Will you buy this 300SD for $5K?

[300sdlstretch]

Hi Guys,

I live here in the Philippines. I saw a 300SD 1982 US Version that says all original in an ad. I visited the car and saw it sitting in their garage under a car cover. The condition is as follows:

1. Exterior is smooth. Minor bumper scratches.
2. It was not registered for 2 years already. I assume it does not get on the road but says they usually start it for a warm up every now and then.
3. All gauges are working. No visible warning lights when I started the car.
4. They said the aircon stopped working just a couple of months ago when the the blower got noisy and just died down.
5. Molds are present in the upholstery specifically the door armrests, presumably a sign that's the car was just kept in the garage. Dash looks fresh without cracks (including the upholstery).
6. The power door locks are not functioning. Maybe it has a problem with the vacuum.
7. There is a slight noise coming from the engine belts.
8. Engine not as smooth but the is clean from any grease or leak (at least on the top portion where my eyes can see). Mileage is at 65k Kilometers.
9. Tested the sunroof and it's kinda slow but works.
10. Power seat adjustment for forward/back (passenger side) is jammed. Works only one backward.

My questions for benz guys here:
1. How much do you think will i spend on the a/c assuming that's it is just a blower problem? (motor? fuse? whatever... assuming they are telling the truth),
2. Is the power door lock problem easy to repair? How much? Hope it's just a loose vac hose.
3. What can you say about the noisy belts? Can it be solved by simply greasing them? Or you have to replace the pulleys and bearing too?(based on your experiences)

I am having second thoughts of getting the car because I'm afraid that I will bear the bulk of the problem though it seems to be well maintained. They have four other jap and US cars of latest models in the garage and my thinking is that they just kept the benz in the garage for whatever reason I don't know. They are just disposing it know because thay have a new car coming in and there is no more space so the benz has to go.

Please let me know your thoughts on this. If I were you, will you buy it for $5K? I hope you will find time to share me your thoughts.

[Ra_]

Sounds like it may take a couple thousand to get her back up to specs.
If it really only has 40,000 miles, that will add resale value.

If the body and interior weree perfect, it might be a good investment...
but the presence of molds is a bad sign.
Make very sure that the car was never flooded.
I suppose it could just be the climate.

What kind of shape is that SDL Limo in?
That would be nice with some kind of custom plush interior.

[whunter]

Used car price guide...

http://www.kbb.com/

http://www.edmunds.com/

http://www.nadaguides.com/BuyTradeGuides.asp?wSec=8&wPg=1464

[300sdlstretch]

What kind of shape is that SDL Limo in?
That would be nice with some kind of custom plush interior.

It's a 1987 300SDL SL. Engine is in perfect condition. Interior is in good state too. I will have it detailed before new year so I can appreciate it better though. It has a mini bar and tv inside. It has 52K Kms on it. Just got it last Thursday so haven't really explored it much yet. Been busy with Christmas activities.

[kerry]

It all depends on the value of the car in the Phillipines. In the US, I would pay that price for it, if I thought the mileage was authentic. I paid $4500 for a 77 300d with about 50k on it (3 yrs ago).

[Ra_]

Originally Posted by 300sdlstretch

It's a 1987 300SDL SL. Engine is in perfect condition. Interior is in good state too. I will have it detailed before new year so I can appreciate it better though. It has a mini bar and tv inside. It has 52K Kms on it.

Love it!

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by Ra_

Love it!

Me too. It's a beautiful vehicle. Now we're talking some serious legroom!!

[pmari]

I don't know about repair costs in your neck of the globe.
Are you going to do the work or have an indy do it?
Over here...
The A/C can be big ticket item($1,000). Are the squeeling belts part of the A/C problem maybe the clutch going out on the compressor? If it's just the blower you should hear the compressor kick in and the hose get cold close to the compressor.
Door locks may be a leaky hose or a rebuild of the trunk pump.
Slow sun roof (needs grease), seat switches may just need to be cleaned (motor sounds good).

The mold is big warning sign to me. It can be very difficult to get rid of. Usually it means a leak in either the sunroof/drains, front and rear windows seals/ drains. How does the trunk smell?

$5,000 seems steep to me, for the current condition. The car has not be driven much and that leads to seals in the motor, brakes & transmission drying up and or shrinking/leaking. For that kind of money, you need to take it to a mechanic who knows these cars first. Without seeing a service history, this car could still cost you another couple grand. Especially if your not doing the work. The mold is a serious issue alone. Shows neglect in my mind.

[Hatterasguy]

Thats a cool SDL!

I don't know what the market is in your country but in my area I'd be all over that car for $5k if the mileage is accurite. You could buff it up and double your money on ebay.

It probably needs a bit of work from sitting so long but again if the bones are their its worth it.

Also diesels hate to site it will probably run like crap until you use it a bit.

[300sdlstretch]

Originally Posted by pmari

The mold is big warning sign to me. It can be very difficult to get rid of. Usually it means a leak in either the sunroof/drains, front and rear windows seals/ drains. How does the trunk smell?

Trunk smells good. No sign of molds. Saw it (molds) on the armrest of front passenger seats. I will check for leaks on my next visit.

Originally Posted by kerry

It all depends on the value of the car in the Phillipines. In the US, I would pay that price for it, if I thought the mileage was authentic. I paid $4500 for a 77 300d with about 50k on it (3 yrs ago).

Mileage seems authentic. I am just afraid that being it in all original state, wear and tear of other parts will catch up on me after 24 years of existence. Owner said they owned it for almost six years already. Well, it may also be possible that the merc gave them a PITA that's why they don't have any other benzes in their garage. Just a thought.

[pmari]

Note to self.... Don't buy a car from Haddie

[QUOTE=Hatterasguy]
You could buff it up and double your money on ebay.
QUOTE]

[Hatterasguy]

Well that would be typical for ebay!

It's probably a fine car, but its old and has been sitting for awhile so it will need a bit of work if you want to drive it a lot. However if the body, interior, engine, and mileage are ligit it is worth putting a couple grand into. Drive it for a year and you could still make money.

[300sdlstretch]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Me too. It's a beautiful vehicle. Now we're talking some serious legroom!!

Right on Brian! Serious bedroom .... errr legroom...

Love at first sight for me, too. Price was pretty neat too so I bought her even though I was looking for an SD I could daily drive. That's why I'm still on the look out for an SD/L.

Thinking of having it rented for special occasions like wedding, etc so it would not just sit in the garage. That would give me an extra income while I'm not using it and at the same time having a rare MB in this part if the globe.

[pmari]

That's a good sign. If it's growing on the door panel, it's in the carpet's and possibly the leather seats. I had a mold problem with my first 300SD. I pulled the seats and carpets treated the all the carpeting with microban and shampooed. Seats were treated also as well as headliner and package tray. Poured 10% bleach solution down all drains. Pulled the capet in the trunk sprayed microban and bleach solution repeativly.

The end result was a good smelling car as long as the windows or sunroof were closed. As soon as a draft was present I would smell it again. Luckily I had no mold smell in the A/C-heat system. Sold the car before I got rid of it completely.

Originally Posted by 300sdlstretch

Trunk smells good. No sign of molds. Saw it (molds) on the armrest of front passenger seats. I will check for leaks on my next visit.