1981 240D worth? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jsain86 · #1 02-09-2015, 07:22 PM

How much is a 1981 240D automatic worth? 183,000 miles. No rust. Paint needs buffed. Runs great, hardly no blow by. Color is yellow. Shifts good. Cruise works, A/c works. All windows work except one. Interior is dirty but pretty good shape. How much would one pay for that?

Phillytwotank · #2 02-09-2015, 08:08 PM

2-3Ks assuming that every word of your assessment on its condition is absolutely true and depending on how much needs to be done. At 183.000miles and 34 years if the car is original then it is most likely "worn out" and will need a significant amount of parts and work to bring it up to the condition to go another 200k miles.

If it has been restored or has had constant maintenance with records then you'd be looking at the higher end of that price range but limited by the fact that there will be a very limited amount of folks who would be interested in owning such a car.

Skid Row Joe · #3 02-09-2015, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsain86

How much is a 1981 240D automatic worth? 183,000 miles. No rust. Paint needs buffed. Runs great, hardly no blow by. Color is yellow. Shifts good. Cruise works, A/c works. All windows work except one. Interior is dirty but pretty good shape. How much would one pay for that?

Sight unseen? $500.00 or Up. Totally dependant on a complete PPI in person to arrive at a valid sell number.

vstech · #4 02-09-2015, 08:54 PM

Worth to a buyer or a seller?

With JUST the info given so far, I'm leaning between 1200 to 1800

"Yellow" covers a wide area... Actual color is important to value.
Interior color is important to value...
"Paint just needs to be buffed" is a SCARY description.
"No rust" is a scary description.
There are a LOT of problem areas where rust grows invisible to the inexperienced looker. Don't be that guy that buys a "no rust" car then his seat falls throu the floor, or the trunk fills with water, or the rear seats fill with water, etc...
The 240 automatic is a tough car to love... Set your sights very high, and check everything before offering a price...

charmalu · #5 02-09-2015, 08:56 PM

As mentioned, $500.00 on up. It all depends on condition of the vehicle.
If you have every record and repair done to the car, it could add to the value, and especially if a one owner and babied.

Most of the 240`s have been neglected and you will be buying prior owners deferred maintenance and abuse.

You mention no rust, check the hinge pockets and remove the Battery and Tray and take a peak under it. (If the owner will let you) this is a rust prone area from the battery acid.

The odometers are known to slip, so the mileage may not be correct. May be much higher.

If all is true as you mentioned, maybe $2500.
A 4-spd for me would add to the price over an auto trans.
An 81 would have the pencil GP`s and a few more HP. over the 79 and older 240`s.

Depending where you live, these things vary in price.

Looked in the SF Bay Area CL for 240D

82 auto $3500 ukn miles
82 4-spd $1800 156K
82 4-spd $3000 UKN miles
83 4-spd $2800 140K
82 4-spd $5250 320K new eng, clutch etc...
83 4-spd $1000 224K
83 4-spd $3200 157K

I just re-read your description, an automatic. Don`t be disappointed if it is sluggish. A 4-spd would be a different driving 240d.

When I was looking on CL.. I was checking the 4-spds. I need to read closer, or remember what I read.

When we got our 80 240D, we got if from the original owner....for free. she was at
306K and we are now at 373K.
I did do a lot to her, and have a good $2k plus I add in repairs and up grades.
There is still more to do, there always is.

Buying the car is one thing, then doing the maint and other things will keep adding to the cost. it never ends.

Charlie

jsain86 · #6 02-09-2015, 09:30 PM

The owner wants $1800 for the car. He said he will let the car rot before he would go any lower than $1800. So firm on the price, and of course the car needs work.

sleepstar · #7 02-09-2015, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsain86

The owner wants $1800 for the car. He said he will let the car rot before he would go any lower than $1800. So firm on the price, and of course the car needs work.

what kind of a**hole would say something like that? i like the 240D automatics but they definitely do not command a premium. $1800 might be an OK absolutely upper end price in the bay area which is probably top of the market for these cars.

charmalu · #8 02-09-2015, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleepstar

what kind of a**hole would say something like that? i like the 240D automatics but they definitely do not command a premium. $1800 might be an OK absolutely upper end price in the bay area which is probably top of the market for these cars.

Really?

Did you read what I post above on the few I found?

If the guy want`s $1800 and will hold out for that, why does it make him a a.. h...?

Charlie

jsain86 · #9 02-09-2015, 09:58 PM

I thought it was rude too. I also thought $1800 was too much for it. Overall I think its a good car but its going to need work. To my standards looks alittle neglected. He is one of those guys that says i never had to do anything to it but drive it.

leathermang · #10 02-09-2015, 10:04 PM

It does not.... make him that....
may just be a selling ploy...
or might be the truth...
only time.... and a few lower offers will tell....

vstech · #11 02-09-2015, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsain86

The owner wants $1800 for the car. He said he will let the car rot before he would go any lower than $1800. So firm on the price, and of course the car needs work.

Well, the car may indeed be worth that.
You need to in person look over the car.
You need to look over every recipt and maintenance record the car has.
You need to pull the battery, and the tray, and look at the metal below for rust.
You need to pull the plastic covers behind the front tires and look for rust.
You need to get in the trunk and look below the rear window for signs of rust.
You need to pull the floor mats up and look In the holes in the soundproofing for water and rust evidence.
If all that passes, then with the motor stone cold, hit the key and see if it starts without the glow sequence. The seller needs to know the day before you wish to inspect the car with the motor completely cold. No block heater plugged in, no warming the motor up before you get there to see it start.
If it is cold outside, (below 35F) then do not attempt this, the motor will need glow plugs to fire, but watch the glow light. The INSTANT the light goes out, hit the starter. If it will not struggle to life, the compression is low, or the valves need adjustment.
Walk away.
Let him know what you are willing to pay, and leave if he will not go that low.
He will sell the car. You don't need to be the one to pay to much.

Skid Row Joe · #12 02-09-2015, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsain86

I thought it was rude too. I also thought $1800 was too much for it. Overall I think its a good car but its going to need work. To my standards looks alittle neglected. He is one of those guys that says i never had to do anything to it but drive it.

Unless you can begin to establish a sell price after a complete PPI and a 30 minute city and highway driving assessment, I'm sticking to my $500.00 possible value sell price as a starting point. Everything on the vehicle must be checked out during the check ride. Then go from there.

Junkman · #13 02-09-2015, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsain86

I thought it was rude too. I also thought $1800 was too much for it. Overall I think its a good car but its going to need work. To my standards looks alittle neglected. He is one of those guys that says i never had to do anything to it but drive it.

I would let him keep it. The suspension will be shot. The brakes are about worn out. The vacuum system leaks. The water pump and vacuum pump are ready to go. Nothing has been done to the suspension. "Buffing will in fact turn into a needed paint job. All else either needs attention now or will in the near future.

I log fuel, mileage and any/all work done to my vehicles. I also try to do a complete system so it's fixed and doesn't keep nickle & dime-ing me or leaving me stuck on the road. They all still need work. Anything less would need more work. Keep looking. He wants too mucking futch.

Look for a 300 with a 617 or manual. You'll be glad.

jsain86 · #14 02-09-2015, 11:03 PM

Ya, the car was sitting in this guys yard. It wasn't even for sale. I asked him if he would sell it, he said yes. It had been sitting for 2 years and i put my battery in it and it started right up. No miss or anything, nice steady idle immediately. I drove it. Brakes feel good. Has a valve cover gasket leak. Needs vacuum work. Needs deep cleaning all over. Steering felt good. The car does not have a sunroof which I like that it doesnt have one. Lifted up floor mats, floorboards dry as a bone and no rust. No sign of water ever getting in car. Paint is dull and powder looking. Didn't check suspension yet. He will not budge on price at all. He said that's how I am If i don't get what I'm asking It will sit there and rot.

ah-kay · #15 02-09-2015, 11:24 PM

He has got big balls. It depends on how you finesse him. If you really like the car then offer him $1600, take it or leave it, and see who blinks first.

Personally, I think 240D Auto is like a tortoise.