Hey everyone, I'm looking to buy my first diesel car and I'm very interested in the older MBs. Simpler=Better suggested I come over here to get the opinions of you knowledgeable folks to make the best purchase I can.

As you can see from the ad, this is a 1985 300D with a claimed 162,739mi. The autotrader ad said they wanted $3,888 but the dealers website says $6,488. I'm fairly certain they purposefully under listed the Trader ad and put the caveat of "not being responsible for inaccurately listed prices/options" line in the description. This makes me worried for the type of BS they might try to sell, but from the minimal pictures, the body and interior seem to be in decent shape. I know no one can make a determination of the condition of the car from these pics, but what things specifically should I check out if I do go up to see it? I asked for more pictures, what kind of close up shots would be most telling of the state of this car?

What do you all think?

Links: Autotrader Ad
Dealer's website

I called them and verified the price is $3,800.00
I pointed out that it is a 300D Turbo, they where not aware TD = wagon.
It looks nice in the pictures, but you need to get it on a hoist to look for rust.
This link will show all of the possible rust points to look for.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/body-repair-restoration/86054-who-has-most-rust-still-drives.html


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__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
https://whunter.carrd.co/

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
2003 Volvo V70

https://www.boldegoist.com/

and fluid leaks which can be minor or major to fix,

ya don wanna deal with a rear main seal prob, or even the upper oil pan,

which is prob all original

Most used car salesmen are just in training for a political career. As Hunter suggested get the thing up on a hoist and check out everything. A thirty year old car is a thirty year old car. Either it was well maintained or it was not. It also goes a long way for the person inspecting it to be very familiar with this model. There is no substitute for experience.

and fluid leaks which can be minor or major (as in engine removal) to fix,

ya prob don wanna deal with a rear main seal, or even the upper oil pan,

which is prob all original,

if the oil cooler lines are original and even if not leaking now, i'd replace unless perhaps there was some record of when last done,

when dealing with oil cooler lines, it is all too easy to wreck the oil cooler threads

Great thanks!

the wear on the interior at least makes me think the mileage is accurate.
you should have them knock at least $20 off the asking price for a new hood star.

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1981 NA 300D 310k miles

It is a nice looking car. The mileage listed is pretty low, but the interior shows good. However we all know the odometers on these cars is very bad. Drive it and make sure it is working. A good indication that it is not working is the trip odometer is zero'd out. But rust is the big concern and at 3800.00 I would really go over it good. Pull all the carpets out and get down to bare metal - it isn't a really big job. If the floor, jack points and rocker panel and the trunk floor look good, you might have a very fine car. But drive it out and check it out good.

__________________
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!

haha, that's the first thing I mentioned to my buddy...

Yeah I am most likely going up to look at it myself. Unless there is a stellar mechanic that wants to hang out this weekend or next.


thanks guys!

Junqueyardjim is completely right. I've owned two of these W123s, and you really need to check those areas. They are very prone to collecting rust. You MUST get under the sound deadening materials in the passenger cabin to truly see the rust.

IF the rust is not structural, and IF you can afford to fix it up, then that's a decent price.

Regarding which model to get -

I like the 300Ds a lot, and I LOVE the 240Ds. The 240Ds often come with a 4-speed manual, manual windows, manual climate controls = lots less to break down.

I have ridden in both a 300D and the 240D with a manual. If it can be believed, the 240D, in my opinion, is more "nimble" and more fun to drive, especially with the stick shift.

Sincerely,

Packman

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83 240D - 4 speed manual - Manilla Beige
189K miles, Tachometer mod, cool wooden shift knob from PeachParts, CocoMats, Original factory paint, manual windows, manual sunroof. Starting to add AudioWrap to this car too!

I've bought a lot of different cars over the years. Collector, muscle, daily driver etc. I have NEVER bought a car from a small dealer, regardless of what brand.

FWIW, my philosophy has been that I want to interview the last owner/driver. All that is lost and you get to talk to the guy with the plaid sport coat.....

Don't get me wrong, it could be a good car. But the odds of a good car landing at the corner lot are slim......just my .02.

What/where else have you looked? Take your time and find a loved & cared for example......

PK

the pics are of such low quality, no way on earth I'd buy without in person inspection from someone you trust!
the steering wheel looks pretty shiny to be 170K, the seats have seen the sun to be sure. pinkamino!

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I would suggest you speak with your local MBCA section
Mercedes Benz Club of America Chicagoland Section
They know the local shops to trust for a pre purchase inspection.

They are an active section, and you may want to join..

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I've just been checking the usual internet sources... and the main issue for me is that time is a very big factor, I need a vehicle in working order within approximately 4 weeks.

Unfortunately "good working order" is not typically associated with a 30 year old vehicle that is sold by a dealer.

The best way to describe the general condition of these vehicles is "operating". They start and go down the road under their own power, but typically need $3K worth of suspension and cooling system components to make them a reliable driver.

Furthermore, the climate control system will definitely pose issues unless it has also been replaced to a significant degree.

If you're looking for a vehicle that is in good working order, sorry, but these 30 year old diesels will not be for you unless you have time and money to invest in them.

One out of 200 will have a complete set of maintenance records to document the current condition. The remaining 199 should be considered to be factory original parts..................