I have two great cars: a 91 and a 92 300D. I intend to keep them both forever. I don't know how to do much by way of maintenance (just oil change, filters, coolant change, etc...), but I'd like to learn how to do more. So what I'd like to get (if my lovely wife were to agree) is something old, cheap, high mileage that I can experiment on. Wouldn't be a daily driver, wouldn't even need to run all the time....just something to help me improve my skills without risking screwing up one of the other cars. If I break something, who cares?

What should I get? How much should I expect to spend?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

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14 E250 Bluetec "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 153k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 171k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver, 142k mi, wastegate conversion

19 Honda CR-V EX 61k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife

'81 or earlier 300D, non-turbo

given your stated goals don't worry about a/c working

.

I would think it would be an expensive way to learn. Why not try to do more on the cars you are driving. Brakes, sunroof, cooling parts, dash lights, and heater and AC parts some front end parts are always needing attention. Use what is on the forum, and if you run into a particular problem, pick up your tools and go to a local P&P and take the same part "apart" there. Maybe you have room for a beater to sit on your property. Mostly that is difficult and many zoning laws prohibit it. I would say that with the help that is available on the forum, you can really do anything you want, but it can take time and always money.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

Or a 190D 2.2 or 2.5.

Or treat the wife to something classy - http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/ctd/2528576320.html

Sixto
87 300D

Datsun 240Z.... oh wait Mercedes? 240D 4 speed.

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1981 300TD 4 speed manual
Euro bumpers, zender valance and skirts, H&R springs, billy HD's, leveled sls, real AMG Pentas 16x8 et11, vdo boost/egt gauges intergrated into ash tray, eurolights, led 3rd brake light

Or both - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLbN45c44Q8

Then step up to this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSM8qporT0Y

Sixto
87 300D

You make reasonable points. I do think on some issues I'll take the risk with the cars I have. But as both need to be daily drivers (my son gets his license soon), I really can't afford for either to be out of commission while I learn to fix something in a leisurely manner. And part of my thinking is out of a concern for safety: I'd rather pay someone to do it right than take the chance that I'd somehow screw it up.

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14 E250 Bluetec "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 153k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 171k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver, 142k mi, wastegate conversion

19 Honda CR-V EX 61k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife

Here is another approach. In many communities the vocational schools and Community Junior Colleges offer excellent courses on auto repair, an aspect of it you wish to pursue. It is hands on, and they have the latest and best in equipment and tools. I have a friend who has a PhD in agriculture and he did that a couple of years ago, learned an awesome amount, does his own repair and body work. He says it probably was one of the best investment he has made. Oh yes, then he got a job with the College and now teaches Enviremental Biology at the State Prisons.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

W116...

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My occupational hazard bein'
my occupation's just not around...
1980 300SD
1980 300SD

240D 4 speed. I never knew how interesting and fun these cars could be. I kind of want to drive it everyday instead of my step dad. But I like my W124 too much.

it's different to drive a moderately sized sedan with a 4 speed.

X2 on the 190D !!

You will end up with a smaller car that will be in demand.
Motor is very similar to what you have so skills learned are more transferable.
You need a shed to put it in. its a bear having to work on a car in the weather.
You could probably go down the same path as Army ~ pulling every thing to bits to see how it works & make it like new again.
I would love to have the time to do something like this !!!

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving