Need comments on this 300TD
 

Guys,

Thinking about buying this '82 TD. Compression numbers are:

396
396
382
396
353

I know the board's knowledge is deep, Do you guys see problems here? Is this a pig with lipstick or the real thing.

Thanks much

Andrew

more pictures for the '82 TD

Those compression numbers alone wouldn't worry me. I would want to know as much accurate information as possible about oil consumption.

If you are new to MB, dont let cosmetic condition fool you. Due to MB having better paint, trim and such, As compared to other brand cars of the same age an MB can fool you because it looks so nice when underneath the car could be worn out.

Hope this helps

Thanks, don't have any oil consumption info, here are the pictures I was given showing the underside as well as a couple of other shots.

looks like a nice, clean wagon. what do they want on price?

anything can be fixed if the body is solid enough

Wagon does look nice. I'd ask about the roof rack crossbars though. I'm assuming the appearance comes with an appropriate asking price.

Guys,

Thanks for the comments thus far, happy to share asking price as well as price paid, should I actually buy the thing, however, want to keep away from talking numbers for now and keep discussion on what can actually be seen about this machine from the pictures I've been sent. Have at it!

Bingo
 

That's it! If the car has a nice, sound body and a decent engine, your golden. Worst case scenario is you find out the suspension is shot. Still, suspension rebuilds are better than body or engine work.

If the price isn't god-awfully high, go for it!

Guys,

Thanks for the comments thus far, happy to share asking price as well as price paid, should I actually buy the thing, however, want to keep away from talking numbers for now and keep discussion on what can actually be seen about this machine from the pictures I've been sent. Have at it!

If you want meaningful responses, you need to add as much info as possible:

- mileage
- service records present? Complete?
- number of owners
- general geographic location
- clean CarFax?
- vendor states it needs anything now?
- have you actually seen it or are those owner-supplied pics?
- have you seen under the sisal mats?
- condition of trim and spare tire cover in cargo area?

The engine compartment has been heavily detailed. I wager the underside was washed as well. Which, though perhaps not the primary intent, nicely removes evidence of many leaks (temporarily).

I would say it is not a pig with lipstick. That's as far as I go on the first date.

Zacharis,

Thanks, for the reply. Pictures, unfortunately are owner supplied, best spare tire cover pictures I have are above, car is said to have 136K, clean carfax, reported to have though maintenance record though I haven't seen it. Car came out of CA but has lived in GA for a year or so, I'd be the third owner. Vendor says the car is mint and that the following has been done:


Polished and painted matching stainless steel hubcaps
Powdercoated steel wheels
New cadium plated lug nuts
New cadium plated hubcap clips
Top of the line Michelin tires
Pinstripe
Custom 7-piece protective sisal floor mats
New hood insulation pad
Refinish all Zebrano wood
Polish all bright work
New B-Pillar felt
New Windlace
New front interior door release handles
Polish seat rails
New Bosch headlamp doors
Polish fog lamps and headlamps
Paintless dent ding removal
New grill insert
New grill cross bars
R&R factory Becker stereo and add AUX jack for iPod/iPhone
30k service
All new belts and hoses
Valve adjustment
New front and rear brakes
All new filters and fluids
R&R vacuum system
Fix A/C
Adjust power antenna
Rear hydraulic accumulators replaced
Brakes and Rotors
Rear Axles
Oil Pan Seal
Oil sending unit line
Oil housing unit seal
New power antenna
New Alternator
New Battery
New Window Channels - all four doors
Window switches
Hazard switch
Rear wiper switch
Rebuilt hydraulic pump
Antifreeze drain plug on drivers side of engine - replaced
Miscellaneous leaks repaired
Drained fuel tank, cleaned out fuel lines, new fuel filter in tank and at engine.
New cruise control unit
New Tie Rod Assembly
New Idler Arm
New Steering Damper
New Starter
iPod outlet in glove box
Fabricated cup holders

I don't believe third owner multistate car under 200K

Yes, never sure of true number previous owners. Car said to have original window sticker and all books and maintenance records from new. Said to have originally sold at Beverly Hills MB dealership. Here is picture I was sent of instrument cluster.

Okay, given the info you are relaying on the marketing for the car, and your desire to keep asking price out of the discussion, we can safely assume the vendor is asking very large money.

The bottom line advice I give to people in these situations is, if you are willing to stomach a top end price, then you should be able to afford to fly out and see the car.

I have bought eight or more cars from a distance and I have one golden rule: never pay retail, let alone high retail, for a car not seen and driven in the flesh. (Unless you are buying from the guys at Mercedes Motoring or some such.)

Who gave you the compression #? Have you seen the cars in person? I think you are fed with poison unless you physically check out the car. The price shouldn't be cheap. It was detailed to mask all kind of problems IMHO. Walk unless the car is sub $2500.