Opinions and thoughts on this 300td turbo

[clanreed]

I have been on the lookout for a 300td turbo since last fall. Anyone want to give me their thoughts on this one? I have not seen the car in person yet, just waiting for the owner to answer a few additional questions and get the VIN# to run a check.

Here is the owners description and photos:
"great running Turbo Diesel Mercedes wagon, 240k so if you know these cars it has lots of life left! it has been my daily driver for a while, she'll take you where ever you want to go.
A lot of work has been put in to the car
-regular oil changes (every 4/5 months
-sls system flushed fall also new pump seals 2013
-new glow plugs summer 2013
-new belts summer 2013
-new starter Dec. 2013
-alternator voltage regulator replaced fall 2013
-new battery fall 2013
-put some used better looking injectors in, summer 2013 (have another set of 5 used injectors that come with it)
-both fuel filters replaced summer 2013
-valve adjustment done fall 2013
-new shifter linkage bushings fall 2013
-fresh oil change 3/7/14
-body is in great shape, no dents, no rust! paint is good, some oxidation on hood but I believe some compound could get that out
interior I'd give a 6.5/10 its tan so the carpets haven't maintained a totally glowing color but I gave them all a shampoo summer 2013
front seats sink (driver more so) but no big rips in any seats!
-Good brakes
Cons
-some oil weeps from the lower oil cooler line
-small weep of sls fluid at return
-transmission jerks on 2nd and 4th (if you know these cars that is extremely common, just a vacuum thing, I believe the modulator needs adjusting)
-new tab time!
$2500"

[clanreed]

more photos

[Junkman]

People always skip the shot of hte driver's seat because the springs are broken and the Tex is cracked, cloth holding the pleats is shot and the back is wallet worn.

That's a decent starting price. You won't know until you see it. Climate needs obviously work. AC will be expensive to repair. Nothing was said about the suspension which can also add up.

Transmission is likely vacuum. Perhaps the pods only need replacing or new diaphragms. Search here to determine whether 123 vac pods can be accessed with the dash in place. I've seen remanned trans for $1500 to $2500. I'd use the price of new pods as a discount point.

Everything adds up even if you only count parts price. I'm afraid to see what I have in my $1500 SD that still isn't finished. (I just logged on to buy parts & made the time consuming mistake of checking the forum.)

On the other hand, it's not going to be perfect for $2,500. Take cash in case you like it.

[t walgamuth]

Look under the floor mats for rust, and around the jack points, bottom of doors as well. Ditto on the drivers seat.

[mike-81-240d]

It seems alright for the price.

Be weary though, both of the black wagons for sale on Seattle craigslist have been for sale for a long time now.

[ngarover]

Looks like SLS is shot, it should sit much higher than that. Not exactly a cheap fix depending on what is really wrong with it. Do make sure it's all still there, as I have seen people try to shore up the rear with various things.

This is how is should be sitting parked...

[clanreed]

Thanks for the responses thus far.

I pulled a carfax report and now I am unsure whether to continue looking at this car as a possibility. The owner says he has a clean title, but the carfax states
"08/23/1995
TOTAL LOSS VEHICLE
Vehicle declared a total loss
by an insurance company
Collision damage reported
Sold at salvage auction"

report also says
"CARFAX began reporting this information on 02/25/2013"
Why the late date?

Owner still claims his title is clean and not a salvage or WA rebuilt title.

I still haven't seen the car in person and am trying to decide whether the 2 hour round trip drive is worth it. I don't have a problem assessing and testing most of the cars systems but frame is another thing.

Thanks,
Shannon

[t walgamuth]

A car this old can be totaled for any number of reasons besides frame damage.

[clanreed]

I have decided to pass on this 300td. Between the SLS, air conditioning, and salvage title I am feeling uncomfortable.

Thanks for the help, I will keep looking,
Shannon

[clanreed]

Originally Posted by mike-81-240d

It seems alright for the price.

Be weary though, both of the black wagons for sale on Seattle craigslist have been for sale for a long time now.

Mike-
Have you personally seen the other Seattle listed 300TD or just the listing?
1982 Mercedes 300TD Diesel Wagon

The SLS on this one looks better, but a different side shot would help.

Shannon

[mike-81-240d]

Originally Posted by clanreed

Mike-
Have you personally seen the other Seattle listed 300TD or just the listing?
1982 Mercedes 300TD Diesel Wagon

The SLS on this one looks better, but a different side shot would help.

Shannon

I personally have not seen it, I do think his price seems to be a bit of a stretch though...

[t walgamuth]

I'd trot over there with a couple thousand and if all the stuff he says is good is good make him an offer.

[clanreed]

Originally Posted by clanreed

Mike-
Have you personally seen the other Seattle listed 300TD or just the listing?
1982 Mercedes 300TD Diesel Wagon

The SLS on this one looks better, but a different side shot would help.

Shannon

The ad expired on this so I'm unsure if my email went through to the owner. Hoping they re-list so I can check it out.

Thanks again for the help,
Shannon