84'-300D for $1500, a good buy?
 

84 model 300D Turbo with 118k.


She seems to fire right up after first glow cycle. Very little smoke on startup and under moderate acceleration. Tranny seems to shift a little hard and erratic but no slipping. Steering has what I deem an unsafe amount of play in it. Other than loose steering, it rides out good with no harsh bumps or hard vibrations.

The body is straight with no visible rust other than the odd paint chip. Paint horribly neglected but I think it will shine out nice once you get down to good paint. Interior is in pretty sad shape. Carpet is stained beyond saving. Seats not torn but dirty. No power windows or ac which I gather is to be expected. Sun roof inoperative and leaking but closed, supposedly binding up on retraction.

Solid local NC car with no damage history, just not maintained or apparently washed in the last few years. Sat under a tree for some time.

The guy that owns it has no idea how to take care of an automobile. To be honest i've already about decided to bring her home much like a mistreated animal. She'd be gorgeous shined up and treated right.

I'd hoped for a few pointers on things I should check before giving the guy my dough.

I'll try to get pics up soon.

You're going to get some discouraging posts.

If the guy didn't maintain it mechanically as well, then the 118k means little. Have a mechanic who knows mb's look at it.

Someone else can describe the staggering costs of repairing AC, front end, carpet replacement and other bits.

I guess if you're looking for a big project, this would be a good one. With a little haggling, the price would be right. If its not your daily driver, go for it. Bring the stray home, and document the resto with many pictures for us.

I agree, it sounds like a good project car. If it's basically solid and the mileage is correct, you should be able to turn it into a good driver. Just be aware that you are looking at significant work and/or cost (probably significantly more than the purchase price) to get it in decent shape. Plan on spending many hours and a few $1000.

Considering I just sold mine for 1800 that everything was functional on, I'd say more like 500-600. As we like to say, "no such thing as a cheap Benz".