300D project car - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ayrtonsenna · #1 09-06-2006, 03:20 AM

i was offered a 1983? 300d parts/project car for $350. the car seems to be in decent condition with not a lot of rust. it doesn't run, and i'm not even sure if there's an engine or not. should i haggle? what do these things usually go for?

Jim B. · #2 09-06-2006, 04:01 AM

You've posted here before that you are looking for a diesel project car, and it would be nice if on this one you could throw up a picture of two, but certainly $350 isn't much for an '83 W123 300D turbodiesel. If it's a US spec '83, it would be a turbodiesel.

Since you are in Mass. you shoud check the body really carefully, for rust, the W123 *does* rust, and you ought not to buy a rusty car to fix up.

You should pop the hood though, and see if there is a motor in there, dead or not.

Is there some way to get an idea of the history of the car, any books or records, talk to whoever is the owner and get an idea of what happened to it when it was last run and how it came to be in this state? How many miles are showing on the car? If it's an '83, its still new enough to run a CARFAX on it, get an idea of the history and mileage. Has it been sitting a long time? Is the motor truly ruined beyond repair, or could it be rebuilt?

You've no way to know the state of the transmission if the engine won't run-or is not in the car, so it is a gamble, you might have to spend the $$$ for a rebuilt motor or another engine, a transmission rebuild, will it need a radiator, battery, brakes, tires, AC recharge, vacuum lines, who knows what else?

The price difference between FREE and $350 means little, so it doesn't much matter whether you pay $350 or get it for nothing, it still might wind up costing more than it's worth to get it running, never mind the issue of rust.

Don't get me wrong, the 300D turbo are great cars, and since you already own a 240 you probably know that, Consumer Reports said back in 1978 the 300D was the best car they ever tested in the entire history of their testing up to that time, so they are great old cars, but you might keep in mind that there are good running rust free examples out there for a lot more money, $2500 to 3500 would get a REAL nice one, but the parts costs alone could add up quick if the free -to $350 car turns out to be a basket case you wind up restoring.

The old saying that the cheapest Mercedes can end up being the most expensive one is always worth keeping in mind.

But then, if you have your mind set on fixing up a "project" car, and having fun and gaining experience while doing it, this could still work out with a car like this, or with another diesel.

Go back and look at the car again, and ask all the questions you can to get a clear idea of the past history, true condition, and cost to rebuild the car before making an offer on it.

Just some of my thoughts.