I think I'm done with diesels... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ahuggard · #1 03-15-2009, 09:22 PM

The wife has finally won out, and I'm getting out of the diesel community. I had great fun working on my 85 300SD but for the sake of marital bliss, it's time to change cars. I put my baby up for sale in the classifieds section for $2100 FS: 1985 300 SD -- Is that a fair price? Any thoughts would be appreciated as I try to let go of the ol' girl (car, not wife).

This may be a brief sojourn away from the MB diesels--I've enjoyed it too much. To quote Michael Corleone, "Every time I try to get out, [the smell of diesel] keeps pulling me back in."

Thanks for all the help on diesels--this site has been a wonderful resource and a good community.

Alex
85 300SD (for sale)
02 E320 wagon
97 Volvo 850 wagon

pawoSD · #2 03-15-2009, 09:38 PM

What doesn't she like about them? My wife doesn't mind them, but she does have a gasser MB (she's willing to drive a diesel but I couldn't find one at the right price and in good shape)....

ahuggard · #3 03-15-2009, 09:55 PM

Well, she thinks they are loud and stinky (which, admittedly, it was before the valve adjustment, motor mounts, and diesel purge). She also doesn't like the long wheelbase of the SD--I could probably get back in with a 300D in the future. She had to drive the diesel once and hated it (although not as much as the 67 VW bus I once had).

She's worth it, though.

Alex

TheDon · #4 03-15-2009, 09:59 PM

whats next to go....

BodhiBenz1987 · #5 03-15-2009, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

whats next to go....

Personally, I don't understand why so many women make their husbands/boyfriends "get rid" of things. I mean, yeah, if he's got a 7-foot pet alligator, I may urge new placement of it. But really, if a guy has a car that I think is ugly or a piece of junk, but it special to him, I'd accept it as part of him. I know a lot of couples where the woman has make-up scattered all over the bathroom and packing the cabinet, but the husband has to get rid of his favorite chair because it's not attractive. I don't get people, really. Maybe it's because I grew up observing my parents, who accepted all of each other's disgusting, unsightly belongings.

Not meaning to comment on your wife specifically ahubbard ... maybe you've got a compromise. But it just seems like a lot of women are really shallow about that kind of thing.

ahuggard · #6 03-15-2009, 10:28 PM

Well, in fairness to my wife, I've had my share of old iron that she's put up with: 68 VW Ghia, 67 VW bus, 85 300SD--none of which were all that convenient for our family. Selling the 300SD was somewhat of a compromise as well. She wanted a minivan to replace our recently totaled 98 E320 and I, while recognizing the practicality and convenience of a minivan, refused because I just can't drive a minivan (a little piece of me died everytime I had to with our old Chrysler). I'm sure her friends say, "Why won't he drive a minivan? Lots of men drive minivans. It's really the best car for your family."

Needless to say, I won the minivan war (we're getting an 02 E320 wagon) but lost the diesel battle. A necessary sacrifice...

Alex

TheDon · #7 03-15-2009, 10:29 PM

ehh... its ok

secretly we all want mini vans because... you can haul so much in them but chicks don't dig them...well.. unless they already have kids or big dogs...

pawoSD · #8 03-15-2009, 10:31 PM

I agree. Its not fair to the guy if he has to give up something because the girl says so.

My wife doesn't really "like" my SD....but she'd never make me get rid of it. She thinks its a bit noisy....and that the front seats aren't very comfortable. (Which, compared to a W124, they're not)......but I am going to swap out the front seats soon for more comfortable ones, which will improve her opinion of the car.

She really loves the 300E....and said she would be fine with a diesel W124 as well....she likes the extra creature comforts and the quietness. I like the 300E too for what it is....it hasn't been anymore trouble to maintain than the diesel. The only downsides are that its more thirsty (not by much) and I find it a little boring. (too quiet...no clatter...

) It is an excellent highway cruiser since the seats are so comfortable and its more comfortable cruising at 75mph than a 617 is....lower RPMS and less noise. I'll never not drive a diesel as my main car though.

pawoSD · #9 03-15-2009, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahuggard

Well, in fairness to my wife, I've had my share of old iron that she's put up with: 68 VW Ghia, 67 VW bus, 85 300SD--none of which were all that convenient for our family. Selling the 300SD was somewhat of a compromise as well. She wanted a minivan to replace our recently totaled 98 E320 and I, while recognizing the practicality and convenience of a minivan, refused because I just can't drive a minivan (a little piece of me died everytime I had to with our old Chrysler). I'm sure her friends say, "Why won't he drive a minivan? Lots of men drive minivans. It's really the best car for your family."

Needless to say, I won the minivan war (we're getting an 02 E320 wagon) but lost the diesel battle. A necessary sacrifice...

Alex

That's not too bad then....at least you'll still have a MB! The wagon will be better for family stuff than a 300SD would....I'd have to agree there.

I guess I am really lucky with my wife....she doesn't mind diesels too much....and super ultra hates minivans.

She said she'll never ever drive one....she'd rather have a MB wagon....or an R/ML class or something.

ahuggard · #10 03-15-2009, 10:37 PM

So what do you all think? Is the $2100 a fair price (for me and the prospective buyer)? Most of my work on the car has been getting it up to snuff and running well, but it is not without its flaws. It would be a good daily driver but would need some paint work to be a great car once again.

Alex
85 300SD (for sale)
02 E320 wagon
97 Volvo 850 wagon

pawoSD · #11 03-15-2009, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahuggard

So what do you all think? Is the $2100 a fair price (for me and the prospective buyer)? Most of my work on the car has been getting it up to snuff and running well, but it is not without its flaws. It would be a good daily driver but would need some paint work to be a great car once again.

Alex
85 300SD (for sale)
02 E320 wagon
97 Volvo 850 wagon

I think $2100 is a very fair price based one what you said in the description. It looks just like my car!

(Better in fact...mine is rusty.

) I'd argue its actually worth a little more than that....especially if all the mechanicals are in good shape.

TimUkena · #12 03-15-2009, 11:32 PM

Man I love my wife, my DD is an 85 Diesel Toyota Land cruiser, and she just got an 84 SD for her DD.

Plus, if I suggest we get a minivan I think she might divorce me. Yes, we have a 2 year old and are planning on adopting 1-2 more.

Hatterasguy · #13 03-15-2009, 11:38 PM

You'll regret it.

Give it a few months you will be scanning autotrader.

Fulcrum525 · #14 03-15-2009, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahuggard

Well, in fairness to my wife, I've had my share of old iron that she's put up with: 68 VW Ghia, 67 VW bus, 85 300SD--none of which were all that convenient for our family. Selling the 300SD was somewhat of a compromise as well. She wanted a minivan to replace our recently totaled 98 E320 and I, while recognizing the practicality and convenience of a minivan, refused because I just can't drive a minivan (a little piece of me died everytime I had to with our old Chrysler). I'm sure her friends say, "Why won't he drive a minivan? Lots of men drive minivans. It's really the best car for your family."

Needless to say, I won the minivan war (we're getting an 02 E320 wagon) but lost the diesel battle. A necessary sacrifice...

Alex

Try to find the middle ground to her middle ground R 320 CDI

Hatterasguy · #15 03-16-2009, 12:00 AM

I really hate those things, freaken mini vans!