Should I buy it? (1985 300d turbo)
 

Hi everyone,

I've been keeping an eye out for a 300d in decent condition and think that I may have found one. However, I'm not sure if it's worth what the guy is asking for. Having read a bunch of postings in the archives, it looks like I should be getting a pristine specimen for $4500. I emailed the seller and here is what I've found out so far:

Seller is third owner. He bought it a few months ago with a bad turbo and bearing. Apparently, the second owner ran it without oil. Engine originally had around 250k on it, but he dropped in a motor from a 84 300d with around 120k on it. He didn't specify if it was rebuilt.

All maintenance has been done according to the book.

Supposed to run great (no rust, flaring), but the a/c might be going out.

So.. is it worth the asking price, and how much would a complete overhaul of the a/c cost?

Thanks!

The A/C is not that expensive. Do it yourself!

http://dieselgiant.com/repairyourac.htm

Thanks for the link, lots of good info there!

I actually came upon a listing for an 82 with only 80k on the clock this afternoon! Going to set up a time to check it out this week.

See if they have paperwork for any or all the maintainance. I personally would be leary of a new engine put in without any paperwork or proof. But you can always have a good mechanic check it out. If the engine is strong I guess it doesn't really matter how many miles are on it.

For the one with 80K I would check and make sure the odometer works.

So, this vehicle has something like 280K on the clock??

But, it has an engine from some other vehicle with supposedly 120K on it's clock??

And, the a/c does not work??

But, it's "pristine"??


How about a value of $3000.......or less!!

Well $4500 sounds high. You are in Hawaii though and that will inflate the price of a car. I don't think its possible to get any farther from Germany. So long as it isn't a California emissions model I say go for it.

I would definitely get a pre-purchase inspection before paying that much. If you get estimates to fix whatever is found, use that info to negotiate the price.

Well, I went to check out the car with 80k miles on it and the mileage seems to check out. The motor ran very well. In fact, I don't think that I've ever driven one that would go like it did. I guess that's how they ran when new! Anyway, the "only" problem is that the car has been sitting outdoors for a while so as expected, the paint is pretty oxidized, there are are a bunch of rust spots, and the dash is totally cracked. Two of the rust spots go through the metal - one on the hood, and one on the left front fender. The seller was unwilling to go lower, so I think I'll pass on it because it would cost a lot to get it back into a condition which I could live with.

Going to check out the other car over the weekend. Fingers crossed. :)