My neighbor recently bought an '87 300D (603/turbo) to fix. It was hit in the left doors, bent the floor/B-pillars/doors but didn't get to the seats, drove it home. It seems to run well and shift nicely. Needs 2 tires and some paint work also.

I looked at it for him today, he's questioning his decision, it needs work. I told him it's worth more as parts, ... it's repairable but is it really worth it? He's not mechanical at all.

So what's the consensus. would you tell him to fix it, sell it, or part it? Is the 603/300D a particularly desirable model?

- Jeff Miller
190DT

Very much in demand these days. Intact, anyway. If it drives well then I'd guess at least $2000 for the engine and transmission. Other parts aren't terribly valuable since they're shared with the 300E. Good body and interior parts command a premium over basic junkyard parts but aren't particularly rare.

Sixto
93 300SD

Well, if he's not mechanical at all.........he never should have purchased it in the first place. He's got to understand all the components and have the necessary tools to part it out........it's a fair amount of effort.

Better to simply sell it to someone who's familiar with it.

And most of the parts worth selling will be too big for UPS. It's difficult enough to pull an engine. How's he going to ship it? Definitely best to sell it as is. If it has a salvage title, he'd better hope there's local interest in it.

Sixto
93 300SD

Straight title I think, and I think he's into it for well under a grand. He's got a for sale sign in the window, ... I don't need a project but he's asking me what I think, I agree that he should sell it as-is so he doesn't ask me to help him ;~)

- Jeff Miller
190DT in Michigan