Advice on buying used Benz - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Speedwell · #1 01-10-2008, 06:45 PM

I have found an '85 300 TD for what I think is a reasonable amount, but knowing little about a Benz, I am asking for advice, knowledge, insight, etc. Below is a list of questions that come to mind. PLEASE throw out any advice that comes to mind. Kelly/NADA do not list the car due to age.

1) What should I look for when test driving besides the usual road manners?

2) Are parts reasonably priced and available? If so, where?

3) Are Benz's high maintenance? This particular car has 198,045 on the odometer - is it entering into any age/mileage issues?

4) Were there any quality/engineering issues associated with this era of Benz's?

I realize that everyone is shooting in the dark as you have no first hand info on this particular Benz. I just need some advice from those of you who own or have owned one. I thank you for your time.

p.s.-Anyone know how to contact the MBCA forum administrators? I registered for the site but have not received the email to activate the account and cannot contact them to make them aware of the problem. Very frustrating!

daw_two · #2 01-10-2008, 06:58 PM

Where are you located? Maybe one of us have already looked at the car.

123Guy · #3 01-10-2008, 07:15 PM

[quote=Speedwell;1728656]I have found an '85 300 TD for what I think is a reasonable amount, but knowing little about a Benz, I am asking for advice, knowledge, insight, etc. Below is a list of questions that come to mind. PLEASE throw out any advice that comes to mind. Kelly/NADA do not list the car due to age.

Others can add more, but here's some thoughts to start you off.

1) What should I look for when test driving besides the usual road manners? If you like the car after the road test, take it to a good independent MB mechanic and have him look it over for you - it's cheap insurance. Be sure all the windows go up and down, all the doors and the fuel filler cap work from the drivers door key, be sure the sun roof opens and closes smoothly, be sure the cruise control works, make sure the antenna goes up and down, and be sure the AC works. If any of these don't work, they can be simple problems or big projects - if they were simple to fix, the owner would have already fixed them.

2) Are parts reasonably priced and available? If so, where?
Parts are cheaper than for most other cars and just about anything you need is available from numerous parts houses: Here on MercedesShop.com "Buy Parts", ADSIT, Performance Products, ******** Arizona, pick-and-pull junk yards, and the list goes on. As a last resort, some things are only available through the dealerships and most will give you up to a 20% discount if you are a MBCA member.

3) Are Benz's high maintenance? This particular car has 198,045 on the odometer - is it entering into any age/mileage issues? High maintenance is relative and depends on the condition of the the car you buy. Most other cars are junkers by the time they reach 20-25 years old and hit the 200K mark, so that's the relative part. Be sure the get the books and records for this car, know how it's been cared for - diesels need 3-4K oil changes, 12K valve adjustments, 30K transmission service and other routine maintenance and if these haven't been done, you can be asking for problems. Get any warranties for the tires, battery, etc.

4) Were there any quality/engineering issues associated with this era of Benz's? Not as much quality/engineering, but age of the vacuum system can cause headaches with door locks, cruise control, transmission shifting and more. The advantage to the 123 cars is that if you are mechanically inclined, there isn't much that you can't fix yourself.

Just remember that you are buying a 22 year old car and it's not going to be perfect, but if it's a well cared for vehicle in good condition, you can easily put several hundred thousand more miles on it.

ImBroke · #4 01-10-2008, 07:56 PM

Dont' forget the usual, stand on the brakes and see if it stops straight. Make sure you hit bumps, and listen for any unusual clunks. Feel for play in the steering wheel, get under and look at the floors for rust. Like has been said, well maintained ones go a long time, neglect them a little, and they seem to remember. Neglect them for a long time and you'll be walking. They do need maintenance, and were built for it. These were never designed to be throw away cars like most of today's. Good luck.

Hatterasguy · #5 01-10-2008, 08:00 PM

Have someone who knows what they are looking at check it out. If you are not familer with MB's you will think they drive and run quite nicely while needing a front end rebuild and other things.

200k miles is when they can start to need a lot, depends on the car really. Any service records?

Where are you located? Is rust a concern?

lutzTD · #6 01-10-2008, 08:07 PM

look for rust, take a screwdriver and poke the floor around the jack holes, specially in the back between the jack hole and the inner fender on the rail and floor. check the area around where the rear suspension mounts come close to the rear jack hole.

go over some bumps, find a parking lot with speed bumps and listen for clunks, with that many miles and if there are no service records be prepared to rebuild the entire suspension and brake systems.

the wagons have hydraulic rear suspension, I dont have one but there are numerous posts on that subject if you search. Most noticable will be a sag when parked and then it will raise back up when started.

if you are in a cold climate, tell the owner not to start it before you look at it. Cold start performance is a good indication of engine condition, if it takes a long time to cold start it could signal issues.

im sure there are many here who have a lot of ideas what to look for, be prepared to work on it no matter how good it is, oil changes and valve adjustments along with vacuum gremlins will keep you constantly tinkering.

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