Late 70s-early 80s 240D/300D info needed - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

86560SEL · #1 07-20-2003, 06:13 PM

Hello all. I found a local and very cheap- late 70s to early 80s 240D or 300D. The car is priced at only $375. It looks to be rust free (typical of cars here in the south), but the body is definetely showing its age. It has a few dents, dings, scrapes and scratches and missing trim around one headlamp. I have not seen the interior. I have just seen it driving by. It is light blue and has the color-keyed hubcaps, which makes me think it may be a 240D. I cannot see the rear, as the front is toward the road. For $375- I hate to be picky, but is it well worth this if it runs decently? In other words, will I be able to resell it to get my money back, if I decide to sell it? I already have four cars, but this seems like too good of a deal to pass up. As a side note- it would be nice if I could get for free - my uncle knows someone that stopped at the same house to look at a truck. The owner told him he could have it for free, because he was going to lose everything anyway.

Maybe I will also be able to get a free car - or perhaps a very good deal, like $100?

Thanks for any information.

wolfgang · #2 07-20-2003, 08:40 PM

$375.00? Are things that bad in Tennessee?

psfred · #3 07-20-2003, 09:05 PM

If it starts and runs, and there are no holes in the floor, grab it.

If there are holes, don't expect to get your money back, but it may still run fine.

Expect to put brakes, shocks, possibly exhaust, and all rubber parts in it.

Peter

R Leo · #4 07-20-2003, 09:47 PM

You need to ask us for advice on a $375 MBZ? You should read this forum more often!!! ROFLMAO.

Right now I'm agonizing over whether or not to throw down $1k for a 1980 300TD parts car that has a dead auto trannie but everything else is OK. I'd be all over a $375 parts car like a duck on a June bug.

Anyway, if that 240(??)has a decent manual gear box, you can probably part out the transmission and associated standard-shift trinkets for $400+.

The rest is gravy.

just my .02

86560SEL · #5 07-20-2003, 10:17 PM

Thanks for the replies. I do not guess that the economy here is no different from anywhere else, but perhaps he does not want to make a big profit? Actually, this is about the cheapest car I have ever seen around here, especially one of these. They are typically $2000 +. From the looks of the yard, he buys and sells unique cars. He currently has a 1977 Cadillac hearse for sale and some other type of odd car. Reason why I am asking about a $375. car, is that I really do not even have the room for a car, but thought it would make a neat, economical work car. I am really looking for a nice 1981-1991 S-class sedan or 90-93 Lexus LS400 to replace either my Chrysler and/or Buick, but thought this would be a excellent little car just to drive to work, especially at that price. I have always liked these little Mercedes, but around here, they seem to be overpriced. This is the cheapest one (at least locally) I have ever seen. I guess the best thing to do is to just go look at it and perhaps drive it (if it is running) and go from there. Thanks again.

P.E.Haiges · #6 07-20-2003, 10:29 PM

86560SEL,

Its worth that much for a parts car.

P E H

Rick Miley · #7 07-21-2003, 03:47 PM

Tony, obviously you haven't been reading the Diesel Discussion forum for long. The 240D with manual transmission is the most sought after model for a number of people on this board. Manual everything makes it the simplest, most reliable car in the world. Somebody here will be contacting you about that car.

Leathermang, does Debi have a car yet?

86560SEL · #8 07-21-2003, 04:09 PM

Thanks. I phoned about the car today and it does run good according to the seller. Strange that they did not know if it was a 240 or a 300.
Bad news (to me anyway) is that it is a manual shift. I do not like manual shift cars (especially Mercedes), so I guess I will pass on it. Thanks again.

Stevo · #9 07-21-2003, 05:37 PM

"I do not like manual shift cars (especially Mercedes), so I guess I will pass on it. Thanks again."

86560SEL ....thats what makes it worth anything, like Rick said, thats the one people want. They are great to drive and lots less to fix.

86560SEL · #10 07-21-2003, 05:59 PM

From your signature it looks like you like the manual shift Mercedes and this would make someone a great, cheap car. True - I usually post on the "tech" forum, but have visited here often, but do not read too much about this particular model. My favorite diesel is the 81-85 300SD, all of which were loaded, automatic models. If someone wants a cheap diesel- it is there. It does not mean anything to me be being a manual shift car. I have passed on others because of that. I have had manual shift cars in the past and got tired of them quickly. If anyone is interested, I can post the phone #. Car is located in NE Tennessee.

R Leo · #11 07-21-2003, 06:31 PM

why can't these gems materialize close to me???

240Demon · #12 07-21-2003, 08:32 PM

Would'nt it be a larf if it was a Grey Market 300D 4 or 5 spd stickshift?!?!? 375 bucks would be unreal for one of those.

86560SEL · #13 07-21-2003, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by R Leo
why can't these gems materialize close to me???

Thats what I say when I see cheap 560SEL's or 300SD's on E-Bay or traderonline. Always seems like they are 1000s of miles away. These cars are around here, but are always priced much higher than ones I find elsewhere on the internet.