A few months ago, this past summer, there was a 1983 Mercedes 300 SD turbo diesel at a local car lot. The owner said they were asking $2500 for the car. However, the car had several small-moderate sized hail dents on the hood, top and trunk, due to a moderate to severe hail storm we received in very early May of last year. The car has/had 224K miles on it and the interior was in excellent condition, with no wear even on the driver seat and there was still no cracks in the dash pad, which is unusual here in the south, where most Mercedes have cracked dash pads. The car ran good and shifted smooth, which I thought was unusual, as most diesel Mercedes I drove had a harsh shifting transmission. Someone told me the transmission shifting smooth in the one I drove was a bad sign. It was not really the smoothest transmission I have seen in a car, but smooth I thought for a Mercedes and I did not have to release the accelerator to get it to shift gears, as on other Mercedes I had. So I thought it was OK. Other problems was a non working heater/AC motor. Oil leaks were very minor and did not look to be dripping any oil on the road, but there was some hoses on the car, with a little oil seeping out. Later, the dealer said they would take $1800 for the car- bottom $. I was afraid that was too much for the car, with the hail damage, but I was not really concerned about that, as I was just wanting a large car, with good MPG and like the 81-85 S-series Mercedes. Now I wish I had of bought the car, despite the hail damage. Now I think the car is sold, as I have not seen it there in a while. They do have however, two 1986 Mercedes they have had a while. They have a 1986 560SEL and a 1986 420SEL. Oddly, both are in rather poor condition. Both have hail damage, cracked dash pads. The 560SEL also has several dents and dings, cracked light lens' and a severely chipped grille and has obviously seen some abuse. It is the same color as the 86 560SEL I have been considering for $4800. I may go back by there one day and try to spot the 83 300SD. Ironically, the car belonged to a elderly lady that goes to my church. She always drove the car slowly and with care. The traded it in on a early 90s 190, as she wanted a smaller car. If they do have the 83 300 SD, can anyone tell me if this car is worth $1800? I am not too familiar with the Mercedes. Aside from electrical, what other problems I should check? The car is rust free, due to it being a southern car. Thanks for any info.

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2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd
1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive
1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1988 Mercedes 300SEL
1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon
1973 Pontiac Grand Ville
(Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL)

$1800 sounds like a good price, just make sure that the engine is in good condition. As for the 560SEL and the 420SEL, I would stay away from them. If they have not been maintained, they can cost a fortune to get back into shape.

If you snooze - you lose.

That 300SD sounded terrific.... the trade-in reason was ligitimate... little old lady cars are generally well-maintained.... and you knew the previous owner

Heck, the dealer probably would have taken $1600 .... if you fanned the cash in his face

Now you are looking at 420SEL?? You gotta be crazy! Look for blown headgasket (aluminum head/ iron block).... also lotsa nutty gadgets and gizmos with millions of vacuum lines.

Actually, the other car I am considering is a 86 560SEL, not a 420, but the lot does have a 420SEL. I think the 560SEL was well maintained according to the seller, which is a doctor. The 560 has 124K and looks excellent, but there was a growl under the hood when I turned the steering wheel. Perhaps a bad pump or low on fluid. I have also heard about the head gasket problems on the 80s V8 Mercedes. I would rather have the 300SD, just because it is a diesel. Hopefully they still have it. Thanks again for the replies.

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2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd
1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive
1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1988 Mercedes 300SEL
1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon
1973 Pontiac Grand Ville
(Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL)

I bought my '83 300SD back in May of 2002 and love it to death. Drive it every day, more often even than my ML320. That's mainly my pulling vehicle for the car trailer.

I've had to put some money into the SD to bring it up to my standards but it's been an absolute joy. Not once has it failed to start (even in 7 degree weather not plugged in) and at 250K, runs as sweet as ever. Just broken in!

Go back and snatch that SD up if you can!! Great cars!

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Regards,
Aaron