Is 429,000 miles too much for an '86 300SDL? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

WANT '71 280SEL · #1 12-02-2003, 09:44 PM

Well, since my accident I have been looking for something different. I think I am going to buy mine back from the insurance company and IO know of a guy that will get it functional again for $400. Anyways, I am looking at a one owner 1986 300SDL. I know of the cylinder head issues but I am good with keeping a sharp eye on the gauges. It does have 429,000 miles on it. Only has one picture shown, doesn't look like it has that many miles. It also says that it starts good cold I believe? Is that too many miles to not require a LOT of work? Transmission, etc.?
Thanks
David

WANT '71 280SEL · #2 12-02-2003, 09:45 PM

Here is a link to the site with the car. I LOVE big cars, plus this would get 30 miles to the gallon! What a combination!

http://mercedes4sale.com/detail.aspx?vehicle_id=646

Thanks Again
David

WANT '71 280SEL · #3 12-02-2003, 09:47 PM

Is that rear sunshade I see in the back window? That would be cool if it is! The car is also listed on cars.com, I believe that is where it said starts good cold, or something along those lines.
David

turbodiesel · #4 12-02-2003, 09:52 PM

I remember this car from eBay, I think it was on there a while ago.

Take a look at this one I snapped a few pics of. Was just in for routine service. One owner, too.

http://207.44.234.41/435k-300sdl/IMG_0211.JPG
http://207.44.234.41/435k-300sdl/IMG_0212.JPG
http://207.44.234.41/435k-300sdl/IMG_0214.JPG

I've seen them with higher mileage, 600k, 800k.. If it runs and drives good, don't worry about the odometer.

WANT '71 280SEL · #5 12-02-2003, 10:11 PM

Are you sure it's the same one? The one I am talking about is in Indianapolis, IN. The one in the pic seems to have a Michigan plate I believe. The car could have been moved by a dealer though. Are those pics from ebay or did you take them yourself?
Thanks
David

turbodiesel · #6 12-02-2003, 10:13 PM

It's not the same car, just showing you a high mileage one I saw here in NJ.

But I think I did see your car in Indy on eBay.

WANT '71 280SEL · #7 12-02-2003, 11:24 PM

Nevermind on my previous comment. That car is not the same one that is for sale. I thought you owned a shop or something where the car had been serviced.
Thanks again
David

BobK · #8 12-03-2003, 07:06 AM

Check the car out in person and see how it looks and drives. If you like it, wave 20 $100 bills under his nose and see if he takes it. Then drive it forever.

rickjordan · #9 12-03-2003, 08:57 AM

One of the things I have learned from owning high mileage Benzes is, and this applies to any make car, if the car has high miles and is running fine, then that means it was taken care of. Bad maintenance practices would of reared it's ugly by the time 100K or more rolls around. I would drive the car and pay attention to the road and not the odometer, "don't judge a book by it's cover".

agplate · #10 12-03-2003, 05:42 PM

I agree with Rickjordan- I've seen enough of these to know whether the car has been loved or just cleaned up. In some ways I would be more confident of a high mileage car in great shape than a 120k miler that looks unloved.

Plantman · #11 12-03-2003, 09:46 PM

FWIW,

My car will hit 325,000 miles tommorow. Barring a tiny quirk here and there, it is mechanically perfect. I can't imagine wanting another car. I absolutely love my car.

While I only have 2 years experience with Mercedes, check out my other cars, lots oh high mileage domestic cars there.

I have always believed that regular maintenance will dramatically extend a vehicles life. In the case of a Mercedes, that life is extended a lot more.

It is highly unlikely that car had irregular maintenace and made it this far.

Get it checked out, if it rides well and doesn't overheat, get it and drive it some more.

sixto · #12 12-04-2003, 01:01 AM

Problems with the mileage but not necessarily the car:

- very small resale market. The entire population of people who would buy such a car have responded to this post

- very small recovery value if it gets totalled unless you make special arrangements.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL
83 300SD ... $1100, see cars forum

Hatterasguy · #13 12-04-2003, 12:26 PM

If it runs and drives good, get it cheched out. If it all checks out then say something like "It does have 400k plus on it" then take out 15 new 100 dollar bills. See what there reaction is. Even if you have to put a tranny in you are still ahead.