Good price for a Diesel w123

[Snibble]

Hi... I am just *thinking* of getting a diesel w123 in the future. I am not familiar with these cars other than I remember being driven around in these cars as a little kid in taxis overseas. My question is.. what is the average price one would expect to pay for a good, driving, operational diesel benz? I see all sorts of diesel 123's from $800 to nearly $6000. I take it if I spend $6000, then I am getting a "like-new, sub 100K mile" car? What about at a $1000 range? $2000 range? $3000 range? etc.? Just curious.

[Snibble]

Hi Bill... now would a manual transmission w123 cost more than an automatic? Which is better, a 240 or a 300? I am not too familiar in operting a manual ( was never taught to drive one of these)... but I am interested in learning. I hear you get better gas milage with a manual. How are the 123's in snow or icy situations? handling compared to a 126 and the feel? I do a lot of driving with my 300SEL in the 75-80MPG range... would I do damage to a diesel 123 if I attempt these speeds? thanks again

[Snibble]

I saw a 300D on ebay with a manual 5 speed. It had a euro front bumper, but the back looked to me like a USA version, maybe its my monitor. I guess I will keep my eye out in the future for a nice 300D example and grab it. I do also know that in Europe, they have plenty of 123's there for sale, some even with extremely low milage and in nice condition. Maybe one day I can purchase one there and ship it over to the US? or is that too much of a hassle? Again.. this is something that i am thinking of doing in the future, not now. thanks again

[engatwork]

Pick up one on this side of the pond Snibble because shipping can double the price of the car. I have purchased them cheap and expensive. If you are serious start looking now and do not have a time frame for purchase. I would recommend a 82-85 300D (turbo) for the first one. There are two ways to purchase these cars - cheap (under $2k) that will require another $1-2k to "get them right" or more expensive where everthing works ($3-4k). The secret is to look at ALOT of them and take your time looking.

[240 Ed]

There are many sad cases of abandoned diesels on the streets of San Jose, (as you may recall my earlier posts about this..).

I can only stress that as you are in Ohio, you could go south to at least Atlanta, or preferably Florida and get a rust free one! Should be tons of these in Florida! They are so much easier to work on if they are not from the rust belt.

I think the 300 is a reasonable car, but not for higher speeds.

It is too bad you can't get a 300 with a stick!

[rwthomas1]

Ebay is a good place to find southern cars and sometimes at a good price but you end up competing with others for your prize. If you want one relatively cheap do this: got any friends/relatives etc. in warm places? TX?AZ?FLA? Houston and Dallas, TX seem to have many used MB's. Southwest flys most places cheap. Go there get the local paper, Autotrader, etc. and go look at all the cars you are interested in a 200-300mile radius. Chances are pretty good you will find what you want in about a week. This whole trip could cost about $1000 if you had to stay at a motel and rent a car. $1000 is nothing compared to what it costs to have rust fixed. Buy one rust free and don't look back. RT

[engatwork]

Here is a link to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. I will say that compared to two years ago the 300D's (W123) are getting fewer and fewer. It has gotten to the point where 240D's are pretty rare in there.

http://www.ajcclassifieds.com/search/auto/

[mplafleur]

240 ed,

I spent the summer of '80 in San Jose. On the east side off of White Ave (street?). I used to take runs into the foothill. There was a neighbor how had an old Jaguar, a MK II I think. It was well sun-damaged and looked like it had been sitting there for years. What a waste!

[suginami]

I'd look at cars in Southern California. There are more W123 diesels on the road than practically any other MB model.

And plus, there is no rust.

I'd search at www.autotrader.com and enter in a Southern California zip code.

Have one of us here look at the car, have the PPI done by Enrique at Mr. Motors. If it checks out, buy a $99 one way ticket from Southwest Airlines, and drive the car home.

It's that easy...

Last month we bought a '83 240D on EBay in San Antonio. It was manual 123K miles. We paid $1450. When we picked up the car we changed the oil, adjusted the valves, and changed the filters. After a good inspection we drove it 900miles home.

There is some good ones out there.

Good Luck,

Randy

[Wallknight]

IN response to your first question, my 123 isnt too great in ice and snow. Being rear wheel drive, i find it really easy to break it loose. (though once off the gas, it hooks right back up) Too much power, i suppose! It loves getting up to the higher speeds! Paid $800, but needed a lot of work (mostly minor stuff) Good car, but I'm looking for an SD.

[lrg]

The turbos should have no problem keeping up your speeds. I've driven mine at 80+/- for hours and it loved it, actually hit 100 once (OK, I confess, it was downhill, but it did it and felt very solid). The issue at those speeds is noise. If you are going to drive fast it is not the quietest. I agree you should try before you drive.