Hi All,

I am interested in buying 1983 300D. Here is the description of the car per ad:
1983 Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbo-Diesel, Power-Window's, Sun Roof, Good Tires/Paint, 2nd owner, 148,900 miles Asking $2500 in So. California.

I emailed the seller and here is his responses:
He does not have the record of the car, he bought it 10 years ago @120K miles.
• The air cond. is not working (not freon, but something with the unit itself).

• The car drips a little oil when its parked for awhile (very common), it does not ever get low on or use oil, its just one of those things you live with.

• The hydraulic/air system that controls the door locks has a leak somewhere. This is very common as well, and just something you get used to fixing every year or two. Additionally, this same system helps the cars motor to turn off when you remove the key. Sometimes the motor will run for a little bit after turning it off (very common with diesels, especially this model).

• The interior is pretty good overall, but there are cracks in the dashboard from the sun. Also, some of the wood trim is missing or cracked. These cosmetic things never bothered me, but you can find replacements from a "pick your part" auto wrecking type place for cheap if you want to replace them.

• The motor mounts usually need to be replaced every year or two. It's probably time for that again (you can drive it that way for sometime, but its better to fix them every couple of years). Not a big deal, but something to be aware of.

On the good side: The paint is good. The car has been very reliable and the motor should have a long life ahead of it. The tires are in very good condition. The milage is fairly low for this year and model. The lights and windows work fine. It has a Sears Diehard battery that appears to be in great condition. It's cheap.


Any suggestions. He keeps say this is "common" things. Is it?
I have been looking for 300D between 1980-1985 300D ( my friend think I am crazy, for 34 yrs old to drive such a car...oh well I like it old)



Thank you very much for your help and feedback. Have a good day.

Sam

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1989 300E, 152k miles
1988 300E, 172k miles


"There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes-Benz" -unknown

You'll get more response in the diesel discussion section.
Sounds like you have a pretty honest seller there.
Look at the car cold one morning after it has been run the day before. Open the coolant reservoir cap. If there is pressure then suspect that it probably needs a head gasket. On this particular car too, keep in mind that it will run for years like that. If the interior (seats/carpet, etc) are in really good condition it is worth $2500. Everything else can be repaired/rebuilt economically. Interior trim parts are not cheap and you do not find good interior parts at the junkyards.
See if you can arrange a PPI - pre-purchase inspection.
Oh yea - at that mileage (or coming up over the next 30k miles) expect a front end rebuild. A good diy'er job if you are a diy'er.

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Jim

Thanks Jim

__________________
1989 300E, 152k miles
1988 300E, 172k miles


"There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes-Benz" -unknown