drives very nice, and wonder of wonders, everything works on it. I mean, everything. Sunroof cruise, the whole nine yards... save for the radio and antenna.

It's showing 135K, but is being sold as TMA (true mileage unknown). It's a 84 4 door 300D, has the original spare, original manuals, first aid kit (never opened), complete tool kit, even the saftey triangle on top of the inside of the truck. Seems to have a good turbo and automatic as well.

I MIGHT get it tomorrow, if we can work out a trade. I'm currently driving a 92 190E (complete with new timing chain, rebuilt top end, ect...), and a 1988 BMW 735iL. I LOVE the 735, but it worries me as the car can quickly cost more in repairs then I could ever get out of it. It's got plenty of power (3.4 six), creature comforts (power EVERYTHING including the heated backseat), legroom, it's extremely fast, gets decent mileage, handles really really good for a boat, turns, stops, oh, and did I mention surpreme comfort?

Again though, it's got 1000 subsystems that are known to fail and cost a war pension to fix.

Meaning, the 300D in all it's simplicity is looking good, it'll get slightly better fuel economy (I get 23.5 with the Beemer, and gas is cheaper then diesel around here), but I don't think it rides near as well, has anywhere near the power, the handleing, the braking (I like to drive fast down these mountain roads), but again, the 300D should be problem free.... should be.

Oh, I found a 1979 240D with a 4 speed and 200+K on it (complete with rust) for $900.00. I've had a few, and a John Deere garden tractor will give them a real run for the money. Still, for $900.00... It's ultra simple, manual sliding sunroof, manual windows, ect... I imagine like a euro taxi or something. Says it gets about 31mpg around town, and 28 on the highway.... sounds about right, considering it gets driven 80mph (likely).

Anyway, if I don't get those 2, I found a nice 87 BMW 325, and a 86 BMW 318i, both of which SHOULD get the same economy as the 300D, and be a little (lot) more sporting. They'll last awhile as well, but I think I really want the 300D.

Kinda sucks, as besides my (horror of horrors) love afair with FOMOCO products (older), I have a real soft spot for Mercedes and BMWs... ok and British stuff as well, mainley Land Rovers and certain Jags.

boneheaddoctor · #2 11-15-2005, 03:45 PM

If its in that sort of shape with everything working and no rust its definately worth $2,500

Uriah · #3 11-15-2005, 03:50 PM

If I don't get it by this weekend, and anybody is interested, I'll give you a heads up... btw, it's $2500.00 neg, meaning he'll deal a little. I'm sure the rusty 79 240D (another dealer I sometimes use) for $900.00 can be had for a little less as well.

I'm gonna try to trade my 735iL for it, if I get it. Again, I LOVE my 7, but Lord, it makes me cringe everytime I think of future repair costs for a 3K car... tops. There's a reason you can get a 18 year old 70K car for peanuts.

stayalert · #4 11-15-2005, 03:51 PM

stop gloating and buy it.

#5 11-15-2005, 03:58 PM

Just for reference, there's an 84 300D/turbo for sale at a dealer specializing in "nice" imports-they actually have a good rep and are in a good area. It looks like its been repainted decently, but is otherwise in great shape appearance wise. They're asking $6900. When I bought mine, seller wanted $3500, and it had 220K and some rust. I didn't pay that, but these cars can hold some value and are becoming kind of "cool" to have.

300SDog · #6 11-15-2005, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uriah

If I don't get it by this weekend, and anybody is interested, I'll give you a heads up... btw, it's $2500.00 neg, meaning he'll deal a little. I'm sure the rusty 79 240D (another dealer I sometimes use) for $900.00 can be had for a little less as well.

PM sent regarding the 240D....

Uriah · #7 11-15-2005, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 240DieselDog

PM sent regarding the 240D....

Received. I sent the contact info for you. You SHOULD be able to call them up until 1800 this evening.

redassag00 · #8 11-15-2005, 08:56 PM

FWIW, Im a Ford Fan here, too, I picked up a 83 W123 300D for 750 the other day, 160K, but its a rag doll, which is what I named her. I am pretty mechanically inclined, and with the help of this website I expect to be able to do 98% of the work on the car myself.

Don't let the fact that its a MB scare you. PArts are pretty reasonable for W123s IMO, and readily available. Just keep in mind, if you buy the nicest example, it will probably need something. So I bought one that needs almost everything. And with all the great people and articles on this site, I have begun the slow process of transforming my Rag Doll (insert the Frankie Valli Song here) into a nice daily driver. I've only had it for 3 weeks, but its 100% better than it was when I got it. I have the seats out if it now, doing the pool noodle, spring repair, and sheepskin seat cover install. I will be doing suspension work tomorrow (took vacation time to do that!) and I will be able to use it to and from work since it will be safe to drive!!!

Now If I could chase those 5000 oil leaks down....