Opinions please...

[Marcb]

Hello,

I just wanted to get some input on my recent MB purchase. I'm kind of sitting on a fence and thought I could use some expert advice. I had a friend purchase and drive home a 1987 300D Turbo sedan for me with 81,000 original miles on it. The car was PPI'd through a local dealer in Texas and they told me it needed some suspension work, etc. When the car arrived in my hands, I have found that it has had prior paintwork on various panels, needs a new vacuum pump, one tire is "flat" from sitting, and the original areas of paint on the car are starting to "check". It is the smoke silver color and has beautiful (like new) black leather interior. The rear bumper on the car has an "R" on it and I know it's been replaced before for one reason or another. In addition, the car also needs a new rear regulator for the window, lower control arm bushings and shocks! I paid the seller $8k for this car and have another $1200 worth of travel expenses into it. Now, based upon what I've described, should I keep it as a "rare" and desirable 300D worthy of these repairs or is it better to sell it and find another? If I sell it, I have a family member who really wants the car and will give me $8k for it. Basically, I'd only lose the travel expenses into the deal. I'm just torn on what to do. I wish I would have known about the paint and bodywork prior to purchasing it. Other than that, it drives well and shifts nicely except for the worn diff mounts. (Another thing to replace ) I guess my PPI didn't really pay off on this deal... Any thoughts guys? Should I sell it and walk away to find a better MB with higher maintenance standards?

On the plus side, it doesn't suffer from the infamous "firm" radiator hoses when cold.

[Wasuchi]

If the interior, trans and engine are ok.... and it sounds like they are, I would keep it and fix the other stuff. Check for collision damge too before throwing money at it though..... seems weird to have paint work done on different panels.

What dealer did the PPI? Sounds like one to avoid if they did that poor a job on a PPI.

[Marcb]

Thanks for the reply. The dealer who did the PPI was Midtown Luxury Motors in Houston. I'm not very impressed with the overall inspection that missed many "little" things. I believe both rear quarter panels were painted due to parking lot dings and associated scratches. The roof was also painted due to checking and a small rust spot on the sunroof leading edge. The PO was apparently very picky about appearance and the paint work isn't too bad, but is slightly noticeable. Any add'l thoughts?

[whunter]

Hello Everyone
Never keep a car you do not like.
Too often I see that.
A person who is happy with their car takes better care of it.
The corollary is obvious.

A truly low mileage MB Diesel is getting hard to find. Most of these cars are coming in with a lot of stuff like you are describing.
Your question is based on the economics, and what may come down the pipe as costs to you. Most of that stuff you list is what we are all working on now, or have been, or probably will be in the future. These cars are getting older.
I don't see that this car will collapse on you, but anything is possible. You paid a premium to get a lower mileage diesel, and the stuff that is bad sounds like it is mostly from age, not the miles.
That paint work would be the only thing that most of us would not tackle. Is it good enough to live with? Before giving up on the car you might check with some local shops to see if it could be polished out to match better, but that is a long shot with most bad paint jobs.

[leathermang]

I don't know what your level of DIY is.... but when there is no time rush.... there is no reason you can not shoot the paint yourself.... one thing most people don't understand is that you can shoot one panel at a time.... just the top, just the hood, just the trunk, etc... Because the most important stuff is the prep and the rubout..... I can put paint on with a brush as long as I get it thick enough to take off the tops of the streaks.... and you can not tell it from a perfect sprayed paint job....
Now, if you have to take everything to some mechanic or garage.... then you have started off at the top of the cost scale... and it might be better to sell it... since you can get a good price for it....

[Marcb]

Thanks for the replies everyone.... keep 'em coming. I'm going to try and make a decision tomorrow.

[TX76513]

Unfortunately you activated the "flaw the car" device that is located at all state crossing in Texas. This is meant to keep people (from out of state) from taking pristine vehicles to other places for their own personal enjoyment. When you crossed into NM or OK the device was activated and thats why you have all these things wrong with the 300D
Seriously, sounds like you have a very nice 87D with low miles and should make a good keeper. Make a list of the priorities of repair and knock them out as $$ are available and you will enjoy some low cost of ownership for many years

[1stimer]

I think you are just feeling a little remorse because of the things that were not disclosed. What if these things had been disclosed? Would you have bought the car then? It sounds like a good one. I'd keep it and make it perfect. Good luck.