I just test drove an 82 300SD with 190K. It is cypress green with tan leather. The guy has most of the records since new (all done at the local Benz store, which I can't believe!). The previous owner was very meticulous even had crazy things like the ash tray fixed (by the dealer) because it was difficult to pull out. Car drives great and runs great, cruise works, HVAC works perfectly, all windows works (records show 2 were repaired by dealer), locks work etc. There are several issues, the driver seat has the typical sag (but not to bad), there is a wear spot on the bolster and there are a few small rust issues (two bubbles on the driver door just above the lower cladding, one spot on the passenger side rear fender where the bumper meets the fender, and it appears the driver side rocker panel jack hole (rear only) is starting to rust. All these spots are small and only the one on the rear fender has broke through and is a very small hole. The guy wants $5500 - it is currently owned by a independent benz service shop here in town that has a very good reputation (long story how he came to own it). He said $5200 is his bottom line - my concern is the rust could cost me some serious $'s to fix. What do you all think would be a fair price?

I have an 81 300SD and I am the first and only owner; it is my daily driver and has about 255K miles. It does not have any of the problems you identify, no rust, etc. The only two problems are that the antenna will not go down any more and the center pod which opens/closes the doors on the ac/defrost is stuck open. I have every record since 1981.

Not sure I could get more than $1.5 -2K for it. So that is a long way to say you should buy the car but not pay nearly so much for it. You might want to compare that mileage with actual records to see if everything matches.

The 300SD is a great car and easy for a mechanic (yourself) to fix.

A fair price on a vehicle with rust issues and with 190K on the clock is $2500. max in this market.

Don't be confused by the fact that it was maintained at the dealer. This adds nothing to the value to all but the enthusiasts among us. He might get some fool to pay close to his price, but you won't do it.........will you.......???

My 82 300SD is all fine except for a little spot of rust on the rear fender...which led to a rot patch in the trunk from the water getting in. Usually with these cars there is a little rust on the outside and then tons of rot on the inside. My rust has gotten to the point where it is problematic though it still looks ok from the outside. If the jack points are rusting, not a good sign. I paid $1000 for mine at 180k.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth