I'm seriously thinking about a '87 TD Wagon that just popped up in our area for sale. Talked to the owner on the phone, he has owned the vehicle for the last 9 years. It has had one door and the rear hatch painted, but no rust as to be expected in our area. Vehicle has 179k on it, with the standard maintenance, it did not sound like he did much extra. Vehicle still has the original radio etc, it's Pearl Black with grey leather (not MB Tex)and he did mention there was a small tear in the drivers seat, so my guess is the owner has not done much to the vehicle besides drive it. He is asking $5000.00, but did say the rear end is loose and needs about $500.00 of work. (Could not tell me what exactly was wrong)
Any recommendations or specific things I should look for. Aluminum head, Turbo, or any other problem areas.
Thanks for all your help.
dbenz

dbenz,
Check under the hood to see if the trap oxidizer has been replaced. If it hasn't been, call 1 800 for merc and see if the trap oxidizer campaign is still open for your car. Give them the VIN and try to get a fax with a yes. You can tell if the trap oxidizer is gone if just above the turbo it looks like a shiny insulation wrapped on the exhaust manifold instead of a large barrel shaped gizmo.
My cruise control did not work, so I sent the cruise amplifier to a rebuilder. For $170 it came back working. Also check the ride of the rear suspension, if it is real rough figure on replacing the accumulators(fairly cheap).
If the rear shocks are bad, they are pricy check fast lane for a good deal.$5,000 sounds like a pretty good price, since autotrader.com lists several for over 10k. Keep in mind that if you need any engine work, the bills can pile up fast, I decided to buy an engine from a yard and rebuild mine over time. That one cost me $1600 which I thought was a pretty good deal. I was surprised at how easy the car is to work on myself, once I was able to figure out the CD manual. Above all, take it to a tech whom you can trust and pay him to check everything.
Steve
PS if the climate control isn't ok it can cost from five bucks to a couple of grand to get it fully operational.

Those cars are a rare gem.Take Steve's advice on the trap ox. and rear suspension levelling system.Parts are available but most are mucho denero.The rear self levelleing suspension has an independent pump that keeps the back end level with a heavy load.It uses brake fluid.Thay had a tendancy to leak.Brake fluid is VERY corrosive.I would have a local MB(or close to it) Mech look at it.Make a list of everything it needs and try to work out a lower price.The fact is...that is a desireable car and somebody WILL buy it.Don't wait to long you could miss a great deal.Good luck.