Is $7k too much to spend on a 1985 1-owner wagon with 200k miles on it?

Okay, so that is a loaded question and could spawn all sorts of answers, but I guess what I need is a ballpark for good, bad, and "cheap" wagons, mostly good, though. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am looking for a solid, dependable, daily driver 123 diesel wagon to hold up to 5 passengers + me, and don't have the experience to recognize the appropriate price. I paid $800 for my 240, but I don't think that counts.

BTW, the link for the above car is: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=254566521&dealer_id=63538533&car_year=1985&rdm=1230569629910&model=&num_records=25&systime=&make3=&make2=MB&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=128&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&model2=300_CLASS_E_CLASSCLASS_SERIES&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=MB&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&body_style=WAGON&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=p&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=43416&advanced=&end_year=1990&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1339

Thanks, Alex

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"Frau Blue Car" 1980 240D think Frau Bluker, cue the horses, formerly known as "China" from JimmyL
"Gunther" 1982 300D.....Turbo!! A/C!! Sunroof!!
"Fraulein" 1975 240D----Donated to NPR

In my opinion, the AC should be working for that price. It looks clean from the pics, but I would want to verify the "no rust" claim and check under that dash pad to see how bad the cracks are.

No third row seat but it has roof rack crossbars.

I'd say if it passes a PPI and the AC really only needs a "charge", it's worth it. You could easily spend at least that getting a cheaper wagon into good condition.

However, you could always run into a better deal. I bought my CD for $3500 and everything worked. I've spent about $500 on stuff since then to keep everything working. I bought it from the second owner who bought it when it was less than a year old.

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Chad
2013 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL

I wouldn't pay that much for one of these cars. There are way too many nice ones that can easily be had for half that price. Especially in these economic times....
It also doesn't fit your needs. You can't fit 6 people in that wagon. And even if you find one that has a 3rd row seat, you can't use it in the summer because it would be cruel and unusual punishment to have riders back in the 3rd row area. The AC in these cars barely cools the front seat passengers.

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

I paid $2k, $2k, and $4K for two 85's and an 84. One I knew had rust, the $4K one I was fooled by a fresh paint job, wouldn't have paid that much with the rust that showed up. The last one was the best deal, Cali car which eventually needed a trans, but clean and rust-free. $7K sounds a bit high to me, but it depends on how soon and badly you need a car. WIthout a 3d row seat, you can fit five including you, not plus you.

I would pull the carpets and inspect for water or mildew in the footwells; a large percentage of these 123's leak from a variety of sources. Check the rear cargo area carpets for moisture as well, the rear quarter windows leak sometimes.

I drive my car all over tarnation, and have to say it is very reliable. That said, $7K is a lot to pay for a dependable daily driver that is 20+ years old. Things do break, and can get pricey. Do a search for ACC, vacuum pump, SLS suspension, to name a few. At $2k purchase, you feel a lot better throwing more into the car than you will spending 7K. And you will spend money on these wagons.

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Peter
1985 300TD 4-speed 212K
1992 400E 343K
2001 E320 72K

That's too much money for anything with 200K on the odometer. The non-functional AC is probably the tip of the iceberg. Look for hidden rust in all kinds of nooks and crannys (poke around with a screwdriver) before you do anything.

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1984 300TD

as jimmy said, that car does not fit your needs, so why look twice.

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1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.