Ugh. The test drive was less than spectacular. Let me clarify that I glanced over the car outside at dusk about a week ago. Today, it was 1:00pm and sunny. First, I got a much better look at the outside of the car. Paint looks pretty good for 25+ years. What I hadn't noticed was some surface rust on the rocker panels just behind the front wheels. You practically have to be on the ground to see it, but the car is not rust free. Next, I open all the doors. Carpet is dirty. Not vacuum it out dirty. Years of use dirty. Here's where it gets good. Car started on charged up battery. As I'm getting out to check for oil leaks, smoke, etc., it stalls -- out of fuel! The gauge showed less than 1/8, but not on E. I drive to get diesel. Come back. Car won't start. Do I need to prime it? Pull out owner's manual. Yes. I Prime it. It finally idles. Mind you, I haven't even left the driveway.

On test drive: vibration in steering from rest (flat spotted tires?) No power, but I'm driving around around a small neighborhood. Car is not insured or registered, so I can't really drive it the way I want. Alternator is charging, so maybe just loose belts. About 2.5 inches of play in the steering while the car is stationary.

For the finale, the brake master cylinder is shot, I think. Or could it be the booster? When I press the pedal, I get 2-3 inches of hissing travel, but no assist. Pedal goes to floor and the car will stop, but not quickly or safely. Feels just like a stalled engine with power brakes. Brake idiot light is on. Brake fluid is at correct level in resevoir. If this was a gas engine, I would say absolutely. How does the MC get vacuum with a diesel engine in a 300SD?

So, exterior is 6.5/10. Interior 6/10. Mechanically, everything I noticed was fixable (by me), but I'm beginning to think my money could be better spent on something else. The engine is smooth, if not gutless. Then again, I barely got above 2500 RPM.

Is this car even worth $1000?

Todd