Adding to the collection
 

I stumbled upon an 85 300DT (wagon) in the paper. I checked it out, and I'm thinking of making it my second car (with my 83 300D). It has 250K miles. The body has no rust anywhere. The downsides: the whole brake system is shot (master cylinder, lines, two calipers) and the windshield is broken. I've done brakes before with junkyard parts. The engine and transmission seem ok. Some oil on the outside of the block. He wants $500 for it. 250K isn't alot for a diesel I guess but it seems alot compared to mine (170K). What do you guys think? Is it going to cost me a lot to fix it up?

how about the SLS? that can cost a fortune. could be a good parts car for someone with a wagon, though:D :D :D

I don't know about SLS. I have not dealt with wagons before, just sedans. What should I look for? I'm thinking also of putting my engine in its good body since my engine is in pristine condition.

Wont work without switching heads since the wagon engine has a hydraulic pump built into the head for the rear suspension.

if the engine runs well it is worth 500, probably. if the sls has a glaring problem the car might sit low or high in back. if you cannot drive it because of the brakes you wont be able to evaluate it very far. if you can drive it the suspension should provide a superior ride to a sedan. and no bounciness.

the brakes are fairly easy to repair so dont worry about that, but not being able to drive it will prevent you from checking tranny driveshaft and rear end function. of those things the tranny is the most likely to be a problem and the most expensive to repair.

good luck.

the wagons are sweet when everything works but there is more to keep up on them.

tom w