I have been reading everything I could find on early 81-85 diesel Mercedes for the last month. I believe I know what to look for when I go out to buy one (thanks to all of your posts about jack point rust, vacuum lines, power windows, service records, and air conditioning) but I don't really know what I want to buy. Some see the 300sd as being a boat and prefer driving the 300d. Some see the 300sdl as not maneuverable and the 300sd as the way to go. One person said has said that there is no comparison between the 300d and sd as the 300sd is 'luxury and class' all the way. I do like that description.

I drive almost exclusively highway miles - 75mph and up on Atlanta highways. A large back seat is important for packing 6ft people into. Acceleration would be fun but not terribly important as I drive a small pickup now. Low maintenance would be great but that will depend more on the car and not which car I buy. Gas mileage is important.

I guess the only way to find out for myself is to drive one. I just don't know anyone that has one. Does anybody know of any places around Atlanta that sells these cars? Any dealerships that have some sitting around? I have seen a repair/sales place on 14th street but it seems to always be closed when I go by. Besides, the cars there look like they have been sitting for a while and are used for parts. I am looking at all cars including ones that don't run or don't have an engine in them so a test drive would be out of the question.

If you're looking for an ample back seat, you may want to look for an SDL. With highway miles, I would deffinately go with an S-class, as manuverability may not need to be taken into consideration. Though, I may say, with my 300d's front seat all the way back, I can hardly reach the pedals (though that leaves little room for backseat passengers), and I'm pushing 6'3.

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1989 300E 144K