Just purchased 1983 300TD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

junker68 · #1 12-24-2003, 10:36 PM

I feel pretty good (almost giddy) about this one. Just returned from purchasing a 1983 300TD with 124,000. Garaged, never seen the snow. Service records, reg maint. Changeover to new freon based unit. No rust AT ALL; undercarriage, wheel wells, anywhere (I'm sure I will find some soon). I couldn't believe it. It's the first car I bought w/o negotiating, $3500.

I lost my last 300D about 2 wks ago in a minor accident in a local pkg lot. I was going to look this summer for another one (due to rust), but the accident forced the issue.

Anyway, I couldn't be happier and I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays. This website has been a knuckle and money saver over the years.

Makes for a better holiday season!

Dwayne

GottaDiesel · #2 12-24-2003, 11:34 PM

Where are you located?

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

leathermang · #3 12-25-2003, 07:19 AM

Junker68, " w/o negotiating " ? Are you feeling ill ?

GottaDiesel , You are not allowed to ask him that until you have posted YOUR location.

TN-W124 Diesel · #4 12-25-2003, 07:54 AM

Welcome to the Mercedes Diesel Crowd

junker68 · #5 12-25-2003, 09:56 AM

That's right, no negotiation.
This car is well worth it and the seller was fair and honest, a rare breed. It's rare when you run across a car as described and an honest person as such.
I was spending days and miles looking at c**p for the same amount of money. The guy selling the car was a gentleman and it was a more than fair and reasonable price, especially when you look at what is out there and the way people describe their car.
You go look at a car and there's always something hidden. Look under the carpet and you get, "Oh, I forgot to tell you about the rustoleum I applied there." It's sad and frustrating.
This was an honest transaction and it was nice to see both sides leave happy. I was ready to take this car w/o driving it. Driving home (90 miles) was like driving on a cloud.

Dwayne

leathermang · #6 12-25-2003, 10:23 AM

I was just kidding about that since we are a pretty ' frugal ' group on the whole...
If you know the market and ( lack) of availability of what you want and find it at a resonable price that is great... I have been known to injure my hand trying to get my wallet out fast enough that the seller can't change his mind on a price he quoted me... did not even cross my mind to haggle.... but I know guys that can maintain their composure and am amazed at what they wind up with for bargains.... LOL..... I know I should act cool and reserved but can't on a real bargain.....

rickjordan · #7 12-25-2003, 09:00 PM

Congrates on your TD. As you can tell by my sig., I also own an '83 TD. I paid $2900 (Nov. '01), she only had rust on the rear right wheel arch, and had 181,000 miles on her. Just a little FYI, your TD when new cost $34,000 and change. I got a copy of the original invoice from MB for my TD and it's price was $34,612. Also MB only built 4,898 of them in 1983, of which only 2,689 were imported to this country. This is according to Nitske's book.

junker68 · #8 12-26-2003, 12:28 AM

I've got the invoice for this one and it was $32,000 and change. Amazing, what's that with inlflation?

That's real interesting regarding the number made and imported.

Thanks!

rickjordan · #9 12-26-2003, 08:57 AM

Yours was "only" $32K? Here is what the invoice for my car says. Base price was $33,850, plus $657 for sliding roof, plus "Distribution/Delivery" $105 = $34,612.
As for what that is in today's dollars, I believe that works out to $65K I also have the invoice for my '87 TD and that cost $46,800. Now, bear in mind that these are originally Eastcoast cars. That apparently makes a difference in pricing. In Nitske's book, there is a distinction between Westcoast and Eastcoast prices.
With regard to the number produced, that is Ferrari territory in that Ferrari will only make 4,000 cars a year. To find out how many of these '83 TDs were sent here, I contacted the Classic Center in Germany and they were the one's who told me.