Time to sell
 

Well guys. It's time to sell my 1984 300TD euro spec car. I hate to do it but I need reliable transportation. Last friday, I was driving to work and I ended up hitting a bump which caused the exhaust system to crack just after the catalyst converter and it fell. Good thing It was still being held up by the muffler hangers. Thank god this happened a few blocks from my apartment and not in the middle of manhattan, where I was headed. Needless to say, I missed work. That can't happen very often since I am self employed and companies rely on me to be reliable.

This was the straw that broke the camels back. I don't want to worry anymore. Maybe something's going to happen to the car while my wife is driving it. Maybe I'm going to miss work again because of some issue. Maybe the damn attendant at the parking garage is going to refuse my car because he thinks it's going to leak oil (this happens a lot). And so on...

I learned so much from having this car and I truly truly love this car. It was definitely more than just a car to me. but I'm ready to move on. Sounds like I'm breaking up with a girlfriend haha.

The car runs and shifts great. A'C blows cold. There aren't many major issues. Here are the issues:

SLS system is leaking from a hose.
Car tends to overheat in hot weather in traffic
Theres a little rust here and there. Not that bad though.
ABS system light is on.
The clear coat is pretty much gone.
The back wiper is not working (I can probably fix this)
276,000 miles
small oil leaks
Master cylinder is slightly leaking.

I was thinking of listing it for $1200 and accepting $1000. I'm going to include all the spare parts, manuals, and tools that I have accumulated since I've owned the car. Does that sound good?

I'd like to thank funola for helping me many times with my car. I appreciated all the help you gave me!

I'm most likely going to lease a car for the next few years so to get the exact opposite experience I've so far been having.

Thanks everyone.

Catalyst converter???

Sixto
87 300D

Whats 1234900415?

Is that the muffler? Thought the muffler was at the back of the car? I'm dumb. I guess the thing at the end of the car is a resonator? I have no idea.

That is a nice rare wagon, I would think you could get a lot more for it...that is if the rust isn't terrible....I think at a grand, it is a steal....everything you point towards as problems....are totally normal for these cars, I think they are the most reliable thing on the road.....just imagine what that new car would be like in 20 years when all the sensors and stuff start failing on it....look at newer cars as electronic gizmos....look at how long a cell phone or computer last and now look at this new reliable car.....I would take the money you are putting away to use to fix up this car, find a good Mercedes mechanic who is familiar with these cars...tell him to give it a once over and state your issues...

I'm pretty much set on the idea of selling it. Ya most cars that are 20 years old are not even worth looking at.

The only reason I would take it to a mercedes mechanic is so I know what I should tell a potential buyer what's wrong with the car.

That's a resonator I believe. If you have a turbo, getting a pipe welded in place of the resonator will not make it any louder (maybe a little bit) and shouldn't cost too much at the right shop. I agree you need a car that is reliable not let you or your wife down. These cars are old and problems are to be expected. You can take a proactive approach or fix as problems develops. It's a great car to learn on and used parts are easy to find plus you have the support of this great forum. But if you don't have the space or time or another car, it can be quite challenging and frustrating. Only you know what's best for your own situation so whatever you choose will be the right decision.

I enjoyed working with you on the car the few times we got together.:)

pm'ed

ABS light??

hah yes ABS light. The car has ABS. The light comes on when I accelerate to about 5mph and stays on until I shut the car off.

I tried troubleshooting it a long time ago but couldn't figure it out. It went down in the list of priorities.

Yes, many Euro spec cars had ABS long before the US had it. My former '85 Euro 280E (W123) has ABS.

It is up to the buyer to examine and decide if he wants the car and at what price. Your job is to be forthright, hand him the keys, title and bill of sale.

It is worth $300-400 in scrap. $1,000 should be more than fair. Don't put any more into it if you've decided to sell.

Hello! The car sold this morning. The first guy who came to see it was very picky and offered me no money for it. This morning there were 2 guys that were very aggressively bidding for the car.

I wanted to thank all you guys for the support I have received the last 3 years of owning this car. I learned so much!

I ended up getting a 2013 Prius C. I'm loving it. Obviously totally different car. Taking it on my first road trip this weekend.

I wish all of you the best of luck. I know this is not my last time on this forum. Once we figure out how to leave the city, I'm sure I will be buying another w123 diesel. Maybe a coupe next time!

cheers everyone!

Wow traded a w123 in for a Prius.....so not going there......

Ya I figured that some of you might have comments on the new prius :)

Can't do a Prius. Uncomfortable and drive like an oversprung buckboard. If'n it makes ya happy though, go for it!!