Question for all you Mercedes diesel gurus out there.


I have found an 83 300D Turbo automatic sedan for sale in the DC area and I am wondering what a fair price would be.

It has 178,000 miles.

Body is in pretty good shape. Standard city dings and 20 year old faded paint. A little of the normal rust bubbles on a couple of the wheel wells. Interior is in very good condition. Didn't see any cracks in dash or rips in sees. Some chipped wood in console. Owner states the it doesn't burn oil that he's aware of.


Drives great up to +70 speeds. Owner has maintenance records since 90 (when he bought the car used). The owner has done NO maintenance himself (even wiper blades) and all work was done at the same mechanic. Major repairs:

At 150K miles -- transmission crapped out and was repaired

At 160K miles -- new brakes, rotors, tie rods, etc... -- pretty much a full suspension overhaul (~ $2900 of repairs in 99)

All oil changes every 3month/3000 miles.

Things that are broken:

AC blows HOT air on any setting. (Please just be the dash switch)

One front tire has excessive wear on outside edge. (Alignment??)

Right rear window only goes down with rear switch and only goes up w/ front switch.

Tachometer does not work.

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Now for the million dollar question. How much would you pay for this car? He's asking $3500 -- too much? A bargain? Or how much should I offer him?

Thanks in advance.