I am looking at this car and wanted some opinions, price and condition??
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/ctd/2455262306.html

Thanks

Price should be based on documented service history and a pre-purchase inspection.

Visible rust isn't good because it's usually the tip of a very big iceberg. Early 210s in particular have problems with the front spring perches collapsing from corrosion. It's not an expensive repair as MB service goes but who wants it to happen?

Sixto
87 300D

It has had a very good clean.

It was considerably grubby under bonnet before the clean and this is evidenced by the top rad hose still showing signs of stains and around the rocker cover oil cap and power steering reservoir cap.

A stain exists on the inlet manifold ?

Mileage ??? well yes the steering wheel is now very clean but it is also well worn.

The brake fluid is low, a simple effort to top up but not been done.

So approach with caution and scrutinize everything ,it may turn out ok but it may be a complete nightmare.

Check for rust and then check for more rust.

I would be very cautious on this one...rust is the biggest red flag on any MB. It most likely permeates the lower panel as well, and almost certainly means bigger problems. The spring perch issue is well known on here and is also a major concern - if it hasn't been repaired (ad mentions full records) factor this into the cost as a 100% must have - given the rust already on the car. Also at 160k you'll be looking at a number of rubber components needing replacement on the suspension, checking timing chain stretch (may or may not need to be replaced based on how well it was maintained), and the biggest $$$ component - transmission. Look for transmission maintenance, fluid/filter changes every 30k or so and for a drive, make sure there is no hesitation going from reverse to drive. Sounds like a long list, but considering the age of the vehicle, isn't really out of the norm.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

Good luck finding 30K mile transmission service history on a dealer maintained 722.6. Dealer will insist it's a lifetime fill.

Sixto
87 300D

Check the power steering fluid. My '96 E300D had been (mostly) dealer maintained for 248,000 miles and still had the original fill, which was black with age. Why? Because none of the Mercedes services call for PS fluid change. Ditto the differential.

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

Car isnt too bad. Mileage is reasonable. There are a few of these for sale across the country from 6-14K. This one might sell around 8+ if everything is working. Careful inspection can determine to what extent the rust issue has evolved. I wouldnt be too worried. The W210s rust easily (sadly). You will find many with rust at the same spot on the fender and around the trunk lock. Have it dealt with professionally and treat the backside of the rusty area with a anti-corrosion treatment of some kind. Make sure the body drains are clear and spots in the wheel openings are cruded up with leaves and dirt (harboring moisture).

The 210 is gaining in popularity. I used to see them 4-6 grand, not any more. They are mostly 8 and up now. If you can score this one closer to 7k, go for it. Offer 6500 if everything is in working order. Budget 1-1.5K for rust repair/treatment.

Get a prepurchase inspection at a Mercedes shop if the seller will work with you on that. Check for the front perches and see if coils are broken. These are common issues.

Also be sure the climate fan increases in speed with each block on the LCD panel. (6 speeds I believe). See if the doors 'pop' as you open and close, make sure windows and roof open/close.

If you are checking it your self print a checklist to go over. Make sure you operate every button and control.

Let us know what you find out.

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83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.

Unless you have a real time crunch, you can certainly do better. I always look at craigslist for fun and I've seen them with lower miles than that and with no visible rust for that price.

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1984 300D, 228k, Light Ivory, Java MB-Tex

Thank you Gentleman for all your responses as they are much valued and appreciated and from what I have read I might just hold off on this one for now.

When you see another as described, please let me know. I am searching for more as I have 2 family friends interested in an E300D W210.

Thanks in advance.

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83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.

I usually post them in the Craiglist section, I've posted mostly older diesels in the past, but I'll post the newer ones too, if they look like good deals, when I find them...keep your eyes peeled there.

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1984 300D, 228k, Light Ivory, Java MB-Tex