I've been looking for a 123 body MB l (280E,300D, 240D, 300TD, etc) from the early 80's for a long time. Most of them are mechanically ok...but the bodies leave a lot to be desired (rust, etc).

Well, I finally ran in E-bay into what I think is my first choice. It's a 1985 300D with 135.000 miles and 70.000 miles on a rebuilt engine. It has a very desirable 4 speed trasnmission which I think will give better performance, gas mileage and durability compared to the tricky MB auto transmission installed in a similar car.

Since these diesel engines are supposed to run for 200k or 300K miles, why would someone rebuild an engine @ 65.000 miles? Is that a sign of trouble? Or is it something appealing for a new buyer meaning that the engine is "brand" new and ready to provide many more miles?

Any other major things I should look for in this type of MB? Any inside info/advise on how to make it last (i.e. synthetic gear oil for the transmission, the engine, flush fluids more often, etc). The car is in South Florida. What would be a ball-park price for this car?

Thank you very much.

Pictures at:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=596542202