85 300d 75,000k san diego $3000, isn't - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

buck moberly · #1 02-15-2006, 03:36 AM

I drove 400 miles today. To buy a 85 300d with 75,000k in "very clean" condition, $3000. Listed in San Diego craigs list.
It turned out to be a 81 with a salvage title.

Just a warning.

t walgamuth · #2 02-15-2006, 05:20 AM

and you didnt do physical harm to the seller?

sometimes sellers get pissed at me for asking a million questions over the phone, but i have driven a long way too many times to find misrepresentation on the part of the seller.

hope it was a nice drive otherwise.

tom w

pawoSD · #3 02-15-2006, 10:41 AM

I'm probably going to drive across michigan on Saturday to pick up a laptop I'm likely going to win on ebay.....

kerry · #4 02-15-2006, 10:42 AM

I posted a thread on these kinds of issues over on open discussion a few weeks ago. I've had repeated problems like this over the past year since I've been looking to replace my motorhome. What do the sellers think? A potential buyer will show up and simply ignore the obvious problems they were not informed about? They travelled a long distance so will purchase it anyway despite the flaws?

ConnClark · #5 02-15-2006, 10:43 AM

Even if it was an 85, in my opinion an 85 300D or SD with californian emissions isn't worth it. Trust me. Now if it were an 84....

lietuviai · #6 02-15-2006, 10:47 AM

Did you put post your own listing (i.e. RE:85 300D...) on CL warning others to avoid that bogus listing?

arcticathlon · #7 02-15-2006, 11:13 AM

Quote:

I'm probably going to drive across michigan on Saturday to pick up a laptop I'm likely going to win on ebay.....

what is the auction number?

#8 02-15-2006, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

and you didnt do physical harm to the seller?

sometimes sellers get pissed at me for asking a million questions over the phone, but i have driven a long way too many times to find misrepresentation on the part of the seller.

hope it was a nice drive otherwise.

tom w

If I could have all the miles back that I have driven to look at misrepresented JUNK I could probably drive to the moon and back. Not only are most people ignorant when it comes to car condition and terminology, but there are too many people that deliberately misrepresent.

Have a great day,

ohiomike · #9 02-15-2006, 11:56 AM

I Use A Hard And Fast Rule. Fax Me A Copy Of The Title, The Registration And Possibly One Repair Order From A Dealer Plus Do A Carfax.

This Method Reduces Chances Of Fraud, Misrepresentation And Provides The Truth As To What The Car Really Is. Then You Add The Pictures And Answers To Questions By The Seller.

Yes, I Have Been Swindled Too But Now Limit The Odds By Doing The Above. Plus It Gives Grounds For Using Local/federal Authorities If You Get Taken And Need Recourse. Laws Protect Buyer Somewhat For Seller Mis-representation And False Statements Causing Inducements To Buy.

NoCalMer · #10 02-15-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConnClark

Even if it was an 85, in my opinion an 85 300D or SD with californian emissions isn't worth it. Trust me. Now if it were an 84....

Please explain since this is what I have and looks like you own one too.I have only had it a couple of months so I am still a newbie. Is the trap the only thing that slows it down?Thanks

ConnClark · #11 02-15-2006, 04:58 PM

The Trap oxidizer is the big strike against it as it steals power and rapes you at the gas pump. The fact that your intake manifold, exhaust manifold, turbo, and down tube are different is another. The price and availability of air filters is the final strike.

EDIT: I forgot the fact that the trap oxidizer could have damaged your turbo. Get the trap ox recall work done ASAP if you still have a trap ox.

Diesel Giant · #12 02-15-2006, 04:59 PM

Hmmmm that sounds like a very common issue. Sellers generally do not know what the heck they are selling when it comes to the oil burners.

Diesel Giant · #13 02-15-2006, 06:25 PM

A little paint on the hind quarter never hurt anyone.

vollpreuss · #14 02-15-2006, 07:35 PM

BTDT - Once drove 400+ miles one way to buy a "rust free" 82 300TD with a "dirty" interior and "somewhat" faded paint. What I learned is judicious electronic photos can make a vehicle look a lot better than it really is. Mix that with smooth talking outbuilding/siding salesman you have a recipe for a nice weekend drive. The interior was essentially trashed. The clear coat had been buffed off during an attempt to make the car shiny. You could poke your finger through the rust on the interior bottom seam on the driver door and tailgate bottom. Needless to say I passed on the purchase with a very good lesson.

nuckingfuts · #15 02-15-2006, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryBible

If I could have all the miles back that I have driven to look at misrepresented JUNK I could probably drive to the moon and back. Not only are most people ignorant when it comes to car condition and terminology, but there are too many people that deliberately misrepresent.

Have a great day,

I always loved taking a sight unseen trade in the car business. Over the phone we always asked questions on a scale of one to ten. Paint, body, interior, engine, tires, etc.... When they say it is an 8 it is actually a 5 or 6. Then hit the poor thing waaaaay back of book. It is not car salesmen who are the liars. It is anyone trying to sell a car.....kinda like fishing....little white lies.