Where else should I look to buy a Classic MB? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Chad300tdt · #1 04-11-2008, 01:34 PM

I've been noticing in auto auctions on Ebay that sellers are either showing pics with filthy cars or poorly detailed ones that every bit of rubber looks like it was dipped in oil.

Everything is either overpriced or of questionable condition.

I'm going to be looking for an excellent condition 1980 300SD within the next year and I'm thinking I will probably avoid Ebay completely. I wish it were easier to find a solid, well maintained classic MB.

Where else is there to look besides CL (I've had good luck as a seller here) and forum boards or autotrader?

TheDon · #2 04-11-2008, 01:37 PM

The Star or the MBCA forum.. or this forum

got the w116 fever eh?

Chad300tdt · #3 04-11-2008, 01:44 PM

More importantly, my wife has w116 fever.

It will be her car that I will drive frequently also.

I want to find one that is going to only need regular maintenance. I'm not into restoring anything else.

I've seen a few mint 1980 300sd's on eBay and then you hear horror stories about the sellers. It doesn't make me feel very good about dealing through them at all.

This one is exactly what I want:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=&item=320228044761&_trksid=p3984.cWAT.m240.lVI

Everything works and everything looks new. I saw it sold for $12,500 which is a bit more than I want to pay. I think around $8-10K is more reasonable.

TylerH860 · #4 04-11-2008, 01:46 PM

Greenbenz?

CollectorCarTrader.com has yielded a few buys for my family.
http://collectorcartrader.com/searchresults.php

pretty... and in the price range
http://collectorcartrader.com/details.php?adId=90246603

Chad300tdt · #5 04-11-2008, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

Greenbenz?

CollectorCarTrader.com has yielded a few buys for my family.
http://collectorcartrader.com/searchresults.php

pretty... and in the price range
http://collectorcartrader.com/details.php?adId=90246603

Thanks for the link Tyler. That SD looks worthy of checking out. I hope it will still be around in a few months when I'm funded.

How does everyone else deal with checking out cars across the country? I don't have a problem flying somewhere and driving the car home, but it would suck to get there and realize you'll be flying back.

TylerH860 · #6 04-11-2008, 02:07 PM

There's plenty of us forum members that would jump at the chance to check out one of these and report back.

I don't know about who is in So Cal, but there should be quite a few.

Chad300tdt · #7 04-11-2008, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

There's plenty of us forum members that would jump at the chance to check out one of these and report back.

I don't know about who is in So Cal, but there should be quite a few.

Excellent idea ... what do you do for a person willing to do this? Cash money? Dinner and a beverage of their choice upon my arrival?

I need to know the proper protocol so I don't use or offend anyone.

LUVMBDiesels · #8 04-11-2008, 02:17 PM

I second the use of MBCA.org or Star magazine. They always have nice cars in the back owned by club members. I would join MBCA and your local chapter and ask around. I have also had good luck with CL and Hemmings Motor News.

For pre purchase inspections, I would either ask forum or club members or look in HMN for inspectors and appraisers. Getting an appraisal on a long distance car is key. When I bought the 1996 Impala SS I had a pro appraise it in Fla before making my offer. I got the car for 3000 under appraised value. I did the same thing with the 57 Nomad, and it appraised out better than 10 grand more than I paid.

Good luck!

iwrock · #9 04-11-2008, 02:19 PM

Craigslist has tons of nice cars.

Chad300tdt · #10 04-11-2008, 02:27 PM

Thanks for the ideas. I was ready to join MBCA before, but started hearing tales of people going to meetings or GTGs that weren't really car related and being disappointed with it. I've heard the magazine is good and the discount at the MB parts desk would be useful.

If membership will increase my chances of locating the perfect car for me, I am all for it. I wish there was a chapter closer to me. I think the closest one is in NJ, which isn't too bad for occasional stuff, but it's too far anything more.

TylerH860 · #11 04-11-2008, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

Excellent idea ... what do you do for a person willing to do this? Cash money? Dinner and a beverage of their choice upon my arrival?

I need to know the proper protocol so I don't use or offend anyone.

Most will do it for free if it's close by. Start a new thread when you have a car your're serious about. Who doesn't like shopping with someone else's money?

TylerH860 · #12 04-11-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

Thanks for the ideas. I was ready to join MBCA before, but started hearing tales of people going to meetings or GTGs that weren't really car related and being disappointed with it. I've heard the magazine is good and the discount at the MB parts desk would be useful.

If membership will increase my chances of locating the perfect car for me, I am all for it. I wish there was a chapter closer to me. I think the closest one is in NJ, which isn't too bad for occasional stuff, but it's too far anything more.

I have the current issue of The Star. They have some diesels for sale: 2 SDLs, 5 W123s, and a 190d.

No W116s, though. Its a great magazine, but only comes out bi-monthly. As for the club, I'm participating in the track event coming up and love club activities.

Mistress · #13 04-11-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

I've been noticing in auto auctions on Ebay that sellers are either showing pics with filthy cars or poorly detailed ones that every bit of rubber looks like it was dipped in oil.

Everything is either overpriced or of questionable condition.

I'm going to be looking for an excellent condition 1980 300SD within the next year and I'm thinking I will probably avoid Ebay completely. I wish it were easier to find a solid, well maintained classic MB.

Where else is there to look besides CL (I've had good luck as a seller here) and forum boards or autotrader?

Craigslist or right here.

Larry Delor · #14 04-11-2008, 11:50 PM

Last week, a nice mid 60's SL sold for at the Mecum auction $15k - a deal, in my opinion.
On the other hand, a 63 vette ZO6 tanker, sold for $225k

Chris Bell · #15 04-12-2008, 12:11 AM

Try looking at this guys cars, according to some he's over price. But, the cars are all in excellent shape. He even has a 1980 300SD at the moment.

http://www.misterdiesel.com/Cars_For_Sale/index.html