1969 220d for $2800. Is this car a good, fair, or decent buy? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ShakotanRon · #1 02-11-2016, 12:56 PM

Went and looked at this car 2 days ago.
I was hoping to find a car that is better off than the one that I have.

The seller stated that there was one notable rust spot that had been fixed, by the shop that operates the location before these people took over.

I got there, and saw that there seems to be a bit more to it.
I don't think it is all that bad, but, I am looking for opinions.

The good:
Runs seemingly quite well.
Drives pretty well.
Feels solid.
Looks PRETTY solid.
I can make payments on the car.

The bad
The rust repair was barely half assed (In the pictures)
The transmission does a wierd thing (I don't think it s slipping but i am not sure.
The bottom of some of the doors have some rust.

The floor pan undercoating is coming off, but it looks like there is only surface rust underneath it.

I may be able to convince the shop owners to let me put the car up, and sand blast the undercarriage, and re undercoat the car.

The guys seem to be pretty stand up, and even offered my brother a job while we where there.

ShakotanRon · #2 02-11-2016, 01:01 PM

Mike D · #3 02-11-2016, 02:02 PM

Plain jane 220D's in GOOD condition aren't worth much. That heap isn't worth anything. Walk away.

strelnik · #4 02-11-2016, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike D

Plain jane 220D's in GOOD condition aren't worth much. That heap isn't worth anything. Walk away.

Heck yes, walk away, WAAAAAAAY overpriced.

Agreed.

I'll sell you a good w123 with MT for the same price. One I rescued from the burning heat of TX before it destroyed the interior.

Tomguy · #5 02-11-2016, 03:49 PM

That car has a lot of rust. And once it starts spreading (which it has) under the paint and in between the undercoating and steel, it quickly turns the car to iron oxide. I know the Diesel cars inexplicably (to me) have a big following and someone will likely buy that car... but it should not be you, and if it is you, it should not be for over $800.

In addition to the rust the tires look to be older than 10 years and dry-rotted. The door seals are also shot, so if you buy it, be prepared to get wet when it rains. I'm sure that has helped to contribute to rust and a lovely mildew smell inside the car, if it's in Florida with you especially.

ShakotanRon · #6 02-11-2016, 05:57 PM

I can't ever seem to find one in good condition.
And they are never priced as low as people say they should be.
I sure would love to.

Tomguy · #7 02-11-2016, 06:03 PM

Have you evaluated your reasons for buying one of these? If it's for economy, forget it. If it's for speed, forget it. If it's looks, then you can expand to the gassers as well. If it's for memories of a 220D, that's something only a 220D can likely fill, and patience will pay off. Don't jump on the first one you see.

For example, the TOP of this shows less rust than the one you posted. Who knows what the rest is like, obviously. But it took less than 3 mins on CL to find it.
MERCEDES BENZ 220 D (1973)

ShakotanRon · #8 02-11-2016, 07:58 PM

Agree'd that car does look better.
The distance though.
I have decided on a 220D because I want a pre facelift car.
And I want diesel because I a diesel mechanic, and want something fun to tinker with.
I wish I could get a 300d but that does not fit the pre-facelift criteria.
I have no personal memories, and do I want to look cool? Well sure, why not.
But more so I want to FEEL nostalgic.
And I have fallen in love with the pre-facelift cars. (Not more than the w108 ofcorse.
I wish the w108 was offered in diesel.
I am hoping that with some tinkering, I will be able to make something halfway economical but that is not a real concern.

Skid Row Joe · #9 02-11-2016, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

Have you evaluated your reasons for buying one of these? If it's for economy, forget it. If it's for speed, forget it. If it's looks, then you can expand to the gassers as well. If it's for memories of a 220D, that's something only a 220D can likely fill, and patience will pay off. Don't jump on the first one you see.

For example, the TOP of this shows less rust than the one you posted. Who knows what the rest is like, obviously. But it took less than 3 mins on CL to find it.
MERCEDES BENZ 220 D (1973)

I'd be all over that one, regardless where I lived if I were looking for one. Very nice find! Since my MB CDI gets 42 mpg, it's pretty cheap to go see one anywhere in the Country, from Texas.

ShakotanRon · #10 02-11-2016, 09:13 PM

I actually already have one.
I bought it before I knew the value.
I paid 1500. There is another post on it.

meltedpanda · #11 02-12-2016, 10:40 AM

run from that one, find a nice 84 300SD , you wont look back!

Mike D · #12 02-12-2016, 11:27 AM

THERE'S the definitive answer! If Ron wouldn't try to restore it, then NOBODY would!

meltedpanda · #13 02-12-2016, 02:00 PM

- I looked at a 65 Finny the other day, same issues, from 25 feet , was a winner , from 5 , not so much, the unibody construction of these old gals can be challenging , especially when trying to make sure you have structural integrity. I see plenty of issues on this one, especially for that kind of money , or even half that money

Skid Row Joe · #14 02-12-2016, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShakotanRon

I actually already have one.
I bought it before I knew the value.
I paid 1500. There is another post on it.

Not really following your post here, but it sounds like you're wanting to buy this one too? If so, I would only be interested in using it as a prized parts car to cannibalize. If that's your intention, then, no, I wouldn't be buying it at anywhere near their asking. IF, you could get it for less than a thousand bucks? Yeah, it seems to have some prized parts on it that could not easily be duplicated when you need them for other 220D(s) you have, or may collect in the future.

Believe it or not, that's why I 'd like to have a few more CDIs.......unfortunately, unless one buys wrecks, they're too expensive to come out on a deal like that anytime soon. Alas, so I keep shopping..... Good luck with your 220D acquisitions!

pch2021 · #15 02-15-2016, 02:17 PM

220 diesels are actually very good cars. The people on here who say they are not don't really have enough experience with the model. I drove one of these every day for five years, 100 miles a day and it never gave me any problems. These are so hard to find that at 2800 it's really not a bad deal. No matter which one of these you buy, you will have to do some rust repairs. It's a fact of life, but it's all repairable