Gentlemen: This 300SD?

[bipolardave]

I've got "The Bug". I can't stop with one diesel, so I'm looking locally for another. Needless to say, it's hard to find *any* old MB for sale here in WV, let alone in reasonable condition.

Anyway, I found this:

1981 mercedes benze 300sd

I hope to be driving that way later next week to check it out.

I spoke with the owner for about 15 minutes by phone. Here's what I know:

1. He's the third owner. No paperwork (no manuals or reciepts) -1
2. 215k on the clock, but the clock broke 5 years ago. To be expected. -1
3. Recent paint job (did it himself). Painted the sunroof shut. :/ -1
4. Rebuild transmission. Problem was really a vacuum issue which he found out after the rebuild didn't fix the problem. +1
5. He's had it for 12 years and used it for long distance cruises . +1
6. No rust, he says. +1
7. Some interior blemishes. - small tear in side of driver's seat and broken door handle in the rear. +/-0 IMHO.
8. Leaking oil, but not sure where. -1 Turbo seal?
9. No compression numbers, but "it starts in the cold". :/

Overall, I get the sense that he's a conscientious owner and kept up with the routine stuff, but he's just not as knowledgeable as board regulars.

I'm going to do the quick "oil lid dance check and remove the vacuum hose from the valve cover and count the time to shut down" test. I'll also glance around the bottom and look for rust, investigate those leaks, look at the shocks, bushings, and motor mounts.

If all's well, I'll take it for a drive and listen for noises, ensure that shifting is firm with no flaring at about 3000-3500 rpm, and that it tracks straight.

Other than that, I'm not too knowledgeable about 124s.

Can anyone offer any pointers? Is $3500 a fair price for this car?