Hello,

I'm starting to look around for a 1981 - 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TD wagon. I'd love some advice on where to look, what to look for, and what to pay. I've checked out eBay in recent weeks and am baffled by the range of prices--$2,000 - $10,000. The car would be my daily driver, and I'd have trouble with large, unexpected repair bills.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Brian

Unless the car is local I'd stay away from Ebay.

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JWJ
1983 MB 300D - > 430,000 miles - Deep Blue - Bilstein Comforts - 0-60 in 24 seconds - 27MPG
1985 MB 300TD (wagon) - > 275,000 miles - Manila Beige - Thule rack - 0-60 in 18 seconds - 22 - 25MPG
Biodiesel, Mobil Delvac 1, and Viton fuel lines!

If you cannot do any work on it yourself, you probably will not be happy with a car that old.

But the 123 wagon is one sweet high quality car. It has a lot to maintain on it though in contrast to the simple 240d. The leveling suspension, power seats, automaitc heat and cool, power windows, a sunroof, automatic tranny and cruise control, but all these items are long lived, so if you buy a clean well maintained car in which everything works, you may be pretty happy.

But don't buy any old mercedes unless you have it checked out by a very experienced mercedes mechanic, including a compression test.

The tranny should shift perfectly too. They shift firmly but not harshly and should not slip at all.

For a really excellent one I would expect to pay near the ten thou mark.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

What power seats?

My '85 wagon doesn't have power seats.

Was that an option back then?

__________________
JWJ
1983 MB 300D - > 430,000 miles - Deep Blue - Bilstein Comforts - 0-60 in 24 seconds - 27MPG
1985 MB 300TD (wagon) - > 275,000 miles - Manila Beige - Thule rack - 0-60 in 18 seconds - 22 - 25MPG
Biodiesel, Mobil Delvac 1, and Viton fuel lines!

Sunroof is manual in a TD so it has very few problems. Big difference is the hydropneumatic suspension but I think it is well worth it. It's one of the best features of the wagon. They do command a premium price nowadays.Cream colored ones are even more valuable since that's the color that John Lennon owned.
There's a significant power difference between the 79-80 NA versions and the 81-- turbo versions.
Be prepared to look for a long time unless you get really lucky. I'd say it could easily take 6 months to a year to find one in good condition at a reasonable price. I agree, to stay away from Ebay unless the car is local to you.
Got mine once it was traded in at a local Chrysler dealer and they mistakenly posted a low price on an internet ad which then by law they had to honor.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13