Engine has problem--car starts out very slow until your foot is all the way down on gas, then it surges forward. -- -Suspect fuel system clogged.
-Exhaust has hole somewhere
-Car starts very well
-Brakes are rock hard
-minor rust rear rockers
-Auto matic trans
-interior smells rank (mildew), but i can clean it
-PA salvage title
-no accident damage
-have 240D in very good shape in which I rebuilt engine so I know car well
223K miles
-car will need work
-BENZ emblem missing on hood
-power antenna broken
-engine hood release, the plastic thing you pull to open it
is gone. Must use pliers on remaining cable
-Plan to repair
first fuel system
then replace timing chain if car is good

I need advice--am I buying a hulk or a gold mine?
I'm a fairly good weekend mechanic with no talent but lots
of luck and perservrance.

Sounds like it needs a lot...I have always found that.. let the other guy spend the money, buy a car that needs minor repairs and he needs to get rid of his car.

for $600.00 you could always sell the parts on Ebay and get your money back

__________________
2000 Ford 7.3 Powerstroke 4x4
2006 Mazda Tribute
1983 Black 300 D (donated to charity)
1993 Teal 300 D (160K) Sold
"I love the smell of burnt diesel fuel in the morning, it smells like ....VICTORY"

Semper Fidelis
USMC 1973-1976

I would say it depends on how soon you want it to be in great shape. You say you are a pretty good do it yourselfer, so I would say $600 is pretty cheap, and even if it would take alot of work it might be worth it. It may be a good summer project, somthing to fill your evenings and weekends. If I were handier under the hood I think I would go for it. Be sure the body is in really good shape. Check under the carpets for floor rust, maybe owners of this model can tell you where rust is most likely to accumulate. If the body is in good shape I think it would be worth it. If you decide to go for it, offer $400, you might get lucky.

__________________
Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

Sounds just like my car! I think it sounds fun and challenging. My car is a little worse, but getting better all the time. It will cost a lot of money to fix, but not as much as a new yugo. If you don't mind spending the money, and you enjoy doing the work, go for it! Is it a wagon? If it is wow!

If you do not mind spending the time and $$$ on it, go for it. You say that the body is in fairly good shape except for the usual rear rocker rust. But just keep in mind the $600 purchase price won't seem like such a bargain after youve done all the work needed on it. I took 6 mos looking for my 300D-T, i passed up many rust buckets and sorry cars. I just dont want you to be sorry later on with yours.

Keep the opinions going!!!

Well, actually I'd try adjusting the Bowden cable first (while the owner isnt looking...in case you fix it, he may want more $$ )
If that yielded some improvement I'd probably jump on it. Heck even if it didn't, I'd still probably buy it. The rock hard brakes indicate possible vacuum pump rpoblem, or severe leak, which can also affect the acceleration problem. So, in short I'd go for it. $600 isn't that much for an entire car, and like they said if its garbage, you can dismantle it, and ebay it. So, what are you waitng for...go buy it and post some pics!

Wait!...Did you say it has no Benz emblem??? Forget it, never mind, look elsewhere. j/k

-Larry

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

the only thing that would worry me is the salvage title. i sell cars in texas and have owned many benzs. when selling the car this has to be disclosed and it has always hurt the value greatly. also i have bought many of these from charitable groups that auction their cars. normal prices range from 100 for a 300d that would not start( needed a battery) to 1300 for a nice 85sd, my best buy.

__________________

85 300 sd 168k current driver
85 300 sd parts
81 380 sl 125k
84 190 d 160k just bought!

Carrameow,

I think that some of the other respondents do not know that you have already completely rebuilt your 240D and called the project therapeudic, or something like that.

If I know where you're coming from, and I think I do, a project like this would be good for you. However, the rust on this car bothers me more than anything. Maybe that's just me because we don't have to worry very much about rust in Texas, so it's easy to find a rust free car.

If you need some more therapy, I say go for it.

Best of luck,