85 300SD purchase price question

[MikeL]

Ad only describes it as mint condition..needs nothing..64,000 miles..asking $6,900.

Also, any problem areas to look for that are different than W123 models?


Thanks

MikeL

[pwogaman]

In the summer of 2002 I purchased a rust free 1985 300SD with 116,000 miles on it from the original owner for $2,900. The car was neglected and there were no service records; nevertheless I absolutely love it. That beng said, there have been a number of points requiring some attention subsequent to my acquiring it. Briefly stated, within the 15,000 or so miles I have added, they have been as follows (not necessarily presented in the order noted or corrected - all of which I have done myself). These points may serve as a guide for what you might consider yourself.

=leaking fuel primer pump; relaced with newer version
=door lock system vacuum leak
=leaky water pump - easily replaced
=replaced brake pads all around, to include brake shoes
=replaced front brake disks
=replaced air filter bracket (they frequently brake, but are cheap to replace (about $30 on-line; $100 if you go to the wrog dealer)
=replaced air filter
=replaced radio (original cassette dragged, now have CD)
=replaced leaky fuel return drip lines
=replaced broken A/C compressor belt
=replaced both rear window motors ($50 from scrap yard)
=replaced both 1 rear window slide bushing
=replaced xmsn filter and changed fluid
=replaced leaking valve cover gasket
=replaced leaking oil pan gasket
=replaced leaking oil filler cap
=applied hose clamps to leaking oil breather hose
=replaced wipers
=replaced spark plugs (HA! just joking - never again)
=replaced tires with Goodyear Aquatread 3 (still showing no wear after 15,000 miles)
=front end allignment (only item not done myself)
=replaced exhaust hangers
=replaced several dash lights

Items requiring attention to which I have not yet attended include:

=clunking noise in front suspention - possibly ball joints (Next big project)
=passenger power head rest switch not working
=replace missing hood liner
=high pitched squeak only when applying torque in drive, possibly the torque converter acting up
=replace clouding rear window

The big things for which you should look out are the engine and the xmsn. If the mileage you are reporting is correct and the there is no rust or other body damage the car should serve you like a tank for a long, long time. The price seems a bit high, but for an 85 300SD I would still consider it.

[SD Blue]

Wow! Do the math on this one. That is less than 3500 miles a year! I have a feeling you may have found a cream puff that will last you another 20 years. At the asking price, this may be the case.

More than likely, you will probably only need to update all the fluids and filters. Most of your repairs will only be from lack of use rather than neglect.

Where do people find these cars? I met at the fuel pump, someone, who had an 85 300SD previously corporate owned. I don't think the back seat had been sat on more than once!