Hey so I'm new to this arena, but I just sold my 1987 Toyota MR2 and am looking for a more mature ride. I've been looking for an early 80s diesel model that could possibly be converted to veggie oil, but this car came up on my search. I've heard that these earlier models don't go very fast on the freeway, but I'm looking for something that I could possibly take a road trip with once in a while. Any help would be appreciated, and this car is a beauty (with a new paint job).

Am I going to have to stay below 70 MPH? or should i keep looking for the newer models

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/1129890812.html

68 horsepower. 0 to 60 in 20 seconds?
good fuel mileage though

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"The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread."

you definitely want a manual!

I personally love this model...

not a rocket by any stretch of the realm, but one relaxing ride is definately in order.

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". . .back before accountants designed cars"

-Current Stable-
'78 MB 450SL-C 107.024.12.020783 #3840 <Kayleen>
'85 FORD F250 6.9L Diesel <Allison>
'98 Lexus ES300 <Rachel>
Long Gone...
'74 Chevy G10...........................'99 GMC Yukon 4X4
'83 Chevy Suburban 6.2 diesel .....'99 SAAB 9-5
'90 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS............. '01 Chevy Tahoe
'98 Nissan Altima .......................'02 MB ML320
'88 Chevy Suburban V2500 4X4 6.2 diesel

Don't do that

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg

Please no veggie conversions!

Car seems nice, though the asking price would be a bit high in my area; not sure if they run more in the Bay area.

Two outright lies. Most 220 and 240Ds have manual transmissions. Now finding a five cylinder diesel with a manual is quite a bit tougher, though still not impossible. You can get old Benzes for under two grand all day long in my area; again not so sure about the Bay area.

Since the mileage and service history are unknown (5-digit odometer and they frequently break or slip), you can use that to talk the seller down. If it checks out well in person, I could maybe see paying a grand for it.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

I've looked at but not purchased a couple of cars this dealer had for sale in the past.He seems like a "stand-up" guy
The photos clearly show the car still has the old "loop" style glow plugs.Even in the relatively mild climate here in the SF area,it could be a bear to start.I'd consider the changeover to the newer style "pencil" plugs a must do!
These are simple cars that are easy for the DIY mechanic and run FOREVER!
My 240D is rapidly approaching 300K and runs like new.

Thanks. I've been on the fence about doing that too. It seems like I can get pretty good mileage without doing the conversion, so I'll stick with the diesels.

Good.

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg

1971 220

best well documented 220 restore on the forum

I loved mine, miss it. Easy to work on, fun to drive, classy

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Ron
2015 Porsche Cayman - Elizabeth
2011 Porsche Cayman - Bond,James Bond
Sadly MERCEDESLESS - ALways LOOKING !
99 E320 THE Queen Mary - SOLD
62 220b - Dolly - Finally my Finny! Sadly SOLD
72 450SL, Pearl-SOLD
16 F350 6.7 Diesel -THOR
19 BMW X5 - Heaven on Wheels
14 38HP John Deere 3038E Tractor -Mean Green
84 300SD, Benjamin -SOLD
71 220 - W115-Libby ( my first love) -SOLD
73 280 - W114 "Organspende" Rest in Peace
81 380 SL - Rest in Peace

A 220D is really not going to keep up with traffic in the Bay Area. SF hills are going to be a huge pain too but if you're driving around Berkeley Oakland Emeryville then you'll be fine. I am thinking if you have to go up to Caldecott you're going to be probably floored in 3rd going 45mph in the right lane. 70mph is about flat out in the car unless it's got excellent compression.

The car was designed for economy in a 55mph oil crisis world and that's what it does best.

If you want economy find a 190D 2.2 5 speed.

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

Ok, so now that we've kind of moved on from that car...Bay Area hills... something with a little bit of pickup...does anything pop directly to mind? A five-cylinder instead of a four? I'd prefer to stay on the diesel but I'd also like to have something that I can cruise on the freeway with.

A good functioning 240d manual does just fine at sea level. I have no trouble keeping up with traffic driving mine around So. California. I can climb most freeway grades in 4th gear. IIRC the 220d only had 50-something HP. My w123 chasis 240d has 62 HP and that was an upgrade from the earlier 220ds. After 1980 240Ds were, I think, 67HP.

If you want real speed go for a 300d. Non turbos have 80ish hp. The later turbos are downright fast.

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1979 240D, 4spd manual, Power Sunroof, manual windows, 147k miles, Pastel gray/Black MB Tex.
1991 300D 2.5 - Smokes like it's on Crack!

I'm so used to being down to 46-50 mph up the local hills that I forgot to mention it. I'm not sure how much faster a non-turbo 5 cylinder will be, but it will do better. I also have a turbo 5 cylinder and it will hold 75 mph up a 6% grade and tops out at 110 on level ground. By the way, where I live, the valley floor is about 4,700 feet, and the hills go up from there.

__________________
Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

I have a 69 220D that could not get out of its own way.. Its like a lawnmower with a cab..
I love her though...

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My Stable--

69 220D
84 300SD
97 Suburban