300cd parts car question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

katchung · #1 10-16-2009, 09:42 AM

I think I found a 300cd parts car. It's a 1984 with 282,000 miles on it. I'm told there is rust on the jackpoints, so i suspect it isn't going to pass inspection in PA.

Seller wants $1450 for it, but I get the feeling it's negotiable. How much should I expect to pay for a parts 300cd? I assume they will be more than a 300d. It's an hour drive, so I might go check it out after I'm done seeing patients this morning.

My concerns:

1. I really want this car for certain hard to get items, such as the rear windsheild, which is fogging at the bottom on mine and in need of a seal replacement...leaks. Also, the inside paneling. It has the same palamino interior as my car...not sure what kind of condition it is in. My driver's side door panel has a map pocket that is hanging off due to someone breaking the door clip. My center console has been refinished, but it's missing the pin to hold it in, and the wood is broken near one of the window switches to the edge. I'm hoping that the chrome moulding will be in better shape than mine, but I'm not holding my breath. I could use a rear right caliper replacement, as that brake pad is wearing unevenly to the rest of the pads.

2. Is paying $1450 for a 300cd parts car outrageous? It's hard to get some 300cd parts, so I'm thinking paying this much will give me peace of mind when things break on my baby.

3. My biggest concern is that I'll get this car, and then will become compulsive and set about restoring it rather than stripping it for parts. $1700 or $1800 for rubber seals, $3K paint job, rust repair, and God knows what else later, could I get enough $ back on the resale to make it worth my while? I know this is all conjecture, because for all I know, the floors are rusted through and it's only really good for parts.

What do you guys think? Should I go there with $750 in cash?

lutzTD · #2 10-16-2009, 10:22 AM

Ive passed on 300CD parts cars for 400. generally by the time they get "parts car" status the same things that are wrong with yours will be wrong with them. Ive yet to find good window chrome or decent dash, door panel or interiror parts on one. I would pay 1450 for a rust free parts car simply because it is salvagable as a whole, but otherwise it sounds very steep to me. tally up your parts need, ask specific questions, then decide what those parts that are good are worth to you. dont get clouded by some future worth that may be 5K out of pocket down the road. good ones are selling in the mid 2K range so theres no way to fix and make money

vwkess · #3 10-16-2009, 10:40 AM

It all depends on the condition of the rest of the car and the availability of these cars in the area. In some parts of the country you'll find better examples for less. But in the rust prone NE, $1,400 sounds about right for a CD needing some work as long as it isn't too rough. Is it being sold as a parts car? If so, $1400 sounds high. Not sure if this is the one you are looking at: http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ctd/1417977513.html

katchung · #4 10-16-2009, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwkess

It all depends on the condition of the rest of the car and the availability of these cars in the area. In some parts of the country you'll find better examples for less. But in the rust prone NE, $1,400 sounds about right for a CD needing some work as long as it isn't too rough. Is it being sold as a parts car? If so, $1400 sounds high. Not sure if this is the one you are looking at: http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ctd/1417977513.html

Yes...that's the one...I feel so naked somehow...I guess changing the price by $50 wasn't much of a disguise...haha. It's not being sold as a parts car, but they told me over the phone that it has rust at the jackpoints, which is a sign that the frame might not be solid. I don't think it will pass inspection in PA.

vwkess · #5 10-16-2009, 12:59 PM

Lol, no need to feel naked

I do a regional search on Benz's usually a couple of times a week. '84 CD with 282k for about $1400 rang a bell, it has been up for sale for a bit. I think I first came across it a month ago or so.

It is hard to see much in those pictures, maybe they could send you better ones? Jack point rust is common, did they say how bad? I've come across many where it is minor and it would have to problem passing PA inspection. At any rate, I'm am sure there is a good bit of negotiating room on this one

Ian White · #6 10-16-2009, 01:17 PM

1400? way too much, given what has been discussed... I'D offer $500 tops. Just my opinion.....

my83300cd · #7 10-16-2009, 01:22 PM

I'd look at it strictly for CD bits- seats, doors, window regulators, all glass, interior panels, sunroof , headliner. If it cannot pass inspection in PA, all the better- it is worth less as is.

I looked at that one on line as well- how much rust is at the jack points? From experience, one they start bubbling, it took 3 years for holes to appear in mine.

vwkess · #8 10-16-2009, 01:26 PM

What has been discussed other than the jack points? Again, depends on the severity of that jack point rust. In the pictures it doesn't look bad but they aren't good pictures. In this area, if everything else looks good and it runs/drives good, $1000 would definitely be fair for that CD.

katchung · #9 10-18-2009, 12:40 AM

I didn't have a chance to go on Friday...I'll try to get there this upcoming week. They implied that it might not pass inspection. I agree, $500 or so might get it. I have a wish-list. I'll have to go see in person if any of my parts-needs can be met.

Rear window
Fuel door element
Driver's side door panel
Clean center wood panel
Passenger seat element
Cruise Control amp and actuator
spare power window switches...would like clean unrubbed out front switches
clean headliner
Driver's side sun visor
rear seatbelt
Turbo manifold banjo bolt line to over-boost control
Rear right caliper
underdash panels with screw covers...

That's a good start.