ok, so im new to the Mercedes. I just moved from Louisiana to Oregon (near corvallis) and i have drove a 1983 300D turbo diesel and im very very impressed.

so far the owner of the car he says i should look for a

1982-1985 300d

or a 1979-1985 300SD.

my first question is what is the difference between these 2 models?

2nd- Are any of these years models to be avoided or recommended? (example my wifes old 94 nissan sentra were famous for having a back leaking window)

3rd - what should i expect to pay for a car such as these?

4th - what is the average gas mileage out of a diesel such as these on the city? interstate? and how many miles can a MB generally go with regular maintance.... 300k? 400? . i suppose my question is at what point should i think to my self . ok... thats way to many miles on this car for me to buy it.

ok,
last question.

a guy in nevada has a 1984 300SD but he says the "timing chain" needs replacement. he says its about a 100 dollar part plus gaskets but im wondering how much it would cost to replace it. i know its labor intensive.
anyone know? ive heard 1300-3000.
the car costs 1000 bucks btw and he says he dropped in a new engine and transmission 40k miles ago.

i could handle 1000-1500 in labor at most or would i be better off just looking for a different MB.

sorry for all the questions but im very very new at this and i just need someone to put out a guiding hand.

Thanks for your time.
Austin Craig