I was just wondering what the top price should be for an 85' mercedes 300CD that has 353,000 miles on it, and drives great. It has some rust on it, but other than that it is in overall good condition, and it has some clear coat peeling off, and door seals are all cracked up. This car took a 2,200 mile trip succesfully not long ago. So what should I pay for it, or should I not buy it at all? Thanks!

NADA "Classic" car guide
lists 1985 300D 2 door coupe:

Low Retail Average Retail High Retail
$5,525.00 $8,550.00 $11,600.00

NADA,Edmonds... Whatever, it's all a shell game.

Those prices seem a little high to me,BUT they are the "Consumer" pricing
and maybe NADA skews them higher to give all the "Professional" used car
thieves a cushion?

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

What are they expecting? Anything North of 3k would be pushing it.

Some believe any rust on the body equals a $500 parts car. Brace yourself.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

does it hold water? Holes in the floor == not worth the time unless the price is low. The seller won't agree though. At that milage, the car is at the end of its life.

Well maintained? Maybe. Passes a careful safety inspection? That makes it a 1,200$ car. IF, and only if, it will pass inspection next year w/o major investments of time and money.

Be prepared to walk away after your offer is rejected.

-CTH

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

That rust is gonna break the deal. let me backup what was just posted.

CD's are worth more than 4-doors. Turbo's are worth more than NA motors.

But 1985 also had a lot of transition year changes (phuny tach pickup, rear end ratio? emissions controls ?


I am used to seeing a rust-free W123 turbo 5cyl go for $3k to $5k - no rust, starts and runs fine at 20*F, no or very small cracks in the dash. 150k-250k miles, functional CC and climate control, decent paint.


I'm with the above poster - pay no more than $1200 - bad door seals let in water to rust and create mold (and make it harder to drfrost in the winter =). 353k raises questions about timing chains and valve adjustments (any records available ?).

Does the cruise control work ? Shuts off with the key (good vacuum) ? Climate control ? A/C charged and leak-free ? R12 or R134 ? Compression on all cylinders ? Any recent replacement in front or rear suspension components ? clean carfax ?

too many variables. $1200 is the most I'd pay for such a car.

-John
-John

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2009 Kia Sedona
2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L
12006 Jetta Pumpe Duse
(insert Mercedes here)

Husband, Father, sometimes friend =)

lowball offers... Typical of this bunch.

Few will part with their vehicles for that price. 2k is not a bad deal for a car that will get you from A-B for 2-3 years. If it has slight rust and is mechanically sound, a 3k asking price is not outragous, but high. I would entertain 2k if its not a complete wreck.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

Keep in mind that Austin 85 just gave away his very nice 300cdt with 165k for $4,000. The smarter choice would be to spend more on a nice one with records, rather than dumping the same money to maintain the cheaper car.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

I watch MB prices like a hawk here in NC
Market is full of 1000 to 1500 dollar cars...so a decent car catches the best buyers.
I looked at a car that had been "driven on a white sheet every night...if it had a leak she took the sheet to the MB dealer" Sold 5,600 bucks

Prices are all over the place with these cars
I say buy high with records...and NO rust
I have a 625 dollar 82' W126 300SD...wish I had waited
I am looking for a 300TD Wagon but around here they are much higher

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On the hunt...
1985 300D----Sold
1985 300TD---Sold
1983 300SD---Sold

My car got sold for $3,700 today, wow I am so happy! I Thank God.

just goes to show that prices are all over the place. By your description Austin's car ought to have sold for $7K-9K then.

I thought you were looking to buy this car (???)

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)