How do you sell an old diesel break even? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mabbonizio · #1 07-29-2019, 07:24 PM

I purchased my 72 220D stick shift with the intention of fixing it up, enjoying it, and later selling it or trading it for a similar condition R107.

I think the time has come that I've had my fun, and am about done with it.

Mechanically it's been gone through from top to bottom - basically needs nothing and could be daily driven - and I do daily drive it.

I picked up a new windshield for it and was going to put it in before listing it for sale as well as a new dashboard as the one in it is pretty cracked.

Cosmetically, depending on the buyer it could use a paint job or for someone who likes patina could be enjoyed as is.

When I think about selling the car over craigslist I cringe. Last time I listed it, I got a lot of sigh unseen offers and crazy emails from people who couldn't spell.

So whats the best medium to sell one of these cars over? BAT? here on peach parts? Ebay ?

Not looking for a million bucks- but it would be nice to do get close to what I've put into it.

Pics for your click:

Diseasel300 · #2 07-29-2019, 07:38 PM

Step 1 is to make sure your asking price is in line with reality. Old cars aren't in high demand, and diesels require a special buyer

Step 2 is to find the right buyer. If you're in a hurry to unload it, expect to take less, way less. If you're patient, you can likely get close to what you want if you observed Step 1.

Unless you got the car for free, you're unlikely to "break even" on it when selling it if you've done much more than oil changes. Cosmetic and mechanical problems drop the value even more, rust makes it more or less scrap value or maybe slightly more to the right buyer. This car looks to have pretty major cosmetic problems on the driver's side, so factor that into your expectations.

mabbonizio · #3 07-29-2019, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diseasel300

Step 1 is to make sure your asking price is in line with reality. Old cars aren't in high demand, and diesels require a special buyer

Step 2 is to find the right buyer. If you're in a hurry to unload it, expect to take less, way less. If you're patient, you can likely get close to what you want if you observed Step 1.

Unless you got the car for free, you're unlikely to "break even" on it when selling it if you've done much more than oil changes. Cosmetic and mechanical problems drop the value even more, rust makes it more or less scrap value or maybe slightly more to the right buyer. This car looks to have pretty major cosmetic problems on the driver's side, so factor that into your expectations.

Yes, paint is rough on the driver side- then I think... should I just get the whole car painted? Not a show paint job, but a driver quality one... but I fear going farther down the "more money lost when selling" hole.

Diseasel300 · #4 07-29-2019, 08:00 PM

You'd never recover the difference that you'd invest in paint. Even a cheap paint job would probably cost more than you'd get for the car, even after paint.

dlssmith · #5 07-29-2019, 08:18 PM

If its a rust free example, you will get as much with new paint as the old and as mentioned before, there are those interested in the patina thing. I've been thinking about a 220d for some time. PM me with your details if it is rust free.

ROLLGUY · #6 07-29-2019, 10:19 PM

I have a bunch of 220D engine parts for sale, should anyone need them. I have a rebuilt head, new oil pump, pistons, and gasket kit. I also have a rebuildable core.

vwnate1 · #7 07-29-2019, 11:31 PM

The instant you see $2K, grab it and run .

Only the pristine museum quality Diesels get any money, don't get buried worse than you are now .

JimFreeh · #8 07-30-2019, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwnate1

The instant you see $2K, grab it and run .

Only the pristine museum quality Diesels get any money, don't get buried worse than you are now .

I drove W114/W115 cars for years......

Lovely cars, but not a choice if you want to make money.

Cars are known for significant rust issues, especially underneath, plus the usual body panels.

Pluses on these models are stick shifts, sunroofs, and coupes. And even then, it's a small audience, usually with a death grip on their wallets.

Diesels had some cachet a few years ago, when the veggie craze was in full swing, but that seems to be over. The only diesel model that seems to be coveted is the W123 wagon. Two years ago, I sold my 05 CDI for less than I thought it was worth, but bought the 14 bluetec for less than I thought I'd have to pay, so it was considered a wash. Point is, it's not just the older ones, the newer ones are also out 9f favor right now.

I love diesels, have 4 of them now, Cummins, Kubota and 2 MBs, but the market right now is pretty dismal for the MBs. For the truck (89 Dodge-Cummins)and tractor, it's still pretty strong.

Jim

Father Of Giants · #9 07-30-2019, 01:34 AM

Rule #1 of selling on craigslist, NO EMAILS, NO TEXTS, CALL ONLY!

Thank me later. Been there done that.

vwnate1 · #10 07-30-2019, 01:52 AM

RULE # 2 :

Anyone who calls and says 'I'll pay full price if you hold it until I get there' is a farking LIAR who will not only waste your time but will badger you to death and chase off others who actually want to buy your item .

rjz5400 · #11 07-30-2019, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwnate1

RULE # 2 :

Anyone who calls and says 'I'll pay full price if you hold it until I get there' is a farking LIAR who will not only waste your time but will badger you to death and chase off others who actually want to buy your item .

this is generally true, however, I had a guy from the forum Paypal gift me a deposit as a sign of trust for me to hold a car for two days.

I did and he bought it. even though others were very interested. It was a gamble but he was a pleasant fellow so it does still happen once in a while!

97 SL320 · #12 07-30-2019, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Father Of Giants

Rule #1 of selling on craigslist, NO EMAILS, NO TEXTS, CALL ONLY!

Thank me later. Been there done that.

Yep, and make sure that there isn't an e mail address in the listing / contact drop down menu. I see lots of ads that have this and " don't use e mail " in the text.

ROLLGUY · #13 07-30-2019, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Father Of Giants

Rule #1 of selling on craigslist, NO EMAILS, NO TEXTS, CALL ONLY!

Thank me later. Been there done that.

Absolutely agree! If someone really wants what I have to sell, they will call me and talk to me live. I have in all my CL adds NO TEXTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They still text me, but they get deleted immediately. If they actually read the ad, and want to buy what I have for sale, they would call.