Hey Guys,

I traveled to florida to buy a described "mint" 300sd. When I inspected the car the caved in door was very easy for me to see, I wonder why the owner didn't notice it till I pointed it out? We have 4 or 5 conversations about the car and I have to fly a thousand miles to find it out.

But I was prepared, I had 6 other cars to look at! Most were very very disappointing. Paint problems here Rust problems there.

I did find one 300SD I was satisfied with but was unsure about the delay going from park to reverse, the owner got angry because I was being cautious and would not give him a down payment on the spot. The next morning after talking with a knowledgeable friend, I called and offered where he originally priced it and he raised the price 500 and wouldn't come off it. He called me later when I was in the Tampa Airport waiting for a flight to board. Too Late.

I finally Just gave up and bought a 24 Valve Ram Diesel (flew 700 miles to buy it). Sad huh?

It was all very frustrating.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice especially Hatteras Guy, Brian Carlton and Whunter.

Gary

i have had many disappointments after driving a thousand miles... almost never a good surprise. usually incorrect descriptions etc. usually have gone ahead with purchase not wanting to go home empty handed. but have had a few good experiences with long distance transactions.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I was hoping that you would have a better outcome. With five or six of them, you would have thought one of them would have come through in acceptable condition.

I've had "acceptable" luck with these two. The SD was exactly as described, with the exception of the oil leaks. The seller somehow had the opinion that it never leaked a drop.

The SDL had a bit of a laundry list of items that needed repairs. Items that the seller conveniently neglected to mention. But, it has very good paint and no rust and I'm fairly sure that it has less than 130K on the clock, so, overall, I'm satisfied with it.

Good luck with the truck. It should serve you quite well, if you can stand the noise.

I have boxes of earplugs!

gary