sweet fantasy

[seabrighter]

Tonight my renewable energy systems class had a field trip. We met at a central location to carpool. When I got to the meeting spot, I noticed...this car. A 1983 300D turbo, silver, black interior, in near mint condition.

When people volunteered to drive, I chose to ride with the guy standing closest to me. Lo and behold, he was the owner of that 300D. All I can say is....it was SWEEEEEEEET!

He managed to get it from a local dealer just a few months ago, with the intention of running on biodiesel. It had 97,000 miles on it when he bought it. Meticulously kept records, every maintenance check up done on schedule, garaged, the whole bit. I sat shotgun and noticed that ever damn thing on the car worked, except the tachometer. Of course, I told him how easy it was when I fixed my own (thanks to this forum).

The engine purred, barely even audible, even for a diesel. The transmission shifted so smooth. All the leather was pristine and slick.

After hearing all that, would you believe how much the local independent used MB dealer sold it to him for? In the Bay Area, CA? Only $5500, with 97K miles on it. My jaw dropped. If only I had that money to spend when I bought mine.

What a great experience though, to ride in the exact same car as mine, only in perfect condition. It was inspiring to know just how good the car can be when everything is up to speed. It also made me realize I have some work ahaed of me, but I'm eager to learn. Damn I'm jealous of that guy's ride.