What is my car worth and how best to sell? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

billatlanta · #1 03-21-2009, 01:07 PM

I know the usual routes to selling a car as I have sold enough of them: Autotrader, Ebay, Craigslist, Sign in car on side of road etc...

As well all know these cars are not for everyone however for someone who appreciates(diesel heads, green envrio soy heads, and just MB heads) these cars that is where my car can bring the best value I believe for both the new purchaser and I. So I am looking for feedback on the best place to advertise and a suggested price. It appears the price of these are all over the place. I realize to have an accurate suggestion one would need to see the car. I can say I have gotten more complements on this car from complete strangers then my Porsche.

My car: I am the second owner of a 1983 Burgandy 240D. It has 165k miles and an automatic transmission. Power windows, door locks (that work well) original Becker am/fm/cassette radio, climate control (a/c works) and sun roof (one of my favorite features as it is huge). For what it is worth I purchased the car about 5 years ago with 92k miles.

The good: Car is been fanatically maintained by myself and the prior owner. Oil changed every 3000 miles, maintenance done as required and anything that needed to be fixed was fixed. Most receipts since new. Paint is exceptional except for the roof (somewhat faded) and as noted in The Bad below. Car has remained its life in Atlanta. Recent major repairs include an alternator (last year) and I spend $1k+ for a complete brake job about 2 years ago. I have a MB factory manual for the car (even though I have never used it as I can not fix anything) and some exta bits (oil filter, air filters, and fuel filters).

The bad: Clock does not work (never did during my ownership) slight wear on front drivers seat and slight body damage to the rear fender and top of rear quarter panel from a truck that parked next to me. You can not really see it unless you are looking right at it and close to the vehicle.

The reason I am selling it - just time to move on. I thought I would keep it forever but to really do so I need to be able to do some of my own maintenance and repairs which I can not. My wife is looking to get a new car and I will inherit her Audi A4. Any ideas on what it is worth and how best to sell it.

t walgamuth · #2 03-21-2009, 01:15 PM

2 to 4K depending on actual condition in person. Could be less.

Its a desirable car but with faded paint, body damage, worn seat and an automatic tranny all working against you, that's about where I see it.

Others will disagaree I am sure.

Selling it here will put in good hands but we tend to be cheapskates on price.

LNGfish · #3 03-21-2009, 02:22 PM

It's really hard to say without a picture. I guess half the formula is what you need to get out of it. Do you have an idea?

billatlanta · #4 03-21-2009, 05:09 PM

Thanks for the replies so far. I have some pictures I took of the car on my other computer with the intentions of listing it on eBay. If I can post pictures here I will post a few.

cmbdiesel · #5 03-21-2009, 06:01 PM

I would sell the A4.

TylerH860 · #6 03-21-2009, 10:15 PM

It depends on how long you want to sit on it, but I would guess in the 2-3k range. Keep in mind that its fairly easy to find a near mint 300D with similar mileage for 5-6k.

Oracle12345 · #7 03-21-2009, 10:48 PM

sell A4, audis arent that great

thebenzbar · #8 03-21-2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

It depends on how long you want to sit on it, but I would guess in the 2-3k range. Keep in mind that its fairly easy to find a near mint 300D with similar mileage for 5-6k.

I concur... there are plenty of 123 sedans from projects to average to very nice shape... the 2-3k range is fair.

zeke · #9 03-21-2009, 11:24 PM

The clock is an easy fix......a couple of $1 parts from RadioShack and a soldering iron....

I agree with the 2-3k range.

strelnik · #10 03-21-2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeke

The clock is an easy fix......a couple of $1 parts from RadioShack and a soldering iron....

Isn't there a DIY for the clock somewhere?

billatlanta · #11 03-23-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebenzbar

I concur... there are plenty of 123 sedans from projects to average to very nice shape... the 2-3k range is fair.

Thanks guys looks like $2-$3k it is. What is the best place to advertise? eBay, Auto Trader?

I know I am going to regret this. I am curious how long this car will run after I sell it.

Ian White · #12 03-23-2009, 10:32 PM

Bill I have sold lots of stuff on craigslist. In fact I found my SD on there. Good deals, its free and lots of viewers.

Just my take.

71inka02 · #13 03-24-2009, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billatlanta

Thanks guys looks like $2-$3k it is. What is the best place to advertise? eBay, Auto Trader?

I know I am going to regret this. I am curious how long this car will run after I sell it.

I sold my 300D thru DieselGiant.com - had many calls from that listing and CL -- I also listed on the classified section of this site, and had no calls. And I say that, with all respect as this is an amazing forum, and serves it's members well!

bobodaclown · #14 03-24-2009, 12:44 PM

ebay. Thats my 2 cents.

LUVMBDiesels · #15 03-24-2009, 01:09 PM

Post it here in the cars section with lots of pictures. You wil lknow that it will go to a good home...

Or do the ebay thing. Make sure you say how it gets 4500000 mpg and runs on veggie oil

Seriously, wax and polish it then take lots of close up pictures. post it on ebay with a low reserve price of say 2k. I would stay away from CL unless you really want to sell the car cheap. ebay is for sellers CL is for buyers

You can also put it in Hemmings Auto News and on the MBCA website (if you are a member) Both of those sites get cars that sell for pretty high prices, so I would list it for $4000 and take $3500 for it.
Having records is a great asset so make sure that you mention that you have the records going back X number of years. Working climate controls and power accessories are a big plus on these cars.