Opinions Needed W124 300D on eBay - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Lance Allison · #1 01-10-2003, 10:54 AM

THIS 300D with a new engine, supposedly only 87k miles

I'm not sure what his reserve is, but any opinions (advice, price, etc) would be much appreciated.

#2 01-10-2003, 11:43 AM

Not sure why it needed a new engine so soon, but more importantly, why would someone spend $12,000 in repairs on it, then drive it only 5,700 miles in 4 years? Sounds funny to me..

rwthomas1 · #3 01-10-2003, 12:33 PM

My guess is that an older person owned it, (says bought after retirement) drove it very little (low miles), something happened to the engine (occasionally something wierd happens and motors eat themselves), the owner fixed it right continued to drive it short miles and then the owner died. Nice low mile car. I would ask for guarantees of the vehicles condition and the autheticity of the paperwork, etc. Are there service records? Maybe a great deal if you are willing to pay. RT

Lance Allison · #4 01-10-2003, 12:48 PM

I emailed the seller. He has about 35 detailed pictures and a scan of the service invoice for the engine. We have a 5mb attachment limit here, so I have to wait until I get home to view them.

What do you think a fair price would be?$8k?

rwthomas1 · #5 01-10-2003, 01:47 PM

A fair price is what you are willing to pay and be happy about. I paid more than most would for my 123 but it is exactly what I wanted (color, mileage, condition, terms of sale, records, etc) so I didn't mind at all. If you feel you are compromising in any way then don't pay more than book that way if you want to get rid of it it will be easier. Used cars are difficult in that if you really want a particular color, year, option, etc. you sometimes have to wait a long time and pay more than you expected. Again, paying more is not a really big deal if you consider the increase in cost over the life of the vehicle and the satisfaction of owning what you want. RT

tryan · #6 01-10-2003, 02:35 PM

personal opinion, but i like cars that have been driven rather than parked. i hate the ebay thing for such a big purchase. i would look for a car closer to home.

i have a couple garage queens that i feel guilty about not driving them enough. i try to fire them up and get them hot every couple weeks , but sometimes that just does not happen. seals dry out, tires and bearings get flat spots ect ectect

the car almost looks white in the photo, but is listed as beige?

1stimer · #7 01-10-2003, 02:39 PM

The engine warranty just ran out 2 weeks ago??? Something doesn't feel right about this one.

Lance Allison · #8 01-10-2003, 02:44 PM

Words of advice may be best said by 1stimer...

When I bought my SDL, I ended up having to put >$5k for a new top end about 10k miles after bringing her home. I researched that one carefully AND it had all of its records. When I had it checked out, compression and leak down tests produced positive results only to have a cracked head 10k miles later.

Maybe I'm getting bad vibes about this one as well.

TimFreeh · #9 01-10-2003, 09:42 PM

Lance

I'm not sure I agree. 9K is the price of a MB factory 603 engine - and that engine will have the updates to address the head problems associated with the trap oxidizer.

An AZ car will have zero rust, and I've had good luck with buying low mileage older cars. I'll be the A/C works pretty well...

I suspect the head cracked on the original motor and the MB service rep talked the retired (and well endowed) owner into a replacement MB engine.

I've never bought a car on e-bay but I can't understand how you can bid on a car when you can't inspect or drive it before the purchase is completed. I know it works for lots of people but I'm still uneasy with the whole idea.

Tim

lrg · #10 01-10-2003, 10:19 PM

I bought my W124 on Ebay a year ago and was very happy. It was a San Diego car with about 105K miles and I paid under $8k for it. Price was on the high side but haven't regretted it and I will keep it for ten years (at least) so it almost doesn't matter if you find the right car. I spent a fair amount of time on the phone with the seller who tried hard to answer all my questions. I got a good feeling about him and he was willing to let me have the car checked out by a local mechanic, in fact encouraged it. I did a yellow pages internet search to find the mechanic who went over to see the car and you probably still have time to do the same. Walk away if seller refuses to make the car available to a mechanic. I spent $250 for the check up, bought the car, flew down and drove it home. By the way, I walked away from bidding on another car earlier due to the "slick used car salesman" feeling I got about the seller. If you like the car and the seller then have it checked out and go for it.

1stimer · #11 01-11-2003, 02:04 AM

Don't let me dicourage you Lance. I just thought it was weird that the engine warranty just ran out. A qualified mechanic's reccomendation is worth more than our speculation's that is for sure. This could be a great car. What about a carfax? How did the seller get the car? Even when you researched extensively and did everything right you still kinda got hosed with that sdl. That really sucks. It's always a gamble. I still have my fingers crossed for my "new" car. Good luck in your search and keep me posted.