Do I take it back? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

RSGreasil · #1 06-03-2008, 03:28 PM

We've been looking for an older Mercedes diesel to convert to run on veggie oil, and slowly restore. We've never owned a diesel before.
Against my warnings, my husband bought a 1984 300D with 182K, for $2500 without taking it in for a pre-purchase inspection. At the post purchase inspection, it turned out to be a disaster. The mechanic gave us a 5 page laundry list. Some of the highlights are as follows:

Complete set of brakes, mounts, and maybe a master cylinder
New Windshield (I have to admit, I don't see the crack)
Complete exhaust system
AC compressor and probable recharge
Engine mounts (oh yeah, it's just sitting in there)
Air cleaner mounts
All 4 tires
Transmission work - shift bushings, idler bushings maybe more
Oil cooler leak (not bad yet)
Fuel injector returns leaking
V belts cracked (I have to admit, I don't even know what this one is)
Rear windows inoperable - maybe switch, or off track
And various undiagnosed electrical problems like cruise control, inner headlights, wipers.

All of this is in addition to some rather extensive body work - ie - it has a badly crazed paint job, right through the primer in places, rust, and the piece de resistance - a 3 inch rot hole in the floor at the right front (they're not sure if it goes into the cab, but can see it when it is up on the lift). And various small cosmetic things we were planning to do over time.

I don't think anyone out there would say we got anything but *hem*. He had a verbal agreement with the guy who sold him the car that if it was going to be more than $1500 to get it safe and on the road, we could bring it back. My mechanic said $3700 plus whatever electrical work it needs, just to get it on the road, so we can take it back. But there is another problem. My husband's in love with the poor decrepit thing.

We have a mechanic friend who will do the work for less, so here is my question: should I call the seller up and tell him that we'll keep it if he gives us back $2000, or should I just make him take it back and find another one? Is $500 reasonable to pay for a car in this shape?

TylerH860 · #2 06-03-2008, 03:34 PM

Get rid of it as fast as you can. For $2,000 you can find a decent rust free example. About a year ago I bought my 300d for 2gs with no rust and about half of the list of mechanical issues you described. Rust is the deal killer, imo, you will never win that battle without a full restoration.

Your husband will fall in love with another one. Good luck getting the guy to honor the agreement, especially if the title has already changed hands.

bgkast · #3 06-03-2008, 03:38 PM

The rust sounds like the worst part. That alone could easily cost $1500 to have a pro fix. Where you can see rust there is at least double that amount hiding where you can't see it. I doubt he will give $2K back, but $500 sounds like a reasonable price.

TylerH860 · #4 06-03-2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgkast

The rust sounds like the worst part. That alone could easily cost $1500 to have a pro fix. Where you can see rust there is at least double that amount hiding where you can't see it. I doubt he will give $2K back, but $500 sounds like a reasonable price.

Yup, she's a $500 to $1,000 parts car and not financially worth saving. By the time you spend $3k to get the mechanical issues right, and another $3k for rust and cosmetics, you could of bought a nice condition example for alot less.

#5 06-03-2008, 03:42 PM

The real problem is the rust, everything else can be fixed for a few $1000, but the rust makes it not worthwhile. The value of the car is probably closer to $1000 (as a parts car) if the engine is in good condition. I doubt you will find a really good one in MA for $2000, if you really want a good example look for something in the $5000 range (it will probably still need some attention, but it should be in decent shape).

bustedbenz · #6 06-03-2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

The real problem is the rust, everything else can be fixed for a few $1000, but the rust makes it not worthwhile. The value of the car is probably closer to $1000 (as a parts car) if the engine is in good condition. I doubt you will find a really good one in MA for $2000, if you really want a good example look for something in the $5000 range (it will probably still need some attention, but it should be in decent shape).

100% agreed. None of that stuff is a huge deal except the body rust/issues which lower the entire value of the car beyond the point of the repairs.

#7 06-03-2008, 03:53 PM

Take it back. It definitely wasn't worth $2500.

TheDon · #8 06-03-2008, 03:57 PM

pretty much the usual list except for the rust. Rust is never good.

I bought my car with inoperable AC and Cruise Control. Everything else worked

TMAllison · #9 06-03-2008, 03:59 PM

Most cars of that vintage will need everything on your list except 1-3 & 7.

If you can't fix things yourself, MB's can be expensive to keep in prime condition.

bustedbenz · #10 06-03-2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

Most cars of that vintage will need everything on your list except 1-3 & 7.

If you can't fix things yourself, MB's can be expensive to keep in prime condition.

I'd say any used MB you buy you'd factor all four items in eventually. Even if not at the time of purchase, you know for a given that at some point you'll need 4 tires, at some point your brakes will need re-doing, at some point your windshield will find a rock or get too etched to see through or whatever, and at some point the exhaust will rust and fall out from under it or you'll knock it off on something.

Not all at once, surely - but those aren't uncommon service items either.

Hatterasguy · #11 06-03-2008, 04:07 PM

The rust would be a deal killer for me, everything else is just normal old car stuff. They all need that stuff if it hasn't been already done.

Unless someone has gone through it, figure $2k up front to get all the little old car stuff taken care of, maybe less if you do it all yourself.

TylerH860 · #12 06-03-2008, 04:08 PM

It shows a pattern of neglect by the previous owner.

Hatterasguy · #13 06-03-2008, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bustedbenz

I'd say any used MB you buy you'd factor all four items in eventually. Even if not at the time of purchase, you know for a given that at some point you'll need 4 tires, at some point your brakes will need re-doing, at some point your windshield will find a rock or get too etched to see through or whatever, and at some point the exhaust will rust and fall out from under it or you'll knock it off on something.

Not all at once, surely - but those aren't uncommon service items either.

I don't mind doing a major brake job on an old car like that. That way I know they are good, and the wheel bearings are good. Lots of times people just slap new pads on when the rotors are shot.

Tires I don't count, all cars need tires. I rather get it with shot rubber so I can put what I want on.

RSGreasil · #14 06-03-2008, 04:17 PM

Yeah, your right about the pattern of neglect. That's what worries me. The rust in and of itself isn't as big a deal as it might be, because my hubby is a blacksmith. So we have all the tools and skills necessary to chase the rust until we do a restore. What I'm really concerned about is the hole. Once that starts, it's really hard to stop, and then you end up with a patch underneath. *sigh* And I worry that the engine has more neglect issues that will rear up at inconvenient moments. Thanks for all the advice guys, it helps.

winmutt · #15 06-03-2008, 04:29 PM

Drive it till it dies. $2500? Hope you can take it back. I would expect a good working car for all of that.