300D or Passat TDI?

[jotunheim]

Hi all. This is my first post here, and after some research on the web I find that I still have some unanswered questions about a 1990-1995 300D. First of all, I am looking to spend about $8000 on a diesel sedan/wagon. What do you guys think is the best car for that price range? I figure I can get a low '90's 300D with low to average miles (100-150k) for that price. Now, if I go the passat route, I can get a little newer with better mileage but of course with less class. The Passat is nice though..

I am leaning to get the 300D, but I can't find any info on it's tow capacity. I need to tow about 2000 lbs. (trailer unbraked), not often, but maybe 3 times a summer for a couple hundred miles each trip. I did see a post somewhere that the 300D can tow 3500 lbs., but nothing "official". Is this true?

Another issue is the relative rarity of the car. Is it hard to get parts for the car? Really expensive to fix?

Last, and related to the rarity of the car, all the available cars are at least a days drive away for me, is it a big mistake to call about the obvious (repair history, number of owners, carfax), pick a good prospect and hope for the best?

Thanks in advance!

Jason