Test drove my first mercedes - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

The FNG · #1 10-11-2014, 11:19 AM

I've been looking at getting a diesel mercedes for somewhere around 8 months now, but haven't been able to work out all the kinks in my life to make it work yet. I have a truck that I need to sell to fund the car, but like I said it hasn't worked out yet.

Anyway, I found a guy who had an '84 300d for sale who was looking to trade. It had 300k on the odo (before it broke), but the interior was in great shape as was the exterior (no dents, tears, rust, etc). I called the shop that had been servicing it, but they hadn't seen it in 4 years (300k...). Like I said the car LOOKED in good shape from the pics. So I got ahold of the guy and we set up a time to meet.

When I got there, it was dark, so it wasn't ideal for looking at a car. The exterior and interior were mostly what I expected. The front center air vents had been replaced with non-functional gauges, but otherwise was relatively flawless. Then we popped the hood. I guess I had higher expectations then I should have, but it was pretty nasty. I could tell there was fuel leaks on the ip, exhaust leaks by the turbo, vacuum issues (had to use the "stop" button), and 300k worth of grime on the engine block. I guess I half-way expected it, but was hoping otherwise. There was also remnants of a veggi oil kit that had been partially un-installed.

I decided that I would test drive the car, so we fired it up. It was already kind of warm, so it fired right up. There was a slight haze from the exhaust and some unburnt fuel smell. The idle was smoothe and the engine sounded strong. I backed out of the drive way and away I went....

...very, very slowly. I floored it and it was like a turtle at a drag race. Then all of a sudden, it was like a drag car at a drag race and it was cool for like 5 seconds. Then it shifted, and oh boy did it shift! I can't describe how it felt, but it was scary. Then it was fine.

I drove it back to the guy, popped the hood and killed the engine. It was late, so we agreed to finish the deal the next day and call it a night. I didn't end up going back (my son was sick and I couldnt), but I don't think I would have done the deal anyway.

I'm not sure how I felt about the mercedes overall. Even if it had been in better shape. The mb tex interior was stiff, the front seat was saggy, and the suspension was mushy (not soft, but bad shock mushy, almost like driving a boat type feel where the car dips and sways). I just felt like I was out of place driving it. I'm not saying I didn't like the car, it was just a different experience than I expected I think.

Anyway, that's my story. I still hope to find a diesel mercedes I like though.

jsain86 · #2 10-11-2014, 11:38 AM

Sounds like the car was abused. I would keep looking, there are good ones out there. when you look at these cars really look at everything.

vstech · #3 10-11-2014, 11:39 AM

Haze can be from chain wear allowing the injection timing to be late. The low initial power, then high power, then rough shifting can be from adjustments in the Alda and vacuum... Overall saggy feel to the car is from worn suspension parts, likely around 3K needed in repairs.

How much was he asking?

The FNG · #4 10-11-2014, 11:45 AM

He was asking $1900, but I was trying to do a trade for my extra truck. Like I said, I passed on it. I just didn't know if it was a normal example or not, being my first.

vtmbz · #5 10-11-2014, 12:06 PM

The best way to find a good example is to look at the dogs... lets not forget youre shopping for a 30 year old car-- it will always need attention!

The difference is that it will reward you for the attention by being a good ride.

That being said, hold out for a good one. A cheap Mercedes will not be cheap.

vstech · #6 10-11-2014, 12:23 PM

It sounds like a $600 car around here.

Your area may be more expensive...

t walgamuth · #7 10-11-2014, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

It sounds like a $600 car around here.

Your area may be more expensive...

yes.

sleepstar · #8 10-11-2014, 03:41 PM

from the sf bay area and north is prime running grounds and real estate for these cars. keep looking and you'll find one worth buying, in a relatively short amount of time i would think.

gatorblue92 · #9 10-11-2014, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleepstar

from the sf bay area and north is prime running grounds and real estate for these cars. keep looking and you'll find one worth buying, in a relatively short amount of time i would think.

Agreed. With the amount of hipsters in that area they should be easy to find.

bsmuwk · #10 10-11-2014, 04:56 PM

You did yourself a favor by not going back. Sure does sound like a $600 car.

If you're going for your first Merc, try finding something that someone is selling off of the forums. At the very least you'll know it's been remotely taken care of, or taken care of when needed. Going off and finding a random crap shooter like that one might leave you hating your first Mercedes

good luck anyhow.

sleepstar · #11 10-11-2014, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorblue92

Agreed. With the amount of hipsters in that area they should be easy to find.

haha, yeah, but i was thinking more of enviro people like myself , hippies, and DIYers who resurrect and keep them running on bio d and wvo, although i'd probably stay away from a wvo car unless it was really obvious it hadn't been abused

Skippy · #12 10-11-2014, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

It sounds like a $600 car around here.

Your area may be more expensive...

Around here it would probably be more like $700 or $800. Before C4C it would have been $500 at most.

The FNG · #13 10-11-2014, 10:40 PM

I realize I'm looking at older cars, but that seems to be all I own. I think I just expected something different, not that it was a horrible experience. I definitely learned a lot!

I will say that these cars are built very solid and tank like!

Also, Portland is full of hipsters and greenies. I am not one of them, but there are plenty of them to be had.

I'll keep looking. Thanks for the reassurance and help.

BillGrissom · #14 10-12-2014, 01:59 AM

Sounds like typical problems in these cars. Since the guy never fixed them, car is worth $500. Even if you could get him to accept that (don't waste your time), a big concern is if the engine was similarly neglected. The engine is #1 since re-builts are unaffordable ($8K). Learn to do the simple "blow-by check". The "won't stop" and "kicks hard into second" suggest "no vacuum", which is repairable. Even when perfect, the trannys do shift authoritatively, which is actually good (less wear on clutch plates). I rebuilt the seats in both my 300D's (see post, didn't stuff pool noodles).

When the suspension and steering are prime (new bushings and ball joints), these cars handle quite well since they have independent rear suspension and rear disk brakes. I surprised how well my 1985 300D handled the first time I took a very twisty road. The rear end felt stuck to the road like tracks, not sliding a bit in turns like my straight axle 60's Mopars. Re "rugged", they sure feel that way with stiff bodies and doors that close solidly. However, when I recently dealt with a separated K-frame in my 1984 300D I noticed how thin the metal was compared with my 60's cars, though typical for 1982+ cars.

barry12345 · #15 10-13-2014, 12:56 PM

There are many examples out there with one foot in the grave for all practical purposes to avoid. That to me is not an unreasonable situation with thirty year old cars.

To keep a thirty year old car with high true milage up to scratch with only paid for labour today you would have to love the car. Providing the labor yourself on a true moderate total oververall milage example in reasonable initial shape is doable though.