Hello everybody. I've lurked here for a while soaking up information but this is my first post. I looked at a 1974 240D the other day that is in decent shape. Slight rust on left quarter panel otherwise rust free. A few small dings and a scratched up door that looks like a child took a sharp object and went to work on it. Interior could probably clean up to fair condition. Also has sunroof. Has aftermarket aluminum wheels plus originals. Problem is he bought it as a project and has never heard it run. He was told the timing chain had skipped a tooth. He said he replaced tensioner and could not time injection pump. I have good mechanical skills and don't believe I would have much trouble overcoming these problems. I think I can get the car for about $200.
My question is if the engine cannot be brought back to life easily such as valves crashed into pistons, can I make my money back on the parts? He is leaving for a trip to europe soon and I will not have time to perform any diagnosis before he leaves. By the way, it has an auto transmission. Thanks everybody. Sorry for the long post.

Location: Northwest Arkansas

That is not a long post except to someone new... LOL
The first thing you should do it place your location in the block at the top right.. like most people do..
I can not imagine you losing money on that deal...
unless you live in the middle of Death Valley... Greg

Where in NW arkansas? If you have basic mechanic skills, a decent set of tools, and internet access, you should be able to save it assuming the internals are damaged. I have family in the Harrison area. G'Luck, Chuck.