Whats it worth? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ara T. · #1 11-18-2005, 03:53 AM

We've got a 1986 300SDL Turbo Diesel (navy blue on grey interior)in the garage that we're gonna be trying to sell soon. It's my mother's, but she wants something sporty. We test drove a Honda S2000 and a Mazda MX5 Miata and she's got her heart set on the Mazda. It seemed like a really fun little car. Anyone driven one of these?

Anyway, the 300SDL's odo reads 176,000 or somewhere around there and the OM603 engine runs great and really pushes your head into the seat when the turbo spools up. So it's got plenty of power. The cooling system of in good condition, always runs at 80 degrees. AC works intermittenly, when it works it works surprisingly well. Starts well, but i have found that letting it glow a while after the glowplug light goes out must be done or else it will idle rough for about 20 seconds. The transmission shifts perfect, solid shifts but not harsh. It's got those stock 15" wheels, in chrome and they're in good condition and look good. Brakes work frighteningly well and ABS works. Bridgestone tires have prolly more than 50% left. Now for the bad...

It was rear ended i believe some years back before we owned it and has had body work. It's not evident though, the doors are all aligned and everything. It doesn't drift or anything on the highway. No clunks from suspension, id say it needs new shocks but otherwise the suspension is surprisingly tight. The navy blue paintjob looks nice from 5 feet away but on close inspection it's mediocre. The people who put it together evidently put on the wrong trunk spring or something, because if you press the trunk release button the trunk lid will fly up and hit you in the face if you dont hold it down. Also, the badges on the back read 300SDL and then TURBO DIESEL, instead of just Turbo, which is how its supposed to be if im not mistaken. It also leaks water in there when you wash the car. The driver seat has a tear in it but my mother sprung for those really nice, really soft expensive sheepskins from performanceproducts which would be included in the sale. Also has a nice zebrano wood shifter. Theres a tear where the driver's seatbelt starts. Other than that the interior looks beautiful and the seats are supportive. Havent seen a spot of rust underneath it (California). Anyone know what this car is worth? Hell, anyone here interested?

Snibble · #2 11-18-2005, 09:40 AM

Check classifieds and see past ebay sales. Not an expert... but my guess would be $5000-6000?

Hatterasguy · #3 11-18-2005, 10:52 PM

$5k ish maybe a bit more.

I'd list it for $6k and see if you get any offers.

Ara T. · #4 11-18-2005, 11:34 PM

Interesting. Now, I'm an honest guy... should I list all known problems with the car (like I did here) or expect the buyer to ask all those questions? I'm not really sure of the ethics of these things. If I did the latter, I wouldn't really feel right about it, especially the part about the trunk leak and such, the new owner wouldn't think to ask, "Hey, any leaks on the trunk?" He wouldn't find out till he tried washing the car. I just don't want to be one of those typical ebay shady used car sellers.

Hatterasguy · #5 11-19-2005, 05:29 PM

1986 300SDL, good condition, everything works, 176k. $6kobo.

If they ask be honest, but let them figure out the flaws.

For some people a rip in the seat isn't a big deal, for others its a deal breaker. Let the buyer decide what the issue's are.

Big problems like the trans slips or the engine sucks coolant should be disclosed up front if your honest.