W123 on e-bay.........purchase questions??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

biocumminsMSU · #1 11-19-2007, 11:19 AM

I'm looking at a 1984 300D on ebay and want to know what questions would be good to ask to make sure it is a good car.

thesst · #2 11-19-2007, 11:23 AM

When buying a car on eBay, the ONLY worthwhile question is: when can I come inspect it? If you can't personally go and look at it, drive it, test the blowby, etc., then it's pretty risky buying a car on eBay. It MAY turn out fine... or it may be a total nightmare.

TX76513 · #3 11-19-2007, 11:24 AM

Short ListDo all the electrical options work, windows, lights, etc.
Does the Climate Control work properly heat and cool
Does all the vacuum operated features work.
Is there any rust
What maintenance records are available on the car.

If you are new to MB it's most imperative that you or someone you delegate personally look at the vehicle.

kerry · #4 11-19-2007, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesst

When buying a car on eBay, the ONLY worthwhile question is: when can I come inspect it? If you can't personally go and look at it, drive it, test the blowby, etc., then it's pretty risky buying a car on eBay. It MAY turn out fine... or it may be a total nightmare.

I agree completely. The only exception would be if there is some absolutely overwhelming consideration that necessitates buying a car unseen. (ie 1984 300d 2k original miles. One owner, always garaged, plane ticket refunded if not as described, BIN $5.00)

spugeddy · #5 11-19-2007, 02:15 PM

Will you post the ebay link, so Mercedesshop members can scrutinize it with you?

I had a great experience buying mine on ebay for a song, but I imagine not all car transaction go well to say the least

TTCummins · #6 11-19-2007, 02:37 PM

One question that will answer most is what doesn't work? You will get to know pretty well what hasn't been maintained and what will need work. Usually vacuum systems, electrical systems, and suspension components are toppers on that list.

lutzTD · #7 11-19-2007, 02:50 PM

you really need to go see it.... and crawl under and through it. Even with beautiful paint and interior it could be rusted out from underneath. ask me how I know...

#8 11-19-2007, 02:52 PM

A car should never be purchased sight unseen.

Jim B. · #9 11-19-2007, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spugeddy

Will you post the ebay link, so Mercedesshop members can scrutinize it with you?

Probably he didn't, because he is afraid that someone here might see it and then buy it out from underneath him, before he has a chance, if it is a really really good one.

Not an unreasonable fear, I would imagine.

The crowd around here is very sophisticated and knowledgeable when it comes to these cars.

biocumminsMSU · #10 11-19-2007, 04:57 PM

The thought did enter my head Jim B., but I'm just starting to look haven't even talked to the parents yet. I'm making biodiesel now and I have heard how good the old Benz's are and want to do an svo conversion. So here is the link

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-300-Series-300D-1984-Mercedes-Benz-300D_W0QQitemZ190174272440QQihZ009QQcategoryZ6330QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

ImBroke · #11 11-19-2007, 06:26 PM

He wants a bunch of money for it, and it's got a salvage title? I'd have to find out why, and even if I did know, it may be scary. It's in Mississippi, so I'm thinking flood vehicle. If you're close, nothing beats a personal look over, preferrably with someone that knows these cars.

Jim B. · #12 11-19-2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImBroke

He wants a bunch of money for it, and it's got a salvage title? I'd have to find out why, and even if I did know, it may be scary. It's in Mississippi, so I'm thinking flood vehicle. If you're close, nothing beats a personal look over, preferrably with someone that knows these cars.

It is in Corinth, up in the Northeast, near Tennessee, so it is not a flood car from the Gulf Coast.

But regardless of that, it should be looked at personally by someone who can give it a thorough prepurchase inspection.....

Agreed also, the reason for a salvage title should be made known, even if it is a theft recovery, light strip, repaired total loss, etc.

Clear knowledge of the pitfalls, procedures and preparations necessary should be down cold, before conversion to biodiesel, though. Do it wrong and the injectors will get coked up and other problems will ensue

Scott98 · #13 11-19-2007, 08:52 PM

There is simply not enough information to make an informed decision. This car must be inspected personally before any offers are made.

Scott

TylerH860 · #14 11-19-2007, 09:13 PM

not much info; I feel sorry for him trading for a ML320 though. If it were me I'd pass because of the salvage title, who knows what happened and selling it for a decent amount would be challenging. It took me 6 months to find the right one; an '85 with 166k for $2500, needed another $500 for motor mounts a vacuum leak. Just be patient this winter and the right one will come around. Nice Color though.

spugeddy · #15 11-19-2007, 09:27 PM

The ebay seller rating is awesome at 100% feedback since 1998. So over time he has done hundreds of people right on his transactions. I bet it doesn't sell at this starting bid, so I would contact him , and don't bid through the auction. If you really want to get it, tell him you will travel there to inspect, and if it passes, find out what his bottom dollar is beforehand....and be prepared to buy it....

How far are you from the location? Unless it was within about 50 miles of the coast there shouldn't be flooding problem. I worked power line restoration in MS after Katrina, but only up to Hattiesburg, and there was no flooding except coastal areas near AL line, and up to about 50 miles or so north of that sustained some surge....