Ethics of selling your used Mercedes Diesel.. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Carrameow · #1 06-17-2004, 10:15 AM

I am now thinking of parting with my W123 300D because I have too many cars (5). Two months ago it really was running sluggishly, because I had stopped keeping up on its technical edge. The car had always been excellently maintained, but it ran cold at 10 mph before it warmed up. It had anemic performance.
WORSE, I once ran the engine down to 1 quart of oil when I started to troubleshoot it and plugged the breather tube. After that it smoked and lost a quart of oil every 150 miles and rattled badly.
One month later, the car runs excellently! I just refused to give up on it. I sunk hours into it. I know when oil loss is catastrophic and when its not. The oil loss stopped! I replace the injectors, solved all the vacuum leaks, retimed the pump and, cleaned the banjo fitting, tuned the ALDA. And it runs quietly.
The Car has Freezing R134 AC and 4 new Bilsteins and rebuilt brakes and new ball joints, bushings, a new Chain, new injectors, and great paint and new tires..rebuilt brakes, new alternator,everything....
The problem is, what do I tell buyers. That the engine once ran to low oil? As a lifelong buyer of used cars, I found out the hard way that most people tell you nothing and that used cars brings out the darker side of people. Even if your car was old, would you sell it if it ran perfectly?
I have no problem telling people about the low oil incident. The problem is most buyers might not understand what its ramifications are. On top of that how do I price this car? If a single mother with three kids wants to buy it vice a 19 year old Avation Tech, do I treat them the same? Should I refuse to sell it to the single mother? What if a snake oil buyer tries to buy it, should I give him a sucker punch?
I need some advice from people I respect...I know its always best to be honest..this issue is more perplexing than rebuilding an engine..

SD Blue · #2 06-17-2004, 10:39 AM

It is great to see someone who is wanting to be honest.

Would you be willing to drive the car, personally, across the country? With as much work, and money, that you have put into it, my impression is you would. If so, I don't think you need to just blurt out that it ran low on oil.

If your conscience really bothers you, for the single mother with 4 kids, maybe you could have a compression and leak down test done.

There is a certain amount of unknown risk, for both the buyer and seller, in purchasing any used car that can not be completely eliminated.

oldnavy · #3 06-17-2004, 10:50 AM

So what do you think you will be asking for the car? I have a friend back here in the midwest that is thinking about buying a 240D for the 25 mile comute to work each week and he also has access to free WVO fuel just as I do. The reason I ask is not so much about you car, but the 240D in general.

Carrameow · #4 06-17-2004, 12:10 PM

OLDNAVY:
Your buddy could pick up a 240D easily now for maybe a thousand. The used car market is flooded and prices have really dropped. It wont be a mint collector condition 240D, but if you make sure it has a healthy engine, a healthy clutch/trans and if he can do without AC, you could look it over for him, he could get a car with quite a Lifespan

joeltjen · #5 06-17-2004, 12:23 PM

what are the "stats" on the car... mileage, year, rust status, etc?

I can image there are those that are looking for "an around the town" car that would be willing to take a risk. I, for one, have been looking for an older diesel to play with... and do not necessarily need it to be a daily driver.

In short, I think you could be up front about it on this forum and and still find a willing buyer.

oldnavy · #6 06-17-2004, 12:32 PM

Would you believe he just called and has located one in the area for $1000 and wants to go look at it this weekend. All he could tell me was it was white, and an '83 model. Most likely around this area that it's a US car, not a graymarket import strip down car, and will have autotrans, a/c, PW, sunroof.

I'd crap if it was as nice or nicer then mine.

#7 06-18-2004, 01:42 PM

The simplest thing to do might be to point at the mileage and suggest the buyer have an independent mechanic check and report on the car.

Our own fears about what will break down next on our cars are as unrealistic as our hopes that they will last forever. We have no way of knowing what a potential buyer can or will do with a vehicle.

If the buyer gets an independent report, that's as close to objective as can be hoped.

whunter · #8 06-18-2004, 07:58 PM

Advice:
If it runs good; forget the low oil, unless it is a hardship buyer as mentioned.
I would list all parts and work, brief current condition.
Now; pick a neighbor to read what you wrote.
Ask if they would buy it from the description.
Now rewrite it with local outside help.

TwitchKitty · #9 06-18-2004, 11:26 PM

I wonder about odometer ethics. After what I have seen since I got my 300D, I bet most MB of this era have under-represented mileage.

#10 06-19-2004, 01:51 AM

If it still uses oil, you should mention it. If you have truly fixed the problem, then don't worry about it unless someone notices it from your records and asks about it. Always reccommend to get a mechanic to look it over, then you are in the clear. Thank you for trying your best to be honest and up front about your used car.

william rogers · #11 06-19-2004, 02:23 AM

The truth shall set you free...........

William Rogers.......

190D22 · #12 06-19-2004, 02:26 AM

I wish all sellers were as honest as you. Most would be ashamed to disclose such information. I personally would steer clear of that car unless I was wanting a car like that to then rebuild my self as a project.