Daily Driver Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

c5rv · #1 02-09-2003, 12:28 PM

Yes, I'm new. I drive over 30,000 miles a year and am tired of throwing money away on daily drivers. I'm considering finding a used 300D (late 123 or 124) as a daily driver. I'll also have a backup vehicle for days when I'm working on the car. I understand that the vehicles are great to work on, plus I know a good mechanic.

A couple questions:

I drive about 7 miles a day on rough unpaved roads. Will the 300D stand up to this pounding, or would I have to take the long way to the freeway?

I really like the 123, but wonder about the non-powertrain related items of a nearly 20-year old car. Then again, the 124s are probably more complicated with more to go wrong. Are either of these things a problem?

Thanks for your input.

- Greg

Wasuchi · #2 02-09-2003, 12:38 PM

Unpaved roads..... you shouldn't have any problems as long as you don't bottom out somewhere. They certainly aren't as good as a 4X4 on a really rough road but they are pretty tough.

dieseldude · #3 02-09-2003, 12:46 PM

You make some good, and imo correct general observations. Firstly though, I would say from my MB experience, that either chassis is plenty robust-enough to handle the roads you're describing - these are two the most revered modern designs for longevity and build quality from MB.

While the W124 is thoroughly more modern and higher performance in every way (except wieght

), I would say the W123's while older, would still be less expensive to maintain. I don't hear of evap core leaks on the W123's that one does on the W124's. Also, there have been mixed reviews on the reliablity of the later generation of W124 diesel engines, wheras the 617 motor family is proven without a doubt to be very bombproof.

For examples in similar condition, you'll still spend more that double for a W124, so I would say both budget ongoing maintanence and for the intial purchase price should be considerations. I'm not saying the W124 would be a money pit by any means, but the lack of electronics and more cast iron on the W123's makes them simplier machines.

...and that's what they drive like - machines. Like I said before, the W123 lacks the sophistication of the W124, but has a certain feeling that many, including myself appreciate. Has the grunt of an ox, but still impressively refined for a 20+ year-old 5-cylinder diesel car. Cruises on the freeway with that typical MB composure, but can feel like a bit of a pig around town.

#4 02-09-2003, 12:48 PM

I would say going with a W123 car, and if you want really simple, then go with a 240D with a 4-speed manual. A 300D turbo would probally be better if you want more power in the W123 Chassis. As for the non-powertrain related items, these cars aren't that bad, as long as they have been maintained. About the only problems are with the climtate control systems.

If you want power, then a 1987 W124 300D would be your best choice. There is more stuff on them to go wrong, but I think they are still fairly reliable.

c5rv · #5 02-09-2003, 02:46 PM

Thanks for the rapid responses. It sounds like my first choice, a 123 wagon would be a good choice (assuming I can find a good one). A sedan would be fine, also.

My mechanic suggested that I buy a southern / southwestern car due to body rot in Michigan. I have my doubts about buying a used vehicle remotely, though. Thoughts on good ways to do that?

leathermang · #6 02-09-2003, 03:22 PM

The 123 Wagon... has a World Wide reputation as being very hardy... and they offer springs for " bad road" counties... some of our states are starting to fit that description....

jobah · #7 02-09-2003, 04:52 PM

I would suggest a 124.

I drive my 190 30+kmi per year and I appreciate the amenities and the maintenance of the 60x engines over the 61x engines.

Most on this list love the 123's. I agree they are great cars. I have a 123, a 126(617) and a 201. All diesels. My daily driver is the 201 because I would rather pound miles on the 60x engine rather than the 61x engines. the 60x engine has been the most reliable and the highest mileage.

While I may be one of the few that prefers the 60x to the 61x engines, I own both and to me the choice is clear.

#8 02-09-2003, 05:11 PM

My 83 300d is my daily driver and it goes places about once a week that you would never expect to see any car. The only problem I have is I tend to drive to fast because the car is so smooth. I have caught myself doing 60 on forest service roads where you run the risk of hitting a deep mud hole over the next rise. Also on roads that are so bad that 15 mph is to fast it handles better than some trucks I have owned.

rwthomas1 · #9 02-09-2003, 08:50 PM

You can't go wrong with a 123 chassis IMHO. Later chassis are nicer/more refined but since the 123 has served for taxi duty, and in far-off 3rd world countries I would say they are the toughest. Regarding buying a car some distance from you there are several ways to do it. You could get one off Ebay. This is what I did. I had guarantees (from the seller) that the car was exactly what it was presented as and had no hidden issues, refund if not as stated, etc. Instead of this, or in addition to you could have an outfit like Lemonbusters give it an inspection. Also, one of the board members may offer to take a look at it for you since there are members in about every major city and we just like looking at MB's.... Another option is to visit friends/family in a warm, sunny place and look at cars while you are there. Or search online in a specific area like Houston, TX. Call on several cars, if they are what you think you want, grab a flight on Southwest and go check them out. Likely if you have 4-5 to look at one will suit you. Regarding the mechanical reliability it can be a struggle at the begining of ownership to get the car up to standards and familiarize yourself with the maintence. However once all the major/minor items have been taken care of the cars will go many years with nothing but regular care. Good luck, RT

diesel don · #10 02-09-2003, 10:21 PM

Hey c5rv:

Come over and test drive any in my stable if you'd like. I'm in Rockford and you can see the wagon and three sedans. We can show you 15 of them or so from our club here. You can see what ones looks like that grew up in Michigan (salt) and the others from better parts (Houston, Atlanta & DC).

I'd advise buying from the South and avoiding the wagon unless you like the flexibility with hauling junk in the back or hauling 7 people. The reasons would be (1) cost, (2) rear suspension issues with the air system. Having said that, I do like the wagons but probably the sedans more.

Let me know if you want to stop by.

Don

Aaron · #11 02-09-2003, 11:25 PM

I sent you an e-mail about a 300D a friend has for sale.

c5rv · #12 02-10-2003, 07:53 PM

Thanks again for the info. I originally started thinking about a 300D for my son, 18, who needs a reliable car. His interest has moved on to other vehicles, but my interest has persisted.

One thing I never did when looking at some cars for my son was to measure the trunk. My wife uses a wheelchair and I think there's enough room, but just want to make sure. Does anyone have the front-to-back measurement of the trunk (or distance behind the second seat on the 300TD)?

#13 02-10-2003, 08:15 PM

Don't worry about any MB diesel holding up to the task of your driving needs. As rwthomas said, these cars were (and still are) used as taxi's in europe, and all over the world. I drive between 3,000 and 6,000 miles per month and I find my car to be extremely reliable.. never let me down once. The 123 is a very rugged car, don't worry about a thing.

fz500sel · #14 02-10-2003, 08:48 PM

c5rv-IMHO, the W123 300D's are the best. You can pick up a low mileage one with ZERO rust down in Florida for 3 or 4 grand. I just bought a 1983 300D with only 115k on the odometer over xmas vacation down there. It only cost me $2500.

diesel don-Where is Rockford located? I would love to come check out your MB's. If it's in SE Michigan, are you a member of the local MB Club of America?

slowmoe · #15 02-10-2003, 09:31 PM

I have owned both a 123 and a 124 and have covered many miles in each. I agree with everything mentioned about the 123 so far.

However, from my experience, I would have to recommend the 124 if you are driving long distances on a regular basis. The 124 offers a more refined suspension for those rough roads, ABS, ASD (locking rear diff.), airbags, and a much....much....much more comfortable driver's seat with 8-way power adjustments and optional heat. Additionally, I seem to remember getting mileage in the mid 20's per gallon on the 123. With my 124 (2.5 turbo) it is common to get in the mid 30's.

The initial purchase price for the 123 might be less than the 124. However, it has been my experience that my '92 300D has needed very little work on items which have failed due to age. I mostly replace normal wear items. I was replacing the "aged" items in addition to the common wear items on the 123.

Both are fantastic cars up to the job you describe. You can not go wrong with a good example of either. The car for you depends on the features for which you are looking.