Question: What is a 1984 300D Turbo with 56k miles worth? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

haasman · #1 03-28-2004, 11:59 PM

I just found a 1984 300D turbo with 56k miles.

Rather startling to say the least. I am to contact the owner tomorrow. Anybody have any idea what it is worth?

Haasman

jcyuhn · #2 03-29-2004, 10:34 AM

It's worth what the market will bear

Seriously, it depends on a lot of factors. Can the low milage be verified or proven? Does it have complete service books and records? Did it spend the last 20 years parked in a climate controlled garage, or outdoors 100 yards from the ocean?

In general I'm not willing to pay a large premium for these ultra-low mileage cars. There are two reasons why. First, many, many things on a car age and become problematic with time, not mileage. All the plastic and rubber components age whether the car is driven or not. These include things like radiator hoses, radiator tanks, vacuum hoses, brake hoses, suspension bushings, and interior trim. Electrical connectors are also quite willing to corrode whether the car is driven or not. So the number of problems, and the maintenance cost of the car isn't materially lower than an one with normal miles. For example, if the car has 10 year old tires on it, they need to be replaced before it's driven daily. Old tires = bad tires.

Secondly, such low mileage cars generally weren't maintained per the service manual. The car is supposed to have an oil change at least once a year, regardless of the number of miles driven. Coolant change is required every three years, brake fluid every two. These intervals don't change with low use. If they were not adhered to, there could be a lot of rust in the brake system, and plenty of scale in the cooling system.

So I don't place much additional value on the low mileage mechanicals. In my mind, any above market value for such a car stems only from the cosmetics. So the question becomes, how much would it cost to take (for example) a nice 150K mile 300D and bring it up to the cosmetic condition of this car? I'd venture perhaps $3K-$4K at the most.

So if a nice 300D is a $4K car (someone jump in and correct me if I'm wrong...), then this is perhaps an $8K car.

The problem is, most consumers are less sophisticated than those of us that hang around here. ("Mercedesshop, where all the members are above average", to twist the words of Garrison Keillor...) They are likely to pay a larger premium, because they _don't_ realize low miles != mechanical perfection.

Of course, in the end it's worth what you are willing to pay to own it. And often, that's a decision that is more emotional than rational. Just try not to let it become too irrational...

My $.02,

- JimY

haasman · #3 03-29-2004, 10:50 AM

Thanks for taking the time to be so descriptive in your reply.

I agree with what you have said. It will be interesting to be what the owner wants and how well maintained the car is.

I'll keep you updated.

haasman