My childern are killing me buying cars. I am looking at a 1980 240 D 4 speed with a good body and interior and 158k Miles for my daughter. I know that ya'll like this model as there is nothing to break on it. I am going to drive the car Wednesday. Any pointers on the clutch or any suggestions would be appreciated. An Independant Mercedes Mechanic has it and is offering a 12 month 12000 mile warrenty on the drive train all for 4500. Of course I will have the car checked before I buy it. Thanks for your time.

Paul
1999 E300DT

For that price it better not have any rust whatsoever!! Look behind the real wheels at the bottom edges of the body. Remove the spare tire and look under there. Look underneath the hinges for the hood. Ask the guy has the timing chain ever been replaced. If he is a mechanic ask him to perform a compression test while you are watching and see how close the numbers are from cyl to cyl. For this amount of money this auto should be in excellent condition.

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Jim

The 240D would be an ideal teenagers car. When my son turned 16, I gave him my 4 Speed 240D and it served him well, even though it had 450,000 miles on it.

I got my daughter a 300D, but was lied to about oil usage, so it hasn't worked out well.

The problem with a 300D is that you add about 25% of torque, but you "give" the added torque back to the automatic transmission.

It will be much better for a teenager to have some time in a stick shift car and gain proficiency. Then, after that, they are qualified to drive whatever they wish.

And yes, like the others say, $4500 is a premium price for a 240D, but if it is a really solid car with warranty, it may be worth it.

Good luck,

$4500 is way too much. I paid 1000 for a 78 24-d. The only thing wrong with it at the time was the tires. My 240 has not a spot of rust and the inside is cherry. I have since then replaced the starter and one flex disc. My wife drives everywhere all the time without any worries. We love that slow but sure car. I have seen many diesels ads and none have come anywhere near that price. You should be able to get the same car for less some where else. Good luck

Thanks for the advice guys. I drove the car Wednesday and inspected the car closely for rust. Pulling the spare tire as suggested showed rust spots. The hinges were good on the hood and the timing chain has been done. The car ran well and seemed to shift with out any problems. Temp was OK Braking was OK. No leaks or unexplained noises.

I then took your advice on the price VS overall condition and made a reasonable offer which the fellow declined. I will continue looking for a car in the Upstate of South Carolina. Have a great day and thanks for keeping me from spending too much.

Paul

1999 E300DT