I just bought an 85 380se. It runs ok but has some idle issues. But here's my biggest issue. I want diesel!! I have the opprotunity to pick up an 83 300 turbo for 1000 bucks. It has 165k, no rust, no dents and no a/c. One family owned. It does have a suspension issue, it starts to shake badly at about 50 mph. Owner says he thinks it's ball joints. The cars starts fine cold or hot. Tranny was replaced 5 years ago and seems to shift well. He said his parents didn't like the way it shifted so they had a new one installed. Do you guys think it's worth it?

__________________
U. S. Air Force Air Traffic Controller
"U gotta keep 'em separated!!"

First , My Deepest Condolences for where the Air Force has sent you. Clearly it has affected your judgement or you would not have gotten that MB gasser....
You are in the middle of the Red Clay Heat Belt... and the car does not have air conditioning ? You will not have too much competition for this car..... so don't get in too much of a hurry...
The shake could be what the owner thinks, or tires , driveshaft or center bearing. Do you have a diesel mechanic you can take it to before you buy it ?

Does the 300D have a/c and it is not functional?

Or does it truly have no a/c??

If it is the former, it will cost up to $1K to get it functioning properly with all new parts. In such a case, you have what sounds like a very decent vehicle for $2K. You will face some suspension issues, however. Figure another $300 in parts to replace some rubber components up there. If it gets very bad, and most of the front end needs to go, then you'll need about $1K in parts.

If you can do the front end yourself, then it "sounds like" a good deal for you.

Why did you buy that 380 anyway? It's so slow that the diesel might just beat it on a good day.

Well, maybe a 603 would.

"Why did you buy that 380 anyway?"

Don't beat him up on this... I already explaned what happened...