Salvage totaled 300TD for $1k? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Randall Hansen · #1 04-21-2008, 01:06 PM

So, finally, the insurance company came back with a reasonable number for my wagon. Not what I want in a perfect world, but enough to buy the SDL and do all the work it needs, and then take Angie out for dinner

They're offering me the wagon ('84 300TD) for $1,025. The engine is in excellent condition (4 of 5 cylinders over 450psi when tested 2.5 years ago). The tires are nearly new. Most everything else (except for the frame!) is in good shape.

So it seems like I could part it out and come out ahead, but I have a kid on the way and need to focus on other things. I think I'd have trouble getting my money back on Craigslist, as a whole car, and I don't want it sitting in my driveway for 3 months.

Anyone have advice? I'm leaning towards leaving it with the insurance company.

vstech · #2 04-21-2008, 01:11 PM

what was the 5th cyl pressure?
how well maintained since CT?
what color? , interior?
third row seat?
100% or 60/40 fold down back seat?
tranny and engine should be worth that. did you have 15" or 16" wheels on it?
did the odo work? speedo clusters go for about 50.00 seats 200 or so,

lietuviai · #3 04-21-2008, 01:57 PM

If timing is critical you may just want to take the settlement. $1025 seems a bit steep for you to buy it back unless you can negotiate something less.
BTW, there appears to be a nice 80 300TD in the Portland CL for only $1000
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/car/650548178.html

cscmc1 · #4 04-21-2008, 02:01 PM

There are so many parts that are wagon-specific that I'd be hard pressed to pass on that if I were you. Maybe, as lietuviai suggested, try negotiating the buyout down and let that be your deciding factor. Can you store it for a couple months until you can start parting it out? The rear hatch, taillights, SLS parts, third row seats, etc... can really bring some decent $, and you could help out some forum members in the process. Alternatively, post it in the car classifieds here and see if anyone else would be interested at your buyout price plus a few dollars for your trouble.

Randall Hansen · #5 04-21-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

what was the 5th cyl pressure?
how well maintained since CT?
what color? , interior?
third row seat?
100% or 60/40 fold down back seat?
tranny and engine should be worth that. did you have 15" or 16" wheels on it?
did the odo work? speedo clusters go for about 50.00 seats 200 or so,

Very well maintained. The #4 cylinder was still about 400psi (don't remember exactly). I got it from the original owner, and he gave me a box of Mann filters. I've changed the oil myself religiously. Standard light yellow, tan MBTex, no third seat. Odometer's busted

bgkast · #6 04-21-2008, 04:02 PM

You could get $1K or so for the engine and transmission. If you do part it I'm interested in the rear sway bar!

babymog · #7 04-21-2008, 06:52 PM

I think you'd do well, if your time is worth nothing.

I just did something similar, bought an SDL for more than I should have, because I wanted the engine. I figured I could sell the remaining good parts to make up the difference, but at this point I'm realizing how miuch space, time, and labor that entails.

Depends on your interest and your resources.