Found another 300SD- 1984 w/150K - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

86560SEL · #1 03-16-2004, 09:45 PM

I have located another 1984 300SD with 150K for $2000. This seems like unusually low miles for one of these, but the owner assures me that the miles are actual. That is not a concern however, considering I have seen 3 of these this month with over 350K. She said that the car runs perfectly and the car is typical for a car here in the south- 100% rust free. She said that everything works, except for the driverside power door lock. The car is gray and the original paint is beginning to fade on the hood. I am just wondering how great of a deal is $2000 for a 300SD, with 150K? In other words, should I be racing down there to look at it tomorrow? I have seen them sell for much more on E-Bay, with even more miles.

FineOlBenz · #2 03-16-2004, 10:00 PM

If you want it go look. The major thing to look for at that mileage is the transmission. If its been serviced regularly thats fine , if not it may be due for a failure.

vwbuge · #3 03-16-2004, 10:07 PM

Check the records. This is the biggest issue with these cars. I would pick a high mileage car with meticulous records over a lower mileage car with none. FineolBenz is right. Look for tranny fluid changes. The turbos can be had pretty cheap and the motors are virtually bulletproof.

86560SEL · #4 03-21-2004, 07:30 PM

Thanks for the replies. I went and looked at this car today. The woman was not there, as it is at their business and they was closed today. I just wanted to get a look at it first. The car looks like it has not been abused. Indeed the original gray paint is fading and peeling on the hood and top. The rest of the paint is fine and the rocker panels are 100% rust free, as well as the rest of the car. The dash board is just starting to develop 2 very small cracks. The drivers seat has a seat cover so unable to tell the condition of that one and the passenger seat has a seam that has came loose. It will need tires very soon. The rear seat and carpeting look fine. The car shows 153K miles on the odometer. My only concern is if that is indeed the actual mileage. I got the VIN and ran a "lemon" check and it shows 2 records, but I have not done the full report yet- to see what it shows.
Also- when I ran the report- it shows that it is a 1983, rather than a 1984.
I think I may call her again tomorrow and arrange a time to go look at it and see what the lowest price is. They are asking $2000 for it. Thanks again for the replies.

86560SEL · #5 03-22-2004, 10:18 PM

Well, I called today and made an appointment to look at the car tomorrow afternoon when I leave work. Again- they are asking $2000 for the car, but if it is in good running conditions- I will offer them somewhere within the $1500-$1700 range, unless it is exceptionally nice running- and in that case I will not haggle with them, despite that it will soon need tires. With that being said- from what I have seen of other early to mid 80s 300SD's- 153K is low miles for these cars I guess. Wish me luck.

rdsw · #6 03-23-2004, 06:30 PM

Personally, I think that's a great price given the mileage. If the body's good, paint isn't har to come by, and you should be able to get another 200k from the engine if you maintain it. Most likely it's a lot cheaper than ANY new car payment to work it over, even if you have to get a tranny for it.

86560SEL · #7 03-23-2004, 07:52 PM

Well, I went to look at the car today and drove it for about 20 minutes in stop-go 5pm rush hour traffic, as well at speeds up to about 55 mph. The engine seemed to run well and the power was more than I expected, but the transmission seemed to be cause for concern. Since I have never owned a Mercedes diesel- I am not sure what is "normal" shifting for these cars. This may be considered good, but I have no clue. The last 300SD I test drove had a very harsh 1-2 shift and a quick 2-3 shift. This car was much smoother, but at times it even felt like it was "slipping" into 3rd gear. Sometimes on downshifts when I would press the accelerator down while going about 30-35- when it would go into the lower gear- it would then shift back down quickly. Believe it or not- the A/C was still blowing ice cold air, despite when I pressed the "fan speed lower" button, the top button popped off and I had to put it back on.

I guess it was loose. Original radio still worked. The car had 1/4 tank of fuel, but the light was illuminated- perhaps this is normal on these. My other cars go a lot lower before illuminating. Also- the little amber cover that goes over the "low fuel" light was gone (perhaps in the dash somewhere?) and I could actually see the bulb in there- which was annoying. The car was not as rattle free as I expected a 150K 300SD to be, nor was the ride as smooth as my 92 Buick Park Avenue or my 90 Lexus LS400, but it did seem smooth on the highway. The driver side door lock will not lock with the door open, I noticed a few drops of oil under the car and the front passenger side window will only roll down about an inch. Honestly- I think the car has more miles that the 153K that the odometer shows- from the overall running/rattles, as well as the transmission performance. It had more rattles than my 92 Buick with more miles. The odometer still works, but I think it may have been disconnected/broken before, or the miles was rolled back. The driver seat had a cover that I removed and it had a couple of splits in it. Body wise- it was very good, aside from the paint on the top and hood- no big deal. The car was 100% rust free- which is normal for a car here in the south. At any rate- I told her I would let her know if I decided to buy it. I think it is about a $1000. car.

I guess I will continue to look, or maybe even consider another Honda Accord or Toyota Camry as my "fuel efficient" daily driver. Thanks again for the replies/advice.