Decision Time? My 1985 300 D (California) or 1983 300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mrdhh · #1 02-01-2003, 06:45 AM

What a fluke?As my car is on its way to Enrique in Tarzana California,a realtor for the house next door to me saw the car was being flatbedded and said he had one that he was selling(he moved up I guess has a newer 320S),he has a 1983 300D with 258000 miles and he rebuilt the tranny (at a cost of $1400) about a year and a half ago.He has all documentation and everything and just wants to get rid of this.He is will to sell it for $750.00.Now this is what I am thinking since the miles are close (my 1985 has 232000) but I know for a fact the tranny is original and has California smog stuf on it,take it for a day drive down to Enrique have him look it over if its good or better than mine sell mine and keep it or (catch royal hell from the family keep them both and argue that the last 500000 miles and if I need parts I have it) or what.I need some feedback on the trannys since mine is right where the other one was before the rebuild-thats all I would need to have engine perfect then tranny plops and hearing I told you so.So is my 1985 CA 300 D ready for a tranny rebuild(eventhough its always been properly service etc.) orkeep it and sell the other one(if its condition-engine-is what I think it is I know I can sell it for more than $750.00).Input please.Thank you

engatwork · #2 02-01-2003, 07:26 AM

$750 for a 300D that runs and has no rust. I'd buy it.

tjohn · #3 02-01-2003, 09:10 AM

Heck, if it was done right the rebuilt tranny is worth $750 by itself. If you have the cash, room and interest I wouldn't think twice.

lrg · #4 02-01-2003, 01:10 PM

Buy it and hide it at a friend's house! Don't be too quick to sell the '85. The tranny in '85 is not as prone to failure as some of the earlier trannies. The '85 incorporated a number of refinements that are generally associated with later cars. The '83 sounds like a great car and a very fair deal but the '85 is still a very good car. Do you have a 2 year old nephew you could buy the car for and keep for him until he's old enough to drive?

rwthomas1 · #5 02-01-2003, 03:55 PM

If you don't buy it I will!! Seriously, I will find the cash for that, fly out there and drive it home. More info if this is serious. RT

leathermang · #6 02-01-2003, 10:28 PM

RT, Could you possibly find a parts car any further away from you in the contigous United States ?

On that other post about (and?) when you said 'turbo' .... I had actually thought of that after I posted...but then figured it was redundant with his question... but it was cute....

diesel don · #7 02-01-2003, 10:36 PM

Buy it. Its a slam dunk.

We have a couple of guys in MI who need one if you don't want to keep it.

Serious!

Don

jbaj007 · #8 02-02-2003, 12:56 AM

Could you repeat the name of that realty company and the community in which that car....errrr....I mean, house, is for sale.

rwthomas1 · #9 02-02-2003, 01:50 AM

I'm going for a record!! Parts car? Sounds like a driver to me..... California here I come..... RT

#10 02-02-2003, 01:58 AM

I'm in the Los Angeles area, and I will buy that 300, sight unseen . . . tomorrow! Just let me know where to get the car and to whom to give the cash.

mrdhh · #11 02-02-2003, 08:41 AM

Before my trip to Enrique (I MUST DESCRIBE THAT ABOVE) I had to go see it.I about p*ssed in my paints,IT IS THE EXACT SAME COLOR INSIDE AND OUT.ONLY DIFFERENCE IS 2 LETTERS OF THE VEHICLE PLATES.I think I am going to get it since mine will be down a week then freak everyone in the family and the neighborhood out-then put my foot down and say I am keeping it and thats that and since my birthday is coming up its my gift.Then give in to yes we can have another dog,yes dear go on vacation with your parents to Florida(without me I will only be in the way

yes I think another kitchen remodeling fiasco will be great etc etc etc.YES I WILL EVEN GO TO COSTCO WITH YOU TO GO SHOPPING FOR JUST 2 THINGS WE ARE NOT OUT OF JUST TO STAND IN LINE FOR 10 MINUTES WHILE I DO BULL HORN NOISES.

leathermang · #12 02-02-2003, 08:56 AM

If you just park it on around the block no one will know you have two of them... you can alternate which you drive.... and not have those chores and extra animals to deal with....

mrdhh · #13 02-02-2003, 09:17 AM

I wish there leatherman,but fortunately (un) we live in a culdesac and everyone likes to be in everyones business good bad and ugly.I think because there kids have moved away and we are the youngest couple 40 and 36.

leathermang · #14 02-02-2003, 09:24 AM

Damn ! Screwed by street design... I hate when that happens....