Looking to buy 300D, any advice?

[kolnerspieler]

I am going to look at a 1985 300D tomorrow.
here is a description
http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/1687256970.html
I am not as much concerned with the electrical problems, but the fact that the car at the moment does not run. How can I check to see what kind of condition the motor and trans are without running the car. Also what would be a fair price for this vehicle. Any suggestions or concerns would be appreciated.
Also wanted to mention that the seller in an email told me that the glow plugs have been replaced but are not working.

[barry123400]

It had better be fairly cheap and yourself fairly good at mechanical things to even consider. There may be next to nothing wrong to needing an engine at the other extreme for the no running issue alone. Sounds also that a lot of other required repairs have just been accumulating with time and deffered instead of being dealt with. Pictures can be very deceptive as well remember.

If there is much rust especially in structural areas or the inside is all worn out it is best to walk away. The indicated milage with decent usage should still have an interior in reasonable condition. Not running takes real judgement to decide. A lot of familiarity with the brand also helps.

If you contemplate farming out much of the work other than alignment and changing tires type of things it is usually a very poor choice. Staying objective is also important. The rose colored glasses type of thing has to be kept in mind.

These are just my opinions though. We on site do not get to see this car in it's present condition. For all we know it could be close to pristine with a few fairly minor issues. Or something on it's way to the salvage yard with you thinking about interupting the journey temporarily.

There are two sides though. If for example the present owner never has used the support sites available on the web.Or even realised they existed. He could just be way over his head with basically a good car.

Let us know how it goes. I think it is almost impossible to really give sound guidance as to price etc. The information is too thin at this point. It was good that this is your 176th post on site instead ot the first.

Who knows at this point what you will be looking at. Good circumstance might prevail. Gems in the rough do happen occasionally. The problem is usually they are gone very fast. We vultures being always on the lookout does not help much.

[kolnerspieler]

Yeah this is a tough call. I am going to take a look at the car tomorrow, and will decide. My thoughts are that if I can get it for 500 bucks, if in decent condition then it could be worth it. worst case scenario the engine is toast or transmission, i think i should be able to make up the money in parts and scrap metal. I am thinking that if the car has been somewhat taken good care of then and assuming accurate miles then the motor should hopefully be good. I am not so much afraid of the electrical issues i guess.