'91 350SD--on the fence - Page 4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DslBnz · #46 11-22-2004, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

I just like MB in general and I buy what I can afford. I prefer a diesel but my next one will most probably be gas.

DslBnz say you buy that 350SDL for $18k and run 10k on it and the engine dies. Now you have a mint 350SDL that you have $18k into with 63k miles. So you have to fix it, you buy a long block with a warranty from MB because come on this is a mint car why cheap out. Then you run it for 5 more years and now you have 113k on it. But it is a daily driver so she is not as pretty as she used to be. What is a real nice 1985 300SD with 113k worth? $8K maybe less. So now you are $22k in the hole.

A 2000 S430 say with 80k on it you can probably snag for $30k in 6 years with 140k on it mid to high teens maybe. Lets say $15k.

So $15k vs $22k. Lets say maintaince is a wash the SDL is older and the S430 is more complex. Take your pic it depends what you like. Don't fault the new ones just because they are new.

That's a good point. I am looking too far down the road, perhaps. And I forgot about the potentiality for engine failure.

However, I think the 350SD/SDL's should not be compared to the relatively mass produced 300SD's. Consider the 126 SD lasted for 4 years and spawned 10's of thousands of cars. The engine was spread across the line too. The 350 remained exclusive to the S-Class.

It is theoretical that the S430 will be worth anything at all, considering how many MB sells and how well the brand name holds up. No one can truly predict the future.

For the same money, you have a car that is perfect, can start from ground zero, and you KNOW has a reputation for proven durability. I think its a safe bet.

As far as problems with the new cars, that's another subject, but you know what I think. I hold the universal opinion of the consumer.

#47 11-22-2004, 11:28 PM

It must be diesel fumes! or something emitted, or the sounds...I don't know. Economically viable...no, great to have...I think so, better than a 90's gasser, IMHO, Yes. Farh, I completely understand, but yet I am still drawn to this one, yeah it is probally the best condition, lowest mileage one in the US, but that is not my draw, It is having a car that potentially could serve my family well fro the next 8-12 years, with good, power, economy, room, and I can work on it. Brian's point is well taken though, a 300 sdl could be nice as well, Jorn looked at the one in Santa Monica for me today...pics do not tell the whole story, thanks Jorn, I owe ya one.

The saga is still in my mind, and I will just let it play out, by the way, for fun do a nationwide search of the 350 SDL on Traderonline, I did.

Thanks to All,

Sorry for the highjack of the thread Steve and Bots

Joe R.
300CDT 125k

Hatterasguy · #48 11-23-2004, 11:45 AM

joer2001 what is wrong with the SDL in CA? Let me guess the seller is overlooking a few minor problems.

DslBnz the only MB that seem to hold their value are the rare coupes and convertables. Very very few sedans have held their value. I would venture to say that the 6.9, 6.3, 500E, are the only sedans that will become a collectors car. The 350SD's maybe but I don't think so W126's in general seem to have hit the bottom.

fahrgewehr2 also has a great point you can buy a lot of fuel for $10k and diesels don't get that much better mileage.

#49 11-23-2004, 07:24 PM

Hat Guy,

Yeah Jorn drove it, he said he really did not like it, also some dents dings, and the car was...dirty, but check out the thread i just started....91350SDL

Joe