advice about purchasing this 1985 300SD.....

[mr_turbodiesel]

Hi,
This will be my first diesel mbz.
I would like to know what people think of it and if it's a good deal.
Specs:
1985 300SD
150,000miles(odom working good)
1 owner, all service records and owner's manual(buying from private seller)
everything works, runs and drives great.
Uses no oil.
A/c works too.
Interior in great shape even though it's burgundy.
Exterior could use a paint job.
Has aftermarket rims and five matching 85% tires.
Spare Trunk deck lid, spare doors, spare set of original rims.
The lowest the guy will go is $2000. It seems like a good deal as I have been obsessed with finding the perfect one for the last three years.
Is it a good deal?
What should it be worth in this shape?
I can't find the blue book value for pre 1986 vehicles.
I plan to do a diesel purge, alda service, all filter change, oil change to full synthetic for diesel (perhaps ames).
It has sat for about six to eight months.
I have access to off-road diesel, bio20 etc. in my area.
Which is the best?
What do you think?
Thanks

[juergenhbr]

1. Do a CarFax and check the history and mileage accuracy.

2. I assume you drove it?

3. If everything checks out and it is as you described, it's a great deal, buy it.

4. Let me know if you don't buy it. Where is it located?

[sixto]

Playing the devil's advocate:

- How do you know the odometer has always been working?

- How do you know it doesn't use/leak oil?

- Why is there a spare set of trunk lid and doors?

- What are the penalties for getting caught using off-road Diesel?

- You might have to upgrade rubber fuel lines to run biodiesel.

- These engines live a long healthy life on good dino Diesel engine oil like Chevron Delo 400 available at Costco or Shell Rotella. It doesn't have hydraulic lash adjusters that benefit from synthetic oil. Changing the oil hot and often is still preferred to synthetic oil.

Fair market value depends on location among other things. They seem to cost more on the west coast. They seem to cost $5000 where I am. Either you pay the seller $5000 or you pay the seller $1500 and cough up $3500 to get it to passable condition. $2000 for a car in acceptable condition is a steal.

You didn't mention rust. Is it California rust free (no rust at all) or Michigan rust free (no rust through)?

Can we talk you into spending $100-150 to have a reputable independent MB shop do a prepurchase inspection? Decisions with the worst consequences are usually emotional decisions. Decisions with the best consequences tend to be emotional decisions as well. Your choice.

Sixto