Gentlemen:

Looking for some help selling my '99 E300. You all have been invaluable in diagnosing various mechanical issues that perplexed this young mind. We've had some fun going on NorCal drives. Now I'd like your advice on something that pains me greatly: parting ways with this great machine.

I'm asking $6500. Do you think this is a fair price? The car is in good / very good condition. It's spent most of its life in warm climates. I am willing to go lower if it means that someone who would derive value from this car would be able to purchase it within his or her means.

Here's a link over to the listing:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-cars-sale/358839-%5Bfs%5D-1999-mercedes-e300-turbodiesel-new-jersey-238k-%246500-obo.html


-Jon

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99 E300 TD -- sold
01 540i 6 spd

Jon, as I've recently purchased two of these (a 98 and a 99), perhaps my perspective could be of help. You describe the car well and clearly it's been well cared for. Assuming the NJ market is similar to New England, I think your price is on the high end of the fair range. HOWEVER, the TX/CA history may justify a higher price. For some context, I picked up my 98 with 73k miles for $5500; my 99 with 151k miles for $5000. Both in excellent condition. But, I know I got great deals. If I were you, I'd be inclined to keep the price at $6500 if you're able to be patient with the sale.

Princeton is my old stomping ground...you'll enjoy it there.

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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

Sounds like you got some great deals on those. I'm sure you're enjoying them! How's the Rocketchip drive compared to the one with the stock ecu? Yes, agreed on the high asking price. That is by design -- I'm interested to see what people offer. Not in any particular rush to sell, and I have considerable flexibility in the selling price. We'll see what happens.

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99 E300 TD -- sold
01 540i 6 spd

The chip tuned one is noticeably smoother, more powerful, and more responsive, but not dramatically so. However, I could very happily live with a stock ECU. I like to taunt my son with the fact that my car is quicker than his!

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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's another good frame of reference. Check out this ad: Mercedes E300D Diesel 1998. From everything I've been able to gather, this is another well-cared for E300. I had several conversations with the guy last year, before I bought my 98, although I haven't actually seen the car. This has been on the Boston CL for a solid year. I think he started up in the $7k range or close to it. The car has sat and sat....the price has dropped and dropped. Now it's listed for $4895. I told him a few months ago I thought the market would bear something in the $4000-4500 range.

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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

Considering that sloppy repaint it looks like on the trunk and presumably the rest of the car it's not worth more than $3800.00 at best. He's going to need to be more realistic than $4800.00. Shertex, have you seen this car in person when on your adventure for your newest '99 E300?

I'm not noticing any sloppy paint. Could it be the reflections off the paint? No, I've never seen the car....just forming my assessment based on conversations I've had with the owner.

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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

I noticed the emblems on the trunk misplaced, and my eyes were drawn to look to see if it has been repainted. It looks as if the paint was poorly blended, or it very well could be the reflection. Just my observation.

Heh..where was this ad two months back when I had some unbugeted cash sitting around burning a hole in my bank account?

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1985 MBZ 300D (DD, 240k, unmuffled hellion!)
1982 MBZ 300D (372k, retired for parts)
1981 MBZ 300D (575k, parts pig)