Looking & Possibly buying a 240d tomorrow. Tips?

[derburger]

Still looking for my first MB diesel, I might have found it. I'll be looking at a white 83' 240d manual tomorrow. It has 160,000 miles, has some service records, rebuilt engine (P.O blew it up...?) A/c worked last summer, currently tagged and licensed but it has been sitting for a few months because the owner bought a new VW. I can't drive a manual yet, so i'll have a friend test drive it for me. The owner said there is some slight surface rust, but it is not rusted through. What should I especially look out for on this car? If I do buy it I'll change out all the fluids, filters, do a diesel purge and valve adjustment. I'll offer 2,000 and see what happens. What should I look out for on this car, and what are some things I can do to see if the car is in good mechanical shape (newbie)? Thanks for your help, and hopefully if it's a good car I'll soon have the slowest yet loudest car at school!

[Knightrider966]

It would be really hard to explain all you would have to look at when buying and the buyer is usually biased! I know I was, but I'm a mechanic as well as a former Chrysler engineer. I would really recommend you take it to a mechanic you can trust for the inspection. You will get a unbiased opinion and a negotiable point for any repairs needed!

[JackG]

Pull a Vehicle History Report before offering any cash. Check vin tag #'s against # on firewall. Take someone along that knows MB and can give you experenced advice. A wise Man seeks councel. This is your first MB, don't go it alone

[networkboy]

Originally Posted by Knightrider966

It would be really hard to explain all you would have to look at when buying and the buyer is usually biased! I know I was, but I'm a mechanic as well as a former Chrysler engineer. I would really recommend you take it to a mechanic you can trust for the inspection. You will get a unbiased opinion and a negotiable point for any repairs needed!

Single best advice.
If you like the car offer to buy it contingent on a mechanic inspection at your expense. It should cost about $100 (1 hr shop labor) for a bumper to bumper inspection. It can only save you money in the long run:

1. car is trash run away. That $100 saved you a minimum of $1K
2. car is ok but has issues. That $100 gives you negotiating room and a list of where to start fixing it up.
3. Car is a gem (in the rough?) *score* you're so happy you don't care about the extra $100 on the price and you have peace of mind (priceless).

-nB