Advice on buying '83 300 CD?
 

I'm going to look at a low mileage '83 300 coupe this weekend and wonder if there are any known trouble spots I should pay close attention to. Any advice would be appreciated.

300cd
 

Are you from Canada? Which part?

Used to be - we're in Florida now (we were in BC and one year in AB)

I have one, make sure you check for the rust. My car is still in the shop to get all the minor rust spots removed. I was amazed at how nice it looked. They did a really good job!

The rear windows... make sure they work. I can hardly find a regulator for the rear windows... :(

Everything else, I guess the normal stuff (Transmission, engine, etc.)

Here's my take...
1. Transmission : It shifts noticeably when the engine is cold, but once it warms up, at least mine, shifts VERY smooth and precise. I love these cars.. I expected much less from a 20yr old.

2. Engine : Mine seems to start even when the air is 20F (probably the coldest it ever got in Boston...) with just one pre-glow.
You have to drive it, these cars aren't E55's... but they certainly aren't that slow to a point that they're dangerous when merging onto highways...

As usual with the W123, air conditioner... I need to get mine converted before summer... most places wouldn't recharge R12 anymore...

Check the window seals.

Oh well wait for the experts..

Cheers,
-Holson-

CDN,Good luck with your pursuit.If you have time,I would have
a pre-purchase inspection.While rear windows are a problem
(mine doesn't work either). If the car is in good shape,don't let this be a deal breaker.Look for rust, as stated,around rear window,also trunk lid,rear wheel wells,and rocker panels
(car jack holes).Where in FL are you? I can recommend a
GREAT shop in SoFla(hollywood).
Pete

I agree that don't let the rear windows detract you from buying it. they will probably be the last thing that I'd fix (I'm definitely keeping the car until I leave college.)

I did have minor rust spots on some those locations mentioned and I just got 'em all removed. Do judge the car's value by the amount of rusted out panels. But, since it's a FL car, I don't think it's that big a problem.

I'm not sure how much you care, but I really hate a cracked dashboard...
I actually hate to look at it more than small rust spots... because I see it when I drive it.

Thanks for the advice. I'm in North Florida (Gainesville - but haven't been here long enough to know exactly where Hollywood is). Being from Canada, rust on cars probably doesn't bother us as much as it does most people! - it's pretty much just a fact of life at home. Glad to know about the windows and the AC (Canadians in Florida need that!) Don't know if we'll get a chance to do preinspection but the mileage is so low (90 k) that I am pretty confident about it. We'll see - soon - thanks again.

compression test
 

When I bought my 123 about 7 years ago I took it to a shop for a pre-inspection. It only cost me about $100. THe key is to get a compression test. If the car has good compression you may be able to overlook some other short comings. If the compression is low, this is a serious warning. Not necessarily fatal but usually the sign of large future expense.

*******CHECK CONDITION OF ALL RUBBER SEALS, ESPECIALLY AROUND DOORS!! They are very important in fending off water fron entering inside the car and causing rust!

And of course, check the usual things on a diesel, such as transmission operation, cold start ability, do a compression test if you can, check brakes and tires, check climate control and yes, those rear windows must work, or else it's going to be an expensive trip to the shop to retify that problem.