What should I buy? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

timmyd · #1 12-21-2005, 11:08 AM

Hello all, looking for a "new" used Benz for my work car. I drive about 45k annually, and would like to get something that is made for many miles. I have a 76 300d that is too nice to put that many miles on, and I am thinking of selling her for part of my replacements cost.
What are your thoughts on a 96-99 300d? Do the 97 models have the turbo or is it 98 and newer? I wouldn't mind finding one with 100-150k miles as long as it has service records. Am I way out in left field here?

I currently have a 01 Durango (current work car), Chev Handicap van, (wife has ALS), a 6.5 Chevy Pickup and a 97 Ford F450 7.3L Powerstroke. Oh, and I almost forgot my gem, the 76 300d with 98k original miles. I bought it on a collector car auction in a rural area, and no one knew a thing about them. Even came with a 1500 dollar receipt for a valve job and head work!

I live on a farm, so anything diesel is no problem, and I would definately like a diesel for my work car. I also run my pickups on biodiesel.

Ra_ · #2 12-21-2005, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmyd

I drive about 45k annually, and would like to get something that is made for many miles.

300SDL

One of the greatest highway cars ever made!

Hit Man X · #3 12-21-2005, 11:15 AM

I'll second that. Good power, lots of interior space, nice suspension, and classic looks.

Palangi · #4 12-21-2005, 11:51 AM

Lookie here:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=140519

Turbodiesel's 98 may come up for sale.

POS · #5 12-21-2005, 11:12 PM

I also drive 40k miles a year, and I came dang close to buying a '99 E300D. But when it came down to it, I thought it made more sense to buy a real good '95 instead - a nice '95 is $10-12k cheaper, it's the last year of a very reliable body style, gas mileage is about the same, reliability SHOULD be better with the w124, and I still like the looks.

When it came down to it, though, it was the money. Cheaper to buy, less to lose in depreciation, excellent resale, and still a damn fine auto.

timmyd · #6 12-22-2005, 12:43 PM

I really appreciate it.
I am hoping that I stumble across a nice w210 sooner or later. I have such a love for that body style, knowing full well that I won't be able to wrench on it as well as the older models.
Does anyone else have a problem with wanting something knowing that it is going to be trouble?!

Nate · #7 12-22-2005, 04:54 PM

I doubt you can ruin a 76 with miles... Just keep tabs on the basic suspention, brakes, engine systems...... There really basic, so basic that a 15 year old can fix them...

I think if you spent half of the new car cost on your current car, you'd have a sweet ride for many a year.

~Nate

tjohn · #8 12-22-2005, 05:06 PM

Assuming you're talking about a fairly cheap car to run lots of highway miles, I think you want a 126 or 124. I favor the 126, but some people feel its too big. I would encourage you to drive one, because it really doesn't feel like a "boat" in the sense that a Caddy or Crown Vic does. The 126 also has lots of room under the hood to make wrenching easy. I will say that the 124 has a more modern suspension, and is a pleasure to rive if well sorted out.

I'm sorry to hear about your wife.

Veloce300DT · #9 12-22-2005, 06:18 PM

1995 E300 Diesel.

-Last year of the solid w124 chassis construction.
-Reliability seems to be better for the chassis than on the newer w210
chassis.
-Higher grade construction materials & fit and finish than w210
-Chaper to obtain; $10K-$12K should get you a very nice example.
-Blends MB quality of the 70's & 80's with modern driving characterisitcs &
amenities.

POS · #10 12-23-2005, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veloce300DT

1995 E300 Diesel.

-Blends MB quality of the 70's & 80's with modern driving characterisitcs &
amenities.

I agree to that 100%; growing up in a Merc family during the late 70's and 80's, I can really appreciate that aspect. Those who didn't have that background might not "get" that side of it.