Did I Pass Up Something Good? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Chetbaker · #1 10-29-2004, 09:49 PM

So, I jumped on here a week or so ago because I was interested in a 1979 300sd Turbo (here in L.A.). 221,000 mi. Interior was excellent (back seat leather was a teensy bit loose - it bunched up a little), new transmission, new brakes and rotors, no AC, all the (power) windows were good, sunroof was a bit sticky but closed after a couple of pushes (figured it needed some Wd-40), slight leakage in the bottom oil pan, shudder when in reverse (but was told this could be fixed with $120 fix of new engine/transmission mounts).

exterior was excellent, no rust that i could find.

he was second owner and had everything break down on him - transmission mostly but had spent almost 3,000 on repairs back in 2002.

he even said that i could give him an offer (less than the $3000 min he originally wanted).

i've been looking since and have been thinking maybe i got gun-shy?

would the car described above be worth say...$2500-2750 (if i offered that) or was he right about the $3,000? wondering if I went to the wrong mechanic who tried to scare me off (he hates deisels and said the car would be nothing but trouble)

should i go back?

in a quandry.

help!!!

Brian Carlton · #2 10-29-2004, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.E.Haiges

Chet,

First: Brian is right.

I have a similiar car with 260,000 miles and if you think I am going to sell it to you or anyone for $3000, you can KMA.

I'm tired of you cheapskates not willing to pay a decent price for a wonderfull car, one that the likes of will never again be made.

Why don't you buy a new car for $20,000 and lose what the MB cost in the first day and what the repairs will cost in the next year. That's what I would worry about. Its called depreciation.

If the body is rust and damage free and the interior is as good as you say it is, its worth $3000 even if it doesn't run. Remember, mechanical parts can be brought back to new, but bodies never can.

BTW, a 300SD is not a classic MB and never will be. Its a work horse and will give you many miles of lowcost and reliable service. That's why I have mine, in fact I have 3 of them I like them so much.

P E H

Sorry Chet, I couldn't resist.

But, PEH does have a very good point with regard to these vehicles.

Can you take it to a qualified mechanic for a PPI? This would allay any fears you currently have about all the little things that might not be little things after all.

I additionally should remind you that you should continue an existing thread, since it is the identical topic, rather than start this new one.

rs899 · #3 10-30-2004, 07:13 AM

With great respect to both Brian and PEH, I disagree somewhat. I just bought a SoCal 80 300SD in similar condition with 125k miles on the clock- absolutely no rust and near perfect interior. It had blown a tranny so I got one for $75 out of upullit . Car was $900 (and that much to ship it here - but you don't have that problem) . From my looking (and drooling) of Recycler or Craigslist and other ads for cars in your area, I would think even $2500 may be a bit high there for current market value. Depends on how much of a hurry you are in. If I lived there I should think the right one at the right price would show up eventually if you keep your eyes open.

If I were SELLING this sort of car in running condition, I would be thinking like PEH. I'm not sure an attitude like his would get the car sold, even if its "correct" by Forum standards. The market is made up of SUV-loving idiots...

Brian Carlton · #4 10-30-2004, 10:09 AM

You fellows (RS899 and JimH) should delete these posts and put them with the original thread.

Chet did go back to that thread, as I suggested, and it is ongoing over there.