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  #1  
Old 03-23-2007, 10:35 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Atlanta Georgia
Posts: 49
Question Help me reach a decision

Sorry this is a long post.

I've found that I have reached a point where I need to make a difficult decision about the fate of my 300sd. By the end of April, I will no longer have a place to work on the car (I currently live in an apt), and recently the transmission has died (burned forward clutch). The car has 325k miles, is in ok shape but not great, and the transmission shop wants 1600 to do a full rebuild.

I paid 2800 two years ago, the engine is in pretty good shape, a/c no longer works, the paint is ok if waxed, and I am halfway done changing out some of the bad rubber bushings, etc...) At this point I live on a very small fixed income (grad student) so 1600 is doable but will hurt. What I need help with is trying to decide whether to fix the car. I have been unable to source a reasonably priced replacement trans. or I would just change it now.

Recently I have seen another 300sd with less miles, (270k) in better shape, with working A/C, and a freshly rebuilt transmission for 3000. The other option is to pickup a newer diesel pickup for 3000 to 5000, (something like a late 80's early 90's F250). I do not want to drive a gasser!

So I have all these options, and need to make a decision. I like my 300sd but I worried I'm spending too much on this car, and could use my money better, and I thought that input from some disinterested parties might help me make the best decision.

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  #2  
Old 03-23-2007, 10:38 PM
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$1600 sounds high to me given the value of the car. The Pull and Save around here charges $125 for a transmission. I'd be looking for something like that.
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  #3  
Old 03-23-2007, 11:14 PM
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I agree with Kerry.

You can't put $1600. into a vehicle with 325K on the engine. You have to consider the possibility that the engine might give you a serious problem in the next 75K miles. Yes, some of them go 500K........but, usually not.

Either you have to find a lower priced trans..........or you must go with an alternate vehicle.
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  #4  
Old 03-23-2007, 11:18 PM
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I third the pull a part solution. It''l keep you in the car and stay within the $ range.
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  #5  
Old 03-23-2007, 11:50 PM
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I'll 4th the pull-n-save plan.

$1600 is more than alot of these cars are worth with that kind of millage.
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  #6  
Old 03-24-2007, 12:21 AM
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Location: Atlanta Georgia
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I already hit the local Sacramento Pick n Pull (first stop actually after the trans shop), 1 burned one, one already disassembled and one with the same miles. The turn over is pretty slow (3 months or so). The big problem is really the loss of a place to work on it, otherwise I would just park the car until one showed up at the yard. I'll probably call silver star? recyclers tomorrow, but then tend to be really expensive for a used part.

The condition of the engine really is the big unknown, I think the timing chain was probably replaced shortly before I got it (minimal/no chain stretch as of the last valve adj.) and everything else seems to be ok. I don't actually drive that much though, so 50-75k miles would last me about 10 years.

I appreciate the replies, I realize I should probably just get rid of it, but I really like the car.
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  #7  
Old 03-24-2007, 02:35 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 117
I might be able to help you!

dguy210

I have a tranny that may work for you and I am also in Sacramento. I believe Silverstar wants about $400 for a used one. I would let mine go for considerably less. PM me and we can discuss the particulars.

Sedecrem
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  #8  
Old 03-24-2007, 02:57 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sedecrem View Post
dguy210

I have a tranny that may work for you and I am also in Sacramento. I believe Silverstar wants about $400 for a used one. I would let mine go for considerably less. PM me and we can discuss the particulars.

Sedecrem
AHAH!! see there you go. Now buy this transmission, It's available now. Buy a case, or three of beer, and invite some of your friends over to help. You'll get that sucker knocked out, in a few short hours right in the parking lot, or even at one of their houses. Just supply the food, and beer. Do the bulk of the work yourself so they don't feel used anyways, and just make a party out of it. You'll really only need one or two people to help you.
I'd still say do it yourself, but if you fear for time, and know yourself that well, you'd probably be better off doing it with help. You could also talk to a local gas station shop about putting it in. It will only take him a few hours, and they've got a lift and do it all the time. They do not need to be a very good mechanic, or Mercedes shop, or tranny shop. It's just an install, nuts/bolts, and a tranny jack along with a few misc. vacuum lines, and an electrical connection or three. If memory serves, you won't even need to drop the exhaust for that job.
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  #9  
Old 03-24-2007, 12:25 PM
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Losing the place to work on it is a big deal. With these old cars you either need to do the work yourself, or have a check book healthy enough to do the work for you.

I hate to say it but for now, $3k-$5k will get you a decent Toyota.

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