1st time poster, school me on 75 240D's - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

austinJoe · #1 11-23-2005, 05:31 PM

I've been looking for a very cheap (purchase price) car that will better my Dodge trucks 10mpg for awhile now. A guy about 3 hours away is selling a '75 240D for $300. Says it did run good but has been parked for 3 years, trying to verify it ran when parked. I know nothing about MB's but am fairly good at mechanics. Does this sound like its worth a 6 hour drive and the money? Thanks for any help!!

PagodaLover · #2 11-23-2005, 07:13 PM

Some of these cars are worth $300, some are worth $3000 some are worth $13000, some are worth paying $300 just to avoid.

You haven't given us enough information to say, you've told us nothing about the car.

Rust, interior, engine condition, etc. But it is safe to say that $300 will probably not make or break anyone. If it does, then that person is better off riding a bicycle. ANyway, good luck.

The fact that you are mechanical makes these cars a possibility, doing your own repairs and maintenance makes it economically make sense... sometimes.

Jarod · #3 11-23-2005, 07:57 PM

1. check for rust
2. check for compression/blowby
3. check for general condition, ex interior
4. check paint condition, will it require a repaint?
5. check transmission functionality, does klunking occur between gears if auto, if manual, check for clutch slippage (how?)
6. check checks to see if all are checked with a check (thats 4, IWIN!!!!)
then....
7. check if wallet is sufficent.
8. check if driveway has enough free space.
9. check if you're still reading this.
10. check ummm... err... aah check if you have a way to get it home
11. check..... ummm... guys, i'm running out of checks here, could someone carry on from here???

austinJoe · #4 11-23-2005, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jarod

1. check for rust
2. check for compression/blowby
3. check for general condition, ex interior
4. check paint condition, will it require a repaint?
5. check transmission functionality, does klunking occur between gears if auto, if manual, check for clutch slippage (how?)
6. check checks to see if all are checked with a check (thats 4, IWIN!!!!)
then....
7. check if wallet is sufficent.
8. check if driveway has enough free space.
9. check if you're still reading this.
10. check ummm... err... aah check if you have a way to get it home
11. check..... ummm... guys, i'm running out of checks here, could someone carry on from here???

Thats the reply I needed

Never had a MB before, I'm looking for something cheap, interesting and gets better gas mileage than my V10

. Heres info that I have on it so far:

"We only need to get $300 out of this thing. The body is in great shape, the floorpan in the trunk has some rust, as well as the floorpans in the front seats, otherwise it's ok. The interior probably needs some attention. It ran a few years ago, but it sat for 3 years in a friends backyard and my brothers garage.... my brother is no mechanical genious, so it's still in the same condition. It has a new battery (I think that was $100) and my brother bought a couple other things for it. It's in Roanoke, and it needs to be GONE quickly. Have clear title.

Yes, it ran when it was parked 3 years ago. After replacing the battery it does turn over, however, it doesn't start. It sat for a long time, not sure what it takes to work on an old MB smoker. It might just need a glow plug or something... I just have no clue and I don't want to mess with it."

I figure might be a good project/DD

halman2228 · #5 11-23-2005, 10:16 PM

... or You'll get infected with the MB virus (no known cure other than bankruptcy).

On a serious note - compare the cost involved in making it a reasonably reliable daily driver. How much per mile will the future miles driven cost with the necessary $ put in up front now?

It doesn't sound though, as if you'll be on foot if it fails you. If you have other wheels and like working on these little beasties, then go for it.

If you truly are looking for "fun", Boyhowdy, keep us apart - we could get into some real trouble gathering some "fixer upper/restorable/collector one owner, rare, hardly smokes, creampuff" older MBs...

Happy Thanksgiving...

Kevin

PagodaLover · #6 11-24-2005, 12:58 AM

12. check to see if it has a title and you aren't buying stolen property

Vancouverfinnie · #7 11-24-2005, 02:30 AM

13. Check with the wife (if this applies). Rolling home in a project vehicle, takes time and money (away from the wife). Thankfully mine has her own very good income...

ctaylor738 · #8 11-24-2005, 11:20 AM

14. It sounds like a basket case, so be sure you can afford to lose $300 and waste the time to go get it. Remember, there is a reason that it was parked 3 years ago. But it is fun to try to bring these old guys back to life.

Larry Delor · #9 11-24-2005, 11:31 AM

15. Check to see if you can handle the accelleration* of a 240D. I see that you are used to a V-10. If you can handle the breakneck speeds of a Chevette with an auto, then you could be ok as long as you are not in a hurry.

* the term "accelleration" is used for analogy purposes only.

PagodaLover · #10 11-24-2005, 11:54 PM

accelleration is more like a "metaphor" for this kind of car.

i loved the post larry delor!!!

diametricalbenz · #11 11-25-2005, 01:21 AM

If it's a manual tranny it's definitely worth it for that alone but it's likely an auto so I would avoid it even at $300. When they run they're great drivers though.