Considering a '85 300SD with very low miles - should I do it? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Junkman · #1 10-13-2010, 02:03 PM

You have to decide what it is worth to you. It isn't a collectors item, only an old car in relatively good shape. My SD was garaged most of its life and was used as a FL car only during the winter, was maintained by the local dealer and high end indy mechanic & had receipts. The new looking Michelins came apart during the drive from FL to TN. The vacuum pods have gone out, monovalve needs attention, the dash cracked, the seat springs collapsed & broke, the MBTex cracked in the cold, AC developed a leak, cruise works intermittently, alarm went off & I disconnected, master cylinder needs to be replaced, spot rusted through under the rear window seal, 2 of the windows are slow and need lube, glow plugs went out.

I've replaced shocks, rotors, dash, console, glow plugs, vacuum pods, trans fluid and coolant but have more to do. So much for a well maintained vehicle with records. That said, car starts easily but is slow on take off. I have a 30# can of freon in the shop and am working on the car. Your call on price but 10K is high. It only sold for 30 new.

tangofox007 · #2 10-13-2010, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junkman

It only sold for 30 new.

I suspect not.

02isb · #3 10-13-2010, 02:13 PM

yeah dont let them b.s you that its a collecter car. dont see many crossing barrett jackson stage. if its a car your into and always wanted then thats different. but its a slow 26year old car that doesnt really get all that good of mpg. for 10k you have alot of options.

happy choosing

Skid Row Joe · #4 10-13-2010, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junkman

You have to decide what it is worth to you. It isn't a collectors item, only an old car in relatively good shape. My SD was garaged most of its life and was used as a FL car only during the winter, was maintained by the local dealer and high end indy mechanic & had receipts. The new looking Michelins came apart during the drive from FL to TN. The vacuum pods have gone out, monovalve needs attention, the dash cracked, the seat springs collapsed & broke, the MBTex cracked in the cold, AC developed a leak, cruise works intermittently, alarm went off & I disconnected, master cylinder needs to be replaced, spot rusted through under the rear window seal, 2 of the windows are slow and need lube, glow plugs went out.

I've replaced shocks, rotors, dash, console, glow plugs, vacuum pods, trans fluid and coolant but have more to do. So much for a well maintained vehicle with records. That said, car starts easily but is slow on take off. I have a 30# can of freon in the shop and am working on the car. Your call on price but 10K is high. It only sold for 30 new.

Actually they were closer to $40K new. My '83 300SD's window sticker was included in the glove box when I bought it one-owner, 93K miles in 1991. It was $39K and change, LIST priced. FWIW, I paid the asking of $11,950.00 for it in December 1991. Almost 20 years ago.......

You illuminate the facts of the matter on cars this old. Many things can go south on a car this old - and usually do.

Once you get through big things failing - those components once replaced stay fixed - because they are an MB. That is the redeeming value of these cars.

In a perfect world we could get a car like the OP has found for $5K. The reality is that many sellers want the BIG dollars for them when they have less than 100K miles on them.