My friend is looking at a 1980 240 D with 240,000 miles. It was a CA car (in Wyoming for 4 years), 2 owners, all maintanence records, dealer or specialty shop service only. Price is $1700. Seller getting rid of it because she got a new Mclass. Anything special to look out for with this model? Appreciate any advice, thanks in advance.

Is it a manual or automatic? I hear automatic 240D's are slow as hell. But 240D manuals are fun.

There really isn't much that could go wrong w/ these things:

watch for rust
check that the rear axle boots aren't torn
drive the car make sure it doesn't vibrate at 60-80mph.
it shouldn't make any clunks or groaning noises of any sort - very smooth car for its age.
check that windows roll up and down correctly (be them power or manual)
make sure the electric sunroof works
check that A/C works (the 240's dont have the kind of useless ACC)
check condition of fluids (diesel oil would be black in no time)
check the brakes
check steering wheel for play - there should be little to none
shouldnt smoke excessively
should start right up after the glow cycle.

good luck! 123s are really the corolla of MB I think tough cars!
but it's got more class and looks obviously :p

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2008 BMW 335i Coupe

YES!! I have a 1981 240D and I love it. It's really big, and so what if it drives like a bus. The trunk is huge and can fit a bike and other weekend adventure gear. They also sit high off the ground so you can drive it on dirt roads if you are going camping. It's very comfy on the highway and you will look very stylish cruising about town.