another what's it worth question....
 

These are always so subjective, but I though I'd get some reality check type comments on this: I've been searching around for a reliable mid-80s or early 90s diesel to replace our NOT reliable 87 diesel. have not had too much luck but I did just get a line on a beautiful '78 300D with a new engine (60K on the engine, 260K on the car), new tires, newly rebuilt seats, new enviornmental system (incl AC), and new shocks. The interior is near perfect and the exterior is also with the exception of a few dings here and there.

In my mind, I thought they'd be asking about $4,500, but instead he started at $6,000. I got him to come down a little, but I really this the car's value is less than $5K. Negotiations have gotten no where and I'm worried about losing the car, which I think would be perfect for my wife.

Any thoughts on the value of a car like this? It is not a collectable and I've never seen many of these on craigslist for over about $4,500.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks -harv

Any nonturbo sedan for over 5k had better be MINT with low original miles and working everything.
Don't worry about losing it. He won't get 6k even if the motor is a rebuilt. You've still got 260k on the transmission, differential and driveshaft, axles and suspensions rubber.
Good luck to him, but really, if your budget is 4500 you will find a great example of a sedan.

As an alternative, try looking at a W116 based turbodiesel. These seem to have a lower resale value then the 123 chassis diesels. I am not sure why, but it seems to be true. These include 78, 79, and 80 300SD. The only diference in the 3 are the 80 probably wont have the sliding roof panel.

I have to agree with the above. It's 10 years older then the car you are replacing. If he sells it for what he wants good for him but it's not because it's a good deal it would only be if he finds someone that has to have THAT car. Keep looking you will find a turbo in the 80's that you will get for less. Thanks

Non-turbo. Pass at that price.

Scott

good comments thanks. A few more reasons that I'm considering this is that:
- he did a full long block replacement of the engine a short time ago....it has lots of power, climbs hills, and essentially runs like new.
- the owner has basically kept everything in 100% working order. What he has not done, the dealer here did.
- my mechanic contact at the dealer who is familiar with the owner and the car basically told me it is super clean, not a thing that needs to be done to it right now.

All in all, I'm pretty confident, the condition is in the upper 5% of what you see out there on the market. Also, I'm usually ho-hum on the non-turbos, but this one really runs well and one way to look at it is one less thing to maintain. If I keep the car for the long haul, it can be my son's first car when he starts driving.

decisions, decisions....thanks for your comments. -harv

If you like the car, what the heck. Get it. That's how much you'd pay in depreciation just driving many new cars off the lot.
That said, there's many fish in the sea.
There are many, many OM617 motors with 200K miles that have great compression and run "like new" in terms of power. They might need glow plugs replacing, valves adjusted, etc, but any of these things can be done by a trained monkey (which I am). A new motor sounds appealing to me, but its still an old car. Fortunately for you, fixing most everything on this car can be DIY much easier than your current ride.

A nice coupe is somewhat collectible. keep in mind though there is a fair amount of special trim and body parts on one that is nigh onto impossible to find, like a seat retrim kit.

It is your decision, but dont let a turbo scare you away. They can, and usually do, last the life of the car, which may be up to 400,000 miles and beyond.

I have a 78 non turbo, and it is stronger than my 85 turbo from a stop till about 40mph. At highway speeds, and especially on the hills you can really feel the turbo work its magic. Having had both, I prefer the turbo.

Fuel economy was the same for me.

Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy your purchase.

Thanks for the comments and ideas. I'm inclined to take the car if the seller will come down to the mid $4K because:
- while I'm not scared away by the turbo, this might be a good [slow] car for my son later when he learns to drive
- although I can do much of the maintenance myself, one or two times at teh mechanic can tally up to $1000 easy....you can't predict the future, but of any car I've looked at, there is minimial chance of taking the car in for repairs on the short-to-mid term.
- the car comes with a plethora of extra (most new) parts
- it is such a well taken care of example of this model

Thanks -harv

I just drove my 78 300D the past 2 days. It is not as slow as I rememer. No problen cruising at 75 mph. If he comes down to the mid 4K mark, i don't think you will regret the decision.