1983 240d - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 07-08-2002, 11:52 AM

A local foreign cars dealership is offering a really nice 1983 240D with 120,000 miles for $5,900. Is it just me or does that price seem high? I emailed the dealer and offered $2,000 for it. I received the reply of "we cannot begin to accept an offer such as that for this car." I have seen really nice 300Es going for $5,900. Even the NADA "high" value is around $4,500. And I'm pretty sure this car isn't in perfect condition. What's up with that?

surfblau · #2 07-08-2002, 12:37 PM

They will take you more seriously if you call or visit in person.

With regard to price, you are right, they are probably way over. Let them sit on it for a while and see how serious they are in one month. Remind them that it is a diesel and that nobody wants diesels because they stink and there are no living mechanics who can repair them, etc..

If it was absolutely perfect, with leather, a good radio, new tires, and some sort of warrantee, then $4500 would be about right.

Like you said, I doubt that it is like that.

later

#3 07-08-2002, 02:38 PM

If the car is really nice, with service records, never hit or rusted, reasonable interior, and OK engine test, I'd really work the dealer to give it to you for the $4,500 figure...for each of the above criteria it doesn't meet (except for the engine stuff, which is not negotiable), I might try to winkle the price down a little.

I think these are really superb cars, and if really nice you could have it for the next ten years before any serious issues come up. This should go someplace on the other side of the scale.

stephenson · #4 07-08-2002, 02:51 PM

Was 240D ever offered in leather?

Though they were all MB Tex?

#5 07-08-2002, 03:14 PM

It was my info that for the last year (1983) of the 240D in the US, Mercedes pulled out all the stops, equipping all with sunroofs, auto trans, AC, radio/casette, etc. I've since seen posts from others with '83s who have manual transmissions, etc. I wonder if leather was a dealer option?

240 Ed · #6 07-08-2002, 08:44 PM

Remind the dealer that besides no living person is known to be able to work on these engines, these engines are too mysterious and unknown to survive very long...and that you are taking a terrible risk with such a high mileage on an unproven, experimental engine technology. ...yeah.

stuff like dat.

#7 07-10-2002, 03:07 PM

I owned an 83 240d with leather, sunroof, cassette, etc. When I bought it it had about 140,000 on it. I bought it for $2200 from a used RV dealer. My wife couldn't stand the smell of diesel, so i traded her for a 190e.

Palangi · #8 07-10-2002, 11:06 PM

You traded your wife for a 190e ?

dabenz · #9 07-10-2002, 11:20 PM

Marginal trade = wife for 190e, depending on the wife.
Poor trade = 240D for 190e (you're in Diesel Discussion)

Palangi · #10 07-10-2002, 11:29 PM

Right!

Wife for a late 90's e300D....... That might be worth negotiating....

william rogers · #11 07-11-2002, 03:33 AM

Sounds quiet high, of the 3 MB's I own 74,81,86m I have had to replace before they were truly road ready many many rubber parts from bearing housings bushings to belts hoses,plus brakes parts from rotors to calipers,and many other small parts on all three, a 19 year old car usally needs from several hundred to several thoudand dollars to put it in real good safe driving condition........
William Rogers......

engatwork · #12 07-11-2002, 07:02 AM

For trade - high milage (odo broke at 38), high maintenance wife, 1956 model for pristine early 80's 300SD. Have been maintaining for 17+ years and have all books and records.
Problems - occasional computer (mental) issues which last about one week every month followed by threats to permanently drive away based on what is torn apart in the driveway. I guess this could be considered uneven idle. Color of paint job on top changes based on how much black undercoat is showing - original color is unknown

. Comes with at least 50 changes of treads. Runs good on occasion but backfires based on the type of fuel. No bondo and never any body damage/repair except for a made over honker which is hard to tell from the original. Back end does not sag but there does seem to be an uneven ride.
Take over payments and will consider an even swap for the 300SD.

leathermang · #13 07-11-2002, 07:25 AM

Engatwork,
When can I do a PPI and take a test ride ?

engatwork · #14 07-11-2002, 07:36 AM

LOL - I'll try to arrange it during that week of the computer issues

. How many miles are on your SD?

dabenz · #15 07-11-2002, 09:16 AM

Sometimes you just have to tell her that tinkering in cars is better than tinkering in bars. Wink and head to the car when she asks where you'd rather tinker. You'll get a few nag-free hours and maybe some fun later.