I recently went out to a scrapyard to look at a donated 1979 MB 300TD wagon. The seller is asking only $750. From the looks of it it seems to be in pretty good condition. I am not a mechanic though. There are minimal rust spots on the outerbody of the car. The interior is immaculate. What worries me though is the engine. I was told that it works and that the seller drove it a couple of weeks ago without any problems. I have my doubts. There doesn't appear to be a lot of corrosion of the engine parts, but it does look as though its been sitting for a while. There is little buildup inside the oil tank and there was a decent amount of oil in the tank. The coolant tank is bone dry and cracked. There was a small puddle of fluid underneath the engine. Also, the underbody appeared to be in rough sorts, e.g. peeling. Like I said, I'm no expert. Far from it actually. I just needed some advice from someone who knows what they're talking about. Is it worth it?

I would say it is worth that much if it runs decent. I am not a fan of the NA diesels, especially in a heavy wagon. My advice would be to try to find a turbo in which you will get 30 more hp and perhaps better mileage. There is one near me in No. CA for $2200 that looks pretty nice.
Brian

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Brian Roth, Pollock Pines, CA
1981 300TD turbo diesel on 1984 Nissan 4x4 chassis. A runner.
1973 Porsche 914 with Ford 2.3 turbo. Not a runner yet.

What do you mean by buildup in the oil tank? The SLS reservoir?

As long as it drives fine then you should be okay. You will have to make a list of replacement parts and fix everything of course and price things out and see whether or not it's worth your time or wait as suggested and get a turbo wagon.

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1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

At the prices that most 123 wagons have been selling recently that is a steal.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine