Advice sought on 1987 300td - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

yellowbenz · #1 02-18-2008, 11:35 PM

I was bidding on a 1987 300td and the auction ended without a winner. Got a second chance offer for 7800 for this car.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEBTOX:IT&item=140206319211&_trksid=p3984.cTODAY.m238.lVI#history

It apparently has the original head. Don't know about the trap ox. Seems like a really nice car. Have four kids and would like to be able to drive something other than my Suburban, so I've been on the look out off an on for a 300TD. This seems like a good deal. I need some input before I make a decision. The wheels don't appear to be OEM for that year. Have looked at the various pro/cons on w123 vs w124. I need more of a direct opinion regarding this car in particular.

Thanks

Kevin
1978 300D
1979 240D

Bio300TDTdriver · #2 02-19-2008, 12:52 AM

Are you sure the 2nd chance offer came from EBay? That seems to far below the Buy it now. He dropped the buy it now a grand during the auction. If he has all the service records and the head is good, I think it is a decent price. If I were buying it, I would want to check the hose first thing in the morning when the engine is cold. Also make sure the A/C works, the SLS and about 2 dozen other things.

Looks like you are too far away to check it yourself. You need to find someone to do a PPI for you.

Chris

#3 02-19-2008, 12:59 AM

Yes, make 100% SURE it is a genuine offer from the seller and not some scammer. Make sure all the links go to real eBay pages and you were contacted through eBay, not your e-mail.

Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, buy a car sight unseen from eBay. ALWAYS check it out in person before you bid.

yellowbenz · #4 02-19-2008, 01:02 AM

It's a legit second chance offer per ebay's policy. I'm asking for a PPI that I would obviously pay for. What model did those wheels come from? If it checks out would anyone recommend?

Kevin

1978 300D
1979 240D

Bio300TDTdriver · #5 02-19-2008, 01:05 AM

They look like the late 124 rims. It is a common update.

babymog · #6 02-19-2008, 10:23 AM

The wheels appear to be the later 8-hole 124 wheels, only 2mm difference in offset I believe, common (and original wheels aren't too hard to find if you want to go OE).

The ebay ad is missing several things that I consider important: Photos of the jack-point areas. These areas are among the first to show rust, will bubble around the hole. Bottom of quarter-panels just behind the rear wheels, same. Engine photos, nice to have, can see if things are looking ratty and the insulation is falling down or it is clean with trap-ox removed etc.

Spare wheel tire? Original or matching 8-hole? Tire condition?

The car only has two options: Sunroof (100% of US cars got them) and 3rd seat. It has the vinyl/tex interior, which is nororious for cracking/tearing on the left bolster of the driver's seat, get photos of the seats. Also, the tex often loses the foam in the front edge of the ribs on the seats (driver's especially), and the ribs look deflated at the front edge.

It looks like a nice car, I've had two light-ivory over palomino cars myself, a classic M-B color combination, very period and rather feminine. Still, not the most popular. It holds up well, will buff and shine, no clear-coat to lift. The interior palomino/saffron (174) is known to some as "pinkamino", as it fades from a rich tan to a pink-tan with sun exposure. I wouldn't give a premium if it has faded. You can re-dye, but the palomino is not a flat color, it is a multi-color vinyl so you'll never match it exactly.

In all, from what they've been selling for, and provided there aren't problems beyond what are disclosed in the ad, it will likely bring $8,000 on ebay eventually. If you like the car and it has no significant problems, I'd vote for buying it.

One other point, the 2nd chance offer usually allows the top three bidders to receive the offer, you might be one of three, not to pressure you.

JimmyL · #7 02-19-2008, 10:31 AM

I like the color, and I think that style wheel is one of the best W124 upgrades out there. I usually don't like the looks of the W124 wagon, but I like that one. I think the visual with the wheels helps my perception.....

AdvisorGuy · #8 02-19-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

I like the color, and I think that style wheel is one of the best W124 upgrades out there. I usually don't like the looks of the W124 wagon, but I like that one. I think the visual with the wheels helps my perception.....

So if my wheels go missing, I know the first place I'm looking..

yellowbenz · #9 02-19-2008, 02:13 PM

The car is being relisted. Hopefully somebody on the list near Savannah, Georgia is in the market for an 87 300TD. If it's a legit car I think it would be a pretty good deal. Thanks for the input.

Kevin

1978 300D
1979 240D

Hatterasguy · #10 02-19-2008, 03:35 PM

It looks pretty clean but its so hard to tell from the pictures.

odie · #11 02-19-2008, 06:43 PM

price is kinda up there. but if the car is superb then it seems fair. But at that price on a 20 year old car, better touch & feel it first. The car is rare and desireable. But not that rare.