This sounds too good to be true... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 06-15-2002, 11:02 AM

Looking at a 1980 300D in my area today. Saw it in the classifieds. The owner is selling it for 1300 or best offer, and says it has 103K miles on it....does this sound too good to be true? What are somes signs that this cra has more than that? For 1300 dollars, I wouldnt care if it had 180K, but 103K sounds too good to be true. Comments?

mikemover · #2 06-15-2002, 11:41 AM

Ask for maintenance records!

Other than that, just the overall condition of the car...how tight is the suspension?

WATCH THE ODOMETER when you test drive to make sure that is has been WORKING!

Mike

#3 06-15-2002, 10:33 PM

The owner has no maintenance records and the odometer and speedomoter "stopped working" a month ago. Although this may seem like a downside, it is the best out of the three 300Ds ive driver. Non turbo, but picks up ebtter than the turbos ive seen. Good and tight, no play in the steering, smooth shifting with non banging, and also a 1.2 sec delay from park to reverse. Going to have the MBS certified master tech down the road from me check it out tuesday. He says he'll do it for free. I hope I find my first 300D...

mikemover · #4 06-16-2002, 02:46 AM

If the odo stopped working "a month ago", I'd say that in truth it probably has been not working much longer than he says, and I'd say that's far from being the correct mileage...That and the lack of records can be a good negotiating tool to get the price down even lower!

BUT, If it's a well cared-for, good driving car, and it does well at the inspection, then I'd say go for it! Good maintenance, and being in obvious good condition, is FAR more important than actual mileage and paperwork.

I have no records for my car, but it was immediately obvious that someone had taken very good care of it both mechanically and cosmetically, so I bought it anyway.

Let us know how it goes!

Mike

#5 06-16-2002, 05:06 AM

HA! Yeah, a month ago. With 103K miles showing, it was 10 years ago the odo stopped working last month.

But if it drives good, go for it. The price is certainly right. But just don't believe for a second that this car has like 105K on it.

engatwork · #6 06-16-2002, 07:18 AM

Look at the steering wheel real close. If it is smooth at around the 3 and 9 o'clock positions versus the top and bottom then you can bet the odo has not been used in awhile. If the steering wheel texture is the same "roughness" all the way around then the milage may possible be accurate. Like everyone said it is based on the condition the car is now in versus milage - especially for the cost.
When I purchased my 300D the brakes did not work and there were no records but you could tell the car received very good maintenance for at least the first 200,xxx miles.

#7 06-16-2002, 08:53 AM

Anything special about these non turbo five cylinder? Just aas reliable as the turbodiesel counterparts I see?

#8 06-16-2002, 11:39 PM

Answer: Very much so, from all the posts Ive read. Also, one more thing to add- Take a look at the foot pedals, my car had 129k when I bought it and they were still in real good condition. See how much they are worn and sometimes it's a very good indication..

william rogers · #9 06-17-2002, 01:24 AM

sounds good to me, I always replace belts hoses brakes shocks and tires as a matter of course unless they check out near perfect. But if you think about with a little fun work and about the price of a big screen you might get a car that will run and drive great for another 20 years.........
William Rogers..........