I came across a beautiful 1982 300td on the net. 250k. Almost all highway miles since purchased at 70k (2nd owner). Used to travel within 3 state area by software consulting business run by husband and wife. Husband passed away and wife is selling now a year later.
She states that she knows 1st owner. He had $$$$ and custom- ordered this wagon in "indigo red" with a buff leather interior. Swears it's real leather as they have had 2 other MB with tex and she can tell the difference. Indigo red, she states, is an iridescent salmon-y color which has great depth and changes colors in the light. Mint interior and exterior except for small bubbles of rust near rear quarter panel. States she has most receipts including but not limited to: factory rebuilt transmission, cruise module, motor mounts, shocks and struts. States husband had oil changed religiously every 2k. CD player but has original in-dash cassette if I want it.
Down side: antenna broken off, husband bought new antenna and kit before he passed away and will include with the car. Passenger window won't go down.
She is including also a bunch of oil and fuel filters he had purchased.
Was it possible to custom order? She states that in 1982 the 300td had the 500 series suspension which results in a superior ride.
She wants $5750- I told her nicely that was quite high but we didn't talk turkey, really, as she's going to shoot me some more pics and see if she can get full receipts from the dealership.
Any input?

This has proved to be an awesome and excellent source of information for me and I much appreciate it. Was it possible also to order the leather interior? She swears it's buff (ivory) and not Palomino. I do like the idea of having something a little different (why I'm after a 300td anyway!).
In your experience can most of the in 'n out oil change facilities change the oil on these? What if I supply the filter?

It's always difficult when you find a real beauty and she is priced high. I recently looked at two different 300TD's, both 85s. One is black, pristine in and out, with the palomino leather - 215K miles. $6000 asking. Another is a mint Maroon with palomino leather and 140K miles. $10,500 asking. Both are priced way beyond what I would pay, but they may well be worth close to the asking prices for someone who loves the model and is looking for a long term keeper. If you are looking for leverage to knock $ off - get into minutae of engine and drivetrain (compression, vacuum system, a/c upgrade, ...). Also, ask her on what basis did she determine her price. You'll find out how much she is basing on emotion, advice, comparisons, etc. Good luck.

What is the car worth to you? That is what counts. The car, like anything else, will sell for what the marked will bear.

Make an offer for what it is worth to you. If it can't be sold for more than that amount, you will eventually have the chance to buy it at your price. If it is sold for more, there are always more fish in the sea.

Look at Ebay. I found exactly what I wanted there twice.

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