New to this forum and new to MB diesel cars. Have not own one yet, but in the market for one now and would like some answers. What would I need to look for on 1980 300sd with only 45k original miles and has been in storage for the last 16 years. Owner said heater, a/c, and sun roof cable broke. He said heater valve need to be replace. He said a/c might be just leaking out during long storage. What could go bad on a/c when not running for 16 years? Sun roof cable broken. Asking price is $3650-$4500, not rust, original paint, lost maintenance record, original owner and has title that show the actual mileage when the car was put out of service. Have only seen the car on picture and will be traveling to see the car on Jan. 6. My estimate for cost of repaire of the a/c system and sun roof in worse case would be about $1000-$1500. What should I be looking for and how much should I pay for the car if the car have what it claim to be? Thanks

At that price its a steal. Even if you spend another $5000 on it in 10 years, you won't find another car that will cost you less to run.

As far as the sun roof, do you really need to open it? If you got a car without a sun roof, you couldn't open it and wouldn't think a thing about it.

P E H

Also look to replace just about every consumable item on the car including tires, belts, hoses, possibly water pump and calipers too. Drain all fluids and replace. If the car hasn't been run in 16 years, then you might have a nightmare on your hands. Internal and/or external engine seals may have went bad, automatic transmission seals may have went bad.. Things to consider.

The owner said new engine alone cost about $5000. Is this true? He said he run the car one in a while and currently had the car running now, but no license plate, so he did't drive the car that much. He said he replace some fuel line and clean all the fuel line and replace the water pump. a/c, heater, sun roof inop. and tire need to be replace. I will fly there to check it out. I got a lot of information on this board on what to look for? climate control and rust is what everyone agree on for 1980 300sd. My main concern are the engine and transmision and some other expensive components. Also I want to be sure the mileage claim is true. Would a MB shop mechanic tell if the engine has 45k mile on it with any testing? Thanks

The interior of a 45,000 should look BRAND NEW. There should be no wear and nothing broken. Your mechanic can do a compression test, and the numbers should come back as new. Try to post some photo's of the car, we can tell roughly how many miles are on it just by looking at the condition.

Sorry no picture at this time. I will update you after I made the trip to see it. Also I will make a decision when I see it and have a mechanic check it out before I buy it.

Send me the VIN. I can run a CARFAX report which may or may not indicate mileage.
Fred

If the engine has not been started or turned over for many years you may need to replace some or all of the valve springs... if left in compression that long they will be weaker than the others.. and may break at the wrong time....

Fred, here is the vin #11612012022351 1980 300sd. Carfax don't go back that far in year. He said the title match the mileage on the car and the car is currently in running condition except the heater, a/c, and sun roof.

LUE
Yup, CARFAX does not go back that far.
Fred

Its a good deal - lots could be wrong with the ac but everybodys in the same boat good luck