To buy or not to buy....... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

stcbenz83 · #1 04-03-2008, 07:52 PM

So was doing my usual craigslist browsing and came across this

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/car/628780613.html

I was thinking of getting a wagon because i haul alot of produce for work (concessions business) and really am tired of getting crap in the trunk of my infiniti, and cant haul stuff really in my 240, so a wagon is a logical choice. So i was kind of waiting for a TD to pop up on the CL. Looks a lil cruddy, but if its for work, it should do, just gotta check those floor pans..

Anyway, what do you guys think

veg_hed_300d · #2 04-03-2008, 07:58 PM

Looks like that poor thing has been sitting for a while. It the engine and tranny are perfect then why not pull it out of the woods. I might go for it if it was close. Take a look at it and offer $800. Might be a worthwhile fixer upper if you are into body work.

Chad300tdt · #3 04-03-2008, 07:59 PM

$1200 is a good price for a wagon. The rust looks like it could be bad and the SLS looks like it may be low. You'll want to make sure the SLS is working to haul big loads.

At the very least you could make your money back in parts.

Crazy_Nate · #4 04-03-2008, 08:14 PM

Wow...you wagon guys sure do love your cars! That looks like a lot of rust!

I paid $1200 for my car, and it has a little rust...$800 to get professionally fixed. I can only imagine the time / effort / money that it would take to fix up that car.

OMG rust run! Oh, wait, it's a wagon...

stcbenz83 · #5 04-03-2008, 08:18 PM

ehh it only looks bad on the drivers side, but i think a further inspection would answer the questions. Please that rust is nothing, i guess i never posted a picture of that 300D turbo i had. WOW jack points gone a rust hole the side of a mellon on the rear pass. door. Just rusted everywere, and leaked so much oil.

Crazy_Nate · #6 04-03-2008, 08:25 PM

Well, take a look at it. If you think you can handle it, go for it. Looks like it might need some help.

I'm not sure how your state is about inspections (MD is pretty tough), I had to do everything before I could register it (even one of the bulbs above the rear license plate). If you don't have to worry about something like that, sounds like a little rust isn't a worry for you. I'm sure you can negotiate that price.

bgkast · #7 04-03-2008, 08:47 PM

It can't hurt to have a look.

Chad300tdt · #8 04-03-2008, 09:05 PM

As long as this statement is true: "THE ENGINE AND THE TRANS RUNS PERFECT" it's worth $1200. If it needs SLS work, it could be over $500 for parts ... more if the pump is bad. The worst case would be bad hydraulic pump and leaking actuators. The high pressure line up front is an expensive part too. Make sure to check all the lines under the subframe THOROUGHLY. I had to replace my hydraulic lines and fuel lines under there due to rust and rot. Another thing to check is the expansion tank which is inside the spare tire well behind the spare. Make sure it isn't cracked or you will get diesel leaks into the well. The fact that it's parked over bare ground makes me more concerned about undercarriage rust.

There ... I love wagons, but all the issues I mentioned are PITA jobs to fix and would make me consider passing for a better find.

Hatterasguy · #9 04-03-2008, 11:40 PM

I think buying a wagon is a great idea. But that particular one looks like it needs to be brought to the junk yard and crushed. I have junked nicer looking cars than that!

I'm sure the engine ran perfectly, when it was stuck in the woods 10 years ago...

stcbenz83 · #10 04-03-2008, 11:52 PM

right heh seriosuly, im think i will take a gander at it and see what condition its really in. I dont necessary care how good the car looks, but more on how well the mechanics are. Though im not sure yet if even i want it. Still so many projects. Plus i could just sink more money into the 240. I think i'll just take a look and see. iT would be nice to have a work car that i could just through whatever in and rack miles up in.

yellowbenz · #11 04-04-2008, 12:21 AM

Those pics scream parts car. If they describe that as "some rust on the body" with those pics, I'd have a hard time believing the adjective "perfect" would have any application in the description of this car unless it's followed by POS. 500 seems fair unless the thing drives out of the field on its own.