86 sdl true value

[outlaw2369]

Good morning all, my question is what is a 86 sdl that is not running and has not ran for over 4 years truly worth. The body is in good shape a few surface rust spots but nothing major. This question is not only for the sdl but any 81-88 mercedes thats not running when you are looking to buy it where should the price be.

[outlaw2369]

What is a non running mercedes sdl really worth. The car has minor surface rust and has not ran in over years. Other than the cd or wagons where sould the price be.

Thanks

[Jetmugg]

Much more info is needed to give a realistic appraisal of "fair" market value. The more pics, and the better the quality of the pics, the better the appraisal. What is the nature of it's "non-running" status. How long has it been sitting? Inside or outside? How are the tires? Will it crank? How many miles on the clock? How is the paint?

Many, many pics are probably the best tool you can use to get a decent estimate of what it might sell for. As a non-runner, it could be anywhere from scrap value up to who knows what.

[Aquaticedge]

I would not pay more then parts car vaulue. 5-700 bucks. if you intend on trying to get it running. aim for the lower number.

[kerry]

Unless you mean that it was a pristine low mileage car parked in a garage in an exclusive neighborhood when the owner went into a nursing home 20 yrs ago and isn't running because the battery is dead, it's worth what a scrap metal dealer would give for it.

[outlaw2369]

The car has 176k on the clock but i never trust that. The clear coat is peeling on the roof and the paint just ok. The guy said he bought it two years ago as a non runner. The person who he bought it from said it sat for two when they had it. It only decent on the inside the tires are ok.
I was thinking if i can get the car for 400-500 it would be worth taking a chance on. I own three mercedes diesel,but they all were running when i bought them. This will be my first non runner. And i hope its a small problem to get it running. Feedback welcome

Thanks

[bigblockchev]

If you can not diagnose the no start condition best to assume it won't. On the other hand non runners can be the best deals since most people will not touch them. Just don't expect to win every time, I bring fuel filters a small container of diesel fuel, some wrenches, starting fluid, killer jumper cables, and a monster battery to every car I look at as well as a short length of wire with alligator clips to jump the starter. It is surprising how many can be started with this simple kit, it also lets you know if the motor is seized or making real bad noises. If it looks not too bad it is probably worth buying for not much more than scrap if it is rusty then it is scrap worth a few hundred at best. Cheers Dan

[winmutt]

What year SDL? Pretty much any of them are going to have scary potential issues, either top end or bottom end.

[compu_85]

After sitting for so long the tires are probably NOT ok...

-J

[vstech]

the value to YOU is what's important.
3800 lb car is worth 532.00 at the scrap yard.
if you need fenders or door regulators or bumpers or injection pump or glass or seats or transmission or axles or sway bar or fuel tank or dashboard or CCU or vacuum pods or engine or wheels or brakes or subframe or other components this car has in it, then the price goes up exponentially in value to you.
knowing what's wrong with it if you want to make it a driving car for yourself is important. since the PO's story is 2 years never got it running, and he got the same story from his PO... um my bet is the head gasket blew, and the block is shot.
but it could be a bad alternator and dead battery too...

[Jetmugg]

$250.

[moon161]

In addition to the positive values, consider the potential negative ones as well.

In other words, consider the value of towing, HOA/code/neighbor static, and the value of any sex you may not have as a result of it sticking around in your yard.

[Travis_k]

Im in california and an SDL, even a beater is $3k running. I wouldnt even take one for free if I didnt think that the engine was good though, because its not like an OM617 where they are $250 and in every pick and pull.

[compu_85]

I'd take it for free or $100. If it's really borked you can pull a few parts off of it that are worth keeping and drag the rest of it to the scrapyard.

-J

[outlaw2369]

Thanks for all the info, but while i was at work on cragslist as usual. Shortly after making this thread i found a 86 sdl in very good shape (running)for $1000 I drove a hour and a half to see it this evening. The car was in great shape inside and out 247K on the (odom) paint still shines.
No cracks on the dash, no rust in the wheel wells or around the jack point. the motor clean and sound great. I unfasten the oil filler cap and sat it back down and it didn't move at all. No blowby at all. I drove the car its very quick and smooth. So when i got back from my test drive I knew i wanted this car. I offered him $800 cash but I ended up paying $900 and I'm happy with that deal. That means more sdl question now.
Thanks for all the input.