Questions on 85 300SD
 

Need some help here...currently have 87 300TD that just hit 90,000, love it and I'm now going to look at a 85 300SD with 247000. Owner wants $4200 for it...what questions should I be asking and what should I be looking for....any help?

There are alot of Questions to ask but since you already have a benz nothing to suprising

I recently bought a 300d with 235 on it. It had excellent maintenance records and was in good running order but I still found it possible to put another 2000 into it relatively easily. I paid 3500 for it.

First question. Is it using any fluids, Oil, Trans, Coolant.
Some usage is expected but not too much as oil usage can mean excessive blow by.
Has the timing chain been changed
Does the climate controls work properly, Check that all the vents are in proper working order.
Does it blow cold air.
Are the shocks original and if not what is in there and when was it changed.
have the glow plugs been changed recently
When was the battery changed
DOES IT HAVE ANY CABIN LEAKAGE (be sure to look under mats)
In general what work has been performed on this car recently


Keep in mind Your wonderful new car has the potential to be a money pit. be prepared.

Since I bought mine this is what I did (performed most of labor and got the parts at wholesale prices bro works at dealer)
New glow plugs 50 Elective surgery
New injectors 250 ES
New Shocks 300
New exaust 500
New brake pads 100
Radiator 160
Starter 250
AC control unit 200
water pump 35
aux water pump 100
AC retro fit 300
center vent element 35
all hoses and belts 100
battery 80
valve adjustment 80
new speakers 100

Heres the bad news, after all that work my car is probably worth 3500 dollars to most people. But the flip side of that is for 5000 bucks I dont think there is a safer car on the road.

I hope that helps. If you like you can offer me 3750 and I might take it (Just Kidding)

good luck

bob

300SD
 

Thanks for the insight, it gives me some ammo and things to consider before I make the leap. I'm new here, a friend turned me on to this board, guess I owe him an adult beverage. I'll post my findings.

Kelly

Hey Beast
I am glad that you found the website. These guys have a huge amount of insight and experience. Also, use the Search function, it has a large amount of past threads on any subject conjured up on Mercedes Diesels. Oh yeah, I like Miller Lite!!!

YO Beast!
Since you pilot a TD this may already be on your list, but be sure to check door locks and motor shut-down. These give you an idea of how well the vacuum system is functioning.

My first question would be "What makes you think it's worth that much"? These are great cars, but the general public has very little interest in them, therefore used ones with high miles are hard to sell. I bet you can get him to drop the price by at least a kilobuck or so. Hard fact is, nobody except a diesel enthusiast / hobbyist is going to make an offer on it.

300sd question
 

What do I need to know about motor shut down? I'm in the sponge mode....