My '80 300SD is getting a little tired. More correctly, I'm tiring of the maintenance. My arthritis makes turning wrenches a painful experience. I am facing a new A/C compressor install, and all that entails, and just no longer relish these DIY projects.

Within the next couple of months, I want to purchase a mid-90's E-class or C280. I can spend $5-8K, but would prefer spending in the lower end of that range. Naturally, I'd like a low-mileage, dealer-serviced creampuff. Is it likely that I can find a decent MB, of these types, in this price range, and what should I look for as potential problem areas with these models?

TIA

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1980 300SD 146K miles.

reask the question in the tech forum and also look for prior posts that are similar.

If I remember correctly, you really want a 300d 2.5 or something like that. Considered by many to be the finest and simplest of the simple benzes of the era.

Watch carefully for models that need wire harnesses, climate controls and harmonic balancers replaced.

Then again, perhaps paying somebody to replace the A/C compressor is cheaper than buying a replacement car.

I think my wife holds the record for the cheapest car to maintain. When she graduated was in college back in 1986, she was given a beat up, olds cutlass. When she scrapped it in 1990 in favor of a 280se 4.5 that I gave her, she estimated that the car cost her 33$/month to own counting insurance, registration & repairs (but not counting gas). You figure it was in the shop for something every three months or so. But, over time, it averaged out just fine.

-CTH

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- cth350@gmail.com
http://www.111lakeside.com/

But, it isn't just the A/C with my SD. While the engine and tranny are still very strong, I have some rear suspension issues. I wouldn't dare spending the kind of bucks it would take to clean that up on this old car. The paint is weak, too; it is time to replace the old gal.

I just can't pay to have someone else do work that I can handle. Well, I could do the A/C work, but there we are again, at the diminishing returns point.

Those older Oldsmobiles were amazing cars. My dad put over a half-million miles on an '82 Ninety-Eight.

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1980 300SD 146K miles.

Well is the rest of the car in good shape? I once had a friend who had a slant 6 Dodge Dart in the 1970's. It was about 2 years old. He moaned that gas was too expensive and wanted a Honda or other rice burner. I asked him, "What do you owe on this car?" He said, "Nothing." I said, "Will the extra few miles per gallon save you any money after you make monthly car payments on the new car? Will it save you any money to buy a new car that gets better gas mileage when you figure in the cost of buying the new car?" He kept the Dart. If the rest of the car is in good shape you are thinking of buying another 10-13 year old MB. The newer 10-13 year old car will also need work very soon.. If your current MB car still looks good and it is comfortable to drive, then even if you spend 2K on a complete A/C job you are still way ahead financially by not making monthly payments. Buying any car new or used is the one of the single worst financial investments a human being will ever make. The exception are rare collectible cars but even they have down turns like when the big block Vette and Mustang prices fell by 50%overnight not too many years ago for collectors who specualted on these cars. I have a business degree, not that it really matters, but sometimes if you crunch numbers it can help you make a more rational decision. I just bought a 1983 300SD. Spent good coin for some major work. We will still be ahead if we keep it for at least wo years Vs. new car payments and the higher insurance and annual tax fees. I am a huge fan of the MB W126 body style. I wish you the best of luck in whatever your decision will be. There is a 1993 MB diesel for sale for 4750 here. No matter what used car you buy it will need work. The W126 looks easier to work on than the newer cars. I have arthritis and a fused and laminated spine. I just put together a "easy to assemble" (not) multi level computer desk last night. My cordless screwdriver battery packs were both dead so it was done with sore hands instead. I figure if I can do that still than adjusting the valves on my diesel should not be too hard to learn for me. Good luck again in your decision. John