Help Me focus (looking at a 300TD)

[JDmills]

I stopped to look at a 300 Turbo Diesel wagon this evening. It is a South Carolina car, with 213,000 indicated miles. The body appears to be rust free, although there might be some rust under the floormats in the back seat.

Body wise, the car appears to be Ok, not quite rating as a good. faded paint, two big dents, missing trim. Both the rear tailgate and hood need to be proped up to stay open. Passinger side front door does not open from the outside. Also the rear seat bottom is trashed...

Mechanically, the owner tells me the transmission slips, Needs a battery... and brakes. The heater/vent only seems to blow hot air, although winter is comming so may be that is not a problem until June. The front windsheld is cracked, and the owner says it will be replaced If I choose to purchase the car. As far as how the motor runs, I dont know what to think. it vibrates a Lot at an idle, but bringing the RPM's up to say 800, or 850 as indicated by the tachometer seemed to smooth it out a bit. The dude is asking $900 or best offer. (I saw it for sale before he bought it, for $700 I think about a year ago)

My goal is to have a rig I can drive 3-400 miles and fix up as I go along. Also I have about a month of free time starting tomorow... or is this just a parts car for someone else's project?

I am gonna go back and look at it again tomorow. What should I be looking for specifically? as a deal maker/or red light? could I get it on the road for another 1000? (used transmission from a salvage yard?) and the brakes, then drive it, and fix as necessary? Or should I run away??
Thanks for your imput.
Jason