I'm having trouble finding a diesel mercedes in Saint Louis... I have looked at two, a nice green 1980 300sd, and a blue 300cd coupe . I'm looking at this eBay car, it looks good in the pictures, and it is supposedly one owner.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1983-MERCEDES-300-DT-ONE-OWNER-ALL-RECORDS-BOOKS_W0QQitemZ130032182661QQihZ003QQcategoryZ6330QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#mainImage
However, it looks a little used car dealership-ish in the way of not describing many faults with the car, and on the feedback some guy was out 30+k from buying a totalled corvette from him . Should I steer away from this car, or does it look genuinely good? Also, if you have a diesel mercedes for sale or know someone who does who is in reasonable driving distance from STL, please let me know, thanks.

As always it pays to have someone really knowledgeable check it out before purchase. Also 94 percent feedback is getting kind of low. It usually does not get much poorer on ebay. Do not just buy from a picture basically. May be a good car and perhaps not. Edit I am correcting my own stats. Real feedback for us is the amount of sales divided by satisfied customers. Upon reflection his feedback is the worse I have ever seem. Most his fedback is in purchases. Car has to really be checked out. Most likely after a few more bad deals he will just re register and shaft a few more people. Ebay was never really safe and is getting worst with time in my opinion. You have to eliminate some of the risk. His feedback alone gives you adaquate warning.

You are only a few hours away so I would suggest a look see before buying. Or ask the seller to drive it to you for an evaluation

It does appear to be in average to good shape, however, I've no Idea what kind of actual maintenance it has had, what needs to be done now and whether or not it has ANY rust or body work.

Those kinds of things could only be determined by inspecting it especially if the seller has any suspect satisfaction statistics.

Maybe a forum member is located close to this seller's location and could help check it out for you.

Motor on

If you live in or near St. Louis, you might want to talk to Vince Layton. He's a w123 only guy who has his own shop. Moderates on the MBCA web site and posts here sometimes. He eats, sleeps and breathes these cars. I think he can probably help.

Kevin
1979 240D manual
1984 190D manual

Didn't even click on the link. 94% pos feedback is terrible.

Have somebody look at it for you if you can't yourself. I did with a truck I bought off ebay and the guy that checked it out for me knew more about what to look for on that particular truck than I did.

Cheers,

Bill

I'll get in touch with vince then, sounds good. I did find a very nice blue w123 coupe with 150k miles and 2 parts cars that came with it for 3000 dollars, I would have bought that right away but it wasnt the right time to do it. I'll look for his shop or ask my neighbor (who is the proud owner of 2 diesel mbs) if he knows where it is. Thanks alot for the help. I hope to be posting questions on how to fix these 20 year old german cars soon.

I've been eBaying for almost ten years. His feedback is lower than I'd like, the guy who bought the vette has a feedback rating of 4, so is a rookie also.

What I see: The seat back nets sag, I fixed mine for less than a buck. The oil pressure gage has been replaced by an older one from a '82 or earlier. Spots on the drivers floor mat back up the fact it has a leak at one time. Looks like the drivers under dash panel is hanging, or just not fastened correctly. There is an after-market alarm installed, how butchered is the wiring harness? Does it have the right battery installed? Mine is huge compared to this one. I don't like the armor-all tire look, would have to see it in person.

What I read: Has every maintenance receipt? Should be able to verify milage then. Makes a statement that odometer is exempt, I had a used car dealer mark that once, on a low milage van.

I'd look at it in person, and drive it, and check witht the local BBB and chamber of commerce to see how the dealer has done in the past. If it's as nice in person, would be worth the current bid. Good luck, Chuck

__________________
2000 C230 Kompressor "Frosty"

2007 PT Cruiser
2001 VW TDI Beetle
1999 Landrover Discovery II
1971 Corvette

Gone: 97 Cabrio, 83 240D, 93 VW Eurovan, 95 Volvo 850, 93 Chevy Astro Van, 77 VW Bus, 99 VW Jetta, 74 VW Bus

The seller can't spell truth.

Wonder if he can spell honest?

Or dishonest?

Cheers,

Bill