My First Diesel! - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Chris Bell · #16 02-28-2004, 04:08 AM

I have been to the "Mr Diesel" website before and I think your right, his prices are a bit too high for my tastes. I'm not certain about this, but I think he goes through the mechanicals of a car before he sells it and fixes what needs to be done. Still, 14,000 for 26 year old car seems a bit steep. Damn nice coupe though.

#17 02-28-2004, 05:21 PM

a lovely car...enjoy.

acastell · #18 02-28-2004, 08:36 PM

I have purchased 2 cars from Mr Diesel. Yes, his prices are high, if you compare two classified ads. If you actually compare the cars, you mill probably find that Mr Diesels cars should command a premium.

Mr Diesel is NOT a dealer. He looks at cars up and down California, passing on tons of cars. He has a checklist, if there are any failure points, he will not get the car. One look at is cars and you will see what I mean. You are paying not only for the car, but his search service. Personally, I do not have the time nor the knowledge to look at many, many cars in hopes to find the gem.

I never had a diesel before my 79300SD. This car is immaculate and I paid...8900 with 126K miles! But, for the past 20 years, I have been drinving 'new' cars, and gassers. I wanted to get the best examlple I could find...well, I am now on my second diesel. The 79 was my daily driver until I went to visit John and saw his 240D. Darn it all...I bought it. Of course, it is easier for me to see that value as I live ~30 miles away and can drive the cars.

He is an Engineer by trade...the car thing is not his job! He goes through the cars, short of opening the engine. So, you can rest assured that your car is sorted....for a lot of you, that is half the fun, for me, I needed this reassurance. I am a oil/filter change DIYer.

So, are his prices high? Not for the buyer that wants the best example with the confidence that the car is in tip top shape. The cost of the car represents 3 line items:
1) The car
2) His search service
3) His time and materials to get the car up to snuff

I have no connection to John...simply want to offer this advice to those buyers that may resemble my profile...if anyone wants to ask me questions on my experience, let me know. I also have an Indy that I take my car to who has absolutely no affiliation to Mr Diesel, so an independent PPI can be done.

Anyway, just thought I would weigh in.

Please exuse typos...trying to get dinner ready for my 3 year old twin girls!

Anthony

#19 02-29-2004, 09:46 PM

Anthony, where is John located? Thanks...

acastell · #20 02-29-2004, 10:38 PM

He is located in Mt View, right off hwy85 between 101 and 280.

Chris Bell · #21 03-03-2004, 05:10 PM

Well I picked up the car and drove it home. all the mechanicals seem to be working good but the interior is trashed it'll require some work...Now for the dumb diesel owner part of this post. While picking up the car I was talking to the previous owner he was giving me his "useful tips" One of the things he mentioned was never run out of diesel. He said that he had done this once and he burned trough three batteries trying to get it to start. I did'nt have the heart to tell him their is a priming procedure in the owners manual. I just nodded my head and smiled

Fisherman · #22 03-03-2004, 08:45 PM

There was one other post on here today talking about going through three batteries after running out of fuel. Better to justnot experience it. Thebook says onething but I bet it's a little harder than that.

#23 03-04-2004, 09:35 AM

diesel engines "run dry" because of the many problems that can be encountered with priming, restarting, and otherwise doing what it takes to bring these engines back on-line. I would think that with the huge number of diesel engines the Navy has in craft of all sizes, that perhaps Navy vets who post on this forum might have other insights on diesel maintenance and operation which might apply to the "downsized" units in our cars.