I say Go For It! In my estimation, the SDL is one of the best Mercedes ever made. The ride and handling is indistinguishable from the 420 SEL and I think it is a solid value. It is a much more refined vehicle than the 300 SD, yet it is almost as durable. I'm 6'5" and whenever I go anywhere with my immediate family (all of whom are over 6'), we take the SDL. I absolutely love the room. Plus, the longer wheelbase gives a smooth ride. I added all the 560 SEL features - the heated seats, reclining rear seat, etc, and it's a hell of a car. I have no desire to buy another car for a long time (unless it's the Mercedes-Benz, ... errr Dodge Sprinter Van. But it's going to take more than wild horses to make me part with that car! - even with the Sprinter.)

It sounds like this car has quite a bit going for it. You know how it has been maintained for the past nine years, and the price is right. It wouldn't be unreasonable to pay $5,000 for such a vehicle. However, in addition to issues mentioned above, such as the 14 series head, there are some things I would look out for. Keep in mind these are things _you_ should look out for, above the PPI.

Interior condition. How is the leather? Are there a lot of cracks / rips? Do the seat springs sag. Is the padding deflated? How about the wood? Is it clouded? Are there a lot of cracks? Is it clean? Is your friend a smoker? Check the console and dash; look out for cracks. What is the condition of the steering wheel? Bottom line: is this a place where you want to spend a significant amount of your waking hours?

Exterior condition. This car has been in PA, where there is salt. Unlike AZ (or CA), rust is a real issue here. Check the underbody for signs of rust. Remember this is literally a cancer for cars. Look at the paint. If it's not in top condition, consider that you will spend a minimum of $2,000 for a quality paint job. Does the trim look good? How well do the doors close? Are the rubber seals intact?

Accessories. Make sure the AC / Climate control are working. The AC is another $2,000 fix (compressor, recharge, sundry line replacement, etc). Also, check for things like the rear glass defogger to be working. These all cost $$ to repair or replace.

I know most of these things are picking nits, but you will see every last imperfection in this car over time. Make sure that you are getting exactly what you want, or that you know how much it will cost to get exactly what you want. My car is a labor of love and I've put a lot of time and effort toward getting it the way I want. If I had it to do over, I would have paid $2-3,000 more for a pristine specimen. As it turns out, I've spent well over that. But I love my car!

I hope this is of some value to you.

Casey

__________________
Casey Cooper
"From a long line of Mercedes ownership"

'86 300SDL 250K miles (Gone, but not forgotten); best diesel I have ever driven, too bad about the Achilles heel.

'81 240D 370K miles (Sold to my brother after 9 years and 150K miles of reliable driving!)

[Five other Mercedes in family clipped for less length.]