85 300TDT Value - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rmmagow · #1 05-31-2007, 01:22 PM

I'm looking at an 85 300TDT. Has rust at all the door corners on the inside. No rust around jack holes and only a little bubbling at the rear wheel arches. Inside is dirty, wood is fair. Engine runs quietly and car shifts well, no flare or clunk. AC blows slightly cool and AFIK still on r12. Has 210K miles on it. Back end is sagging a bit but also the car's not being used regularly. Sellers looking for about 4500 or so. I'm tempted to low-ball at 2500 and see what happens.
Don't know full service history but do know current owner brings it to a well respected shop for all maintenance work. 2 owner car.

240driver · #2 05-31-2007, 01:43 PM

If the seller will take the low ball i think it would be ok, as long as you know what your up against. Hidden problems are always the worst.

d.delano · #3 05-31-2007, 04:28 PM

ANY rust and ANY rearend sag means it's not worth what he's asking. Lowball him, and good luck.
Unfortunately, now that most people that have realized the new popular fad involving biodiesel/WVO and the German diesel cars, it will be easier to get more than the car's worth realistically. So- he may hold out for what he's asking and might be successful in doing so.

Douglas.Sherida · #4 05-31-2007, 08:54 PM

Just my $0.02.

I paid $2500 for an 85 300TD turbo about 4 years ago, 140,000 mi. No sag, but No AC either. Clean interior (minus the cigarette stench). Minor bubbling around wheel wells.

Fast forward four years, still runs like a dream and is completely sound mechanically, but the rust is killing it. It looks like crap, but its structuraly sound. I'll end up dumping it on E-bay when I get my new euro 84 wagon done.

BTW, I paid a little more than 1/2 that for the 84. It is one of the best driving 123s I've ever seen (170,000 miles). Quick smoke free acceleration, nimble, very tight suspension. It was owned by a guy who employed 4 diesel mechanics as part of his family business. I have maintainence records going back to the day it was imported. Very very little visible rust, but oh boy the stuff you can't see. it sags upon sitting overnight, but pumps right up when you start it (needs new springs?). I've put a ton of labor into it and about $150 in new parts, $75 in used parts and $250 for tires (plus the cost of all new fluids). I'll probably come in right around $2500 when all is said and done.

tobybul · #5 05-31-2007, 09:23 PM

imho, realistically, 2500 is not a low ball offer at all for the mileage and condition u stated. Remember, you will have to put in a few more $$$$$ to get the car in the shape you want it to be. Adding this $$$$ to the purchase price will essentially be the price of this car.

But the selling price of the car is going to be relative to what offers the seller will get. someone may come around and pay him what he is asking or, not at all. Also depends how badly you want the car. It also depends on how long the car has been on sale and how badly the seller wants to get rid of the car. Don't let emotions get in the way of the transaction.

I remember last year someone was trying to sell a 198? 300tdt. If I recall he wanted $6000 for it. This car I would not have touched for more than $500. It smelled and looked like it was in a flood. It was musty and the sunroof did not work along with brake problems, engine issues, etc, etc.

Based on your description, imho, I would start at $1000.