Hello. I found a nice looking 300SDL on Craigslist. It's a 1986 300SDL with 253,000 miles. Drives and shifts fine. Timing chain has been changed and Turbo has been rebuilt. Nothing about AC condition. He is asking $2900 and I have sent him an email regarding the condition of the interior and AC as well as Vacuum system.

Dark Blue (which looks very good from the supplied 4 pics) with Grey Interior

Is that a fair price for the condition he claims it to be in, or should I stay away because of the miles?

Nick

no timing belts on this engine.. a timing chain yes.. no belt..

I'd ask for complete vehicle records seeing as it is one of the 603's and any sign of overheating is bad

Sorry, I meant chain. I'll have to ask if he has the service records to go along with it...

Yeah, I wouldn't want a cracked head...

Thanks
Nick

It will still run with a cracked head.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

A word to the wise:

There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes.

If you don't thoroughly understand the issues and the condition of this vehicle......do not purchase it.

@lietuviai: Yes, I know

@ Brian Carlton: Thats why I've been researching all of these things. Some of it is just for ****s and giggles too, but it's nice to know all of the defects and repair techniques with these cars

Thanks,
Nick

Unless you've got a lot of experience with this specific model vehicle, I'd strongly recommend that you get an independent mechanic or a dealer to go through it and find all the "problems". There is virtually no chance of you being successful in identifying all issues without some outside help.

Many of these vehicles with such mileage are much better to walk away from........fast.

Don't walk, run!

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Yep as Brian said, most are junk. Show me almost any SDL for sale and in 20 minutes I'll show you $2k worth of problems.

These cars are old, you really need to know exactly what you are looking at. If you don't you cannot tell if its a good buy or not.

I suggest getting a cold drink and doing some research in the archives. Lots of good information.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

If you can get it fully straightened out for $2K..........it's a veritable steal.

Some of them take $5K.

Some take $12K.

Some take $25k!

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Yep........some people are..........

Some people have nothing else to spend our money on.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

.........you will........just a matter of time........any day now........

Actualy this year I have been better...my car is just about at the bottom of the list these days. I rather put money into my business...

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200