92-300D and related inquiries - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dazsa · #1 04-18-2006, 09:24 AM

Hello to All,

I am fairly new to this forum and MB Diesels, but this is the best auto forum online.

I bought an 84-300D Turbo about a month ago from a member of this board. Matt sold me his Frau. It has been a wonderful experience, not the least being Matt and his wife. Well, now my wife has fallen in love with my MB, so I am looking for another one.

I came across a 92-300D (turbo diesel) with 165K and no visible problems. They want $3900 for it. What should I look for and is that a good price?

Thanks to everyone. I learn so much from this site.

Don

hughet · #2 04-18-2006, 10:24 AM

I have a 92 300D with 190,000 miles and it is a wonderful car. Much quieter and smoother and more economical than the old 300Ds because the motor is smoother and they are geared much higher. (2.65 vs 3.07) Great ride and handling, 29MPG city and 33-35 on the road and relatively low maintenance costs if you have a good maintenance program and do it yourself. The only weak point on the car that I know of is the AC evaporator and that can be an expensive job.
Remember that you are looking at a 14 year old car that ages well but even a good one will need some work. If it has been neglected, it can cost a lot of money to get it into decent shape.
Before you take the time to have a mechanic look at it, do your own inspection. Look at the general condition of the car and ask for maintenance records. Look at the tires for even wear and check for loosness in the steering. Are there any leaks from the radiator, transmission or motor? Check for rust and look at the exhaust system. Take it for a test drive...Is the engine smooth and how does it shift? Any clunks?
Check the AC and climate control system.
Find a good independent mechanic and pay him to perform a complete pre purchase inspection before you buy the car. Then use his list to calculate what it will cost you to have the car in good running condition. If you have any questions, post the list on this forum and we can help you come up with a reasonable expectation. Once you have that you can use it to negotiate a fair price for the car. If $3,900 plus the cost to fix it up gets you up to the Book value http://www.kbb.com/ Then it may be a good buy.

JimmyL · #3 04-18-2006, 10:50 AM

I don't have anything to add to your specific question, but just wanted say what a useful and well thought out reply by Tom. Good info, thorough yet concise. Good info for you to follow...
BTW, it still shocks me to hear folks say how much their spousal apparatus loves their MB.

I can't hardly get the wife to ride in mine....

Quote:

Originally Posted by hughet

I have a 92 300D with 190,000 miles and it is a wonderful car. Much quieter and smoother and more economical than the old 300Ds because the motor is smoother and they are geared much higher. (2.65 vs 3.07) Great ride and handling, 29MPG city and 33-35 on the road and relatively low maintenance costs if you have a good maintenance program and do it yourself. The only weak point on the car that I know of is the AC evaporator and that can be an expensive job.
Remember that you are looking at a 14 year old car that ages well but even a good one will need some work. If it has been neglected, it can cost a lot of money to get it into decent shape.
Before you take the time to have a mechanic look at it, do your own inspection. Look at the general condition of the car and ask for maintenance records. Look at the tires for even wear and check for loosness in the steering. Are there any leaks from the radiator, transmission or motor? Check for rust and look at the exhaust system. Take it for a test drive...Is the engine smooth and how does it shift? Any clunks?
Check the AC and climate control system.
Find a good independent mechanic and pay him to perform a complete pre purchase inspection before you buy the car. Then use his list to calculate what it will cost you to have the car in good running condition. If you have any questions, post the list on this forum and we can help you come up with a reasonable expectation. Once you have that you can use it to negotiate a fair price for the car. If $3,900 plus the cost to fix it up gets you up to the Book value http://www.kbb.com/ Then it may be a good buy.

dazsa · #4 04-18-2006, 07:47 PM

Thanks for the replies.

Well, the main thing is the exterior. The black paint job looks like it has psoriasis! It was peeling and flaking everywhere. I would have to get new paint job and tires. The car had been sitting for two months and started right up and no leaks or spots underneath. It drove very nicely. The interior was just OK. The wood trim is peeling and cracking, but everything works, The AC compressor was replaced last year.

I don't know...I told him if he does not get good offer, I will consider it for much lower. What is your input?

Thanks for the valuable assistance,

Don