I was wondering if anyone has any buying advice on a 1987 300D? I have never heard anyone say anything bad about these cars, but I thought I would ask anyway. I found one for sale locally and it turned out to be a really beautiful car - well cared for, low miles, everything works, etc. What would such a car be worth? Seller was asking $8,999. Even though it is a really nice car, I thought that was a little high considering its age.

Comments?

Thanks,

Greg
'84 300D

These are good cars. But at this age, major $ could be needed if somethings are not right.

The biggest problem on this car is the head crack on the engine if overheated. Big $ to fix. Do a search and there have been a couple of threads about this lately.

Also, the type of speedo MB used on these cars are easy to roll back. I personally have looked at one car and Carfax showed much higher mileage three years ago on the same car.

The true value of anything is what what a willing buyer will pay a willing seller. In other words what a free market will bear. If you think the price is too high, make a lower offer of what it is worth to you. If the selling is willing to sell at your price, you get the car. If some offers more they get the car. If no one offers the seller his price and he will reduce hid price, he is not a willing seller below his price and he keeps the car.

This is how the free market operates. The way I look at it is: the seller's job is to get as much for his product as he can. The buyer's job is pay as little as possible. Somewhere between the two prices is where the deal can be made.

P E H

The previous owner of mine paid $7000 for it, and got ripped. I gave paid him $5000 for it, decent price, a little low since what we all thought was a major problem was a simple fix (unless the coolant loss isn't a leak -----)

$8900 is a bit steep, but not if the miles are real and the car is in excellent shape.

The only problems (other than the usualy W124 stuff) are the head and the tranny being especially expensive to fix. They also tend to wear out the differential mount bushings, making them bang really hard in the back on low speed shifts.

Offer $7000 and see if the owner takes it. If he has service records and nothing is wrong with it, buy it. Wonderful car, tons of power, gets really nice milage -- 30.5 round on a 2400 mile round trip to Florida this Christmas, up to 34 on local driving if I keep my foot out of it.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

For $9000, you're in the price range of a reasonable 1990-93 300D.

Too High.

Ken300D

Ken:

Don't forget, the 87 has the 603 6-cylinder rather than the 602 5-cylinder -- mucho hot diesel!

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Agree with Peter. The 603 is more rare as well.

Through another list, I heard that in the Rand Rapids paper, there is a 87 300SDL for sale. Asking price is $8,000. It has about 125kmi on it.

I purchased mine a year ago, probably the best $5000 I have ever spent. At 258,000 it accelerates well, handling is rock solid, no one who rides in it ever guesses the mileage or year.

I have seen some offered for less, but I am glad I paid the money and got a good example of this wonderful car.

I bet the seller got their asking price from the "kelley Bluebook" web site, that is the amount they suggest. If I were you, I take a friend, invest in a good mech's time to check it out, and make an offer. I have no regrets!

Good Luck!

OBTW, what color combination is it?

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