Does this 1979 280E sound worth it? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DieselHead · #1 08-05-2003, 12:49 PM

Hi,
I've been looking for a "cheap" car for a while and found this one. The only problem is that it's about 2 hours away so I don't really have time to visit it. Do you think it's worth buying sight unseen? Below is what he sent me. As always, thanks so much for your help. Oh, and it has 144K miles on it.

______
Hi Alex, this sounds like the car for you. Yes, I will be honest about what's wrong with it. I know how that is. No there is no rust on the body that is visible. Maybe a spot or two the size of a dime, but it is in remarkably good condition as far as rust. The hood was dented, but popped back out and looks alright. The latch, although it works, needs repair. The passenger side of the rear has a small hole in the floorboard, but it has gone unnoticed with the mat over it. No fumes. The exaust is completely rebuilt from the engine back. Many new parts. The biggest problem now is the alternator. The light has just startedcoming on again. I replaced it with a cheep alternator when I got it and it went bad. Should have bought a high performance one. My fifteen
year old daughter changed it (I got too frustrated with the tight German fit of everything). I have been driving it about sixty miles a day though and just top off the battery with the charger at night. But you will have to replace that right away. I have also been carying another battery for safety as I live in the woods. Can't be totally sure you would make it back to Westchester without any trouble. You might want somebody to follow you. I should have pictures up on the web in a few days.

Oh yes, it is old and there are things that don't work. One electric window in the back seat, the instrument light, and the climate control. I have replaced the carpeting and put a new cushion in the drivers seat. I don't really want to give it up, but I have a fleet of cars and just picked up a lincoln Town car in flawless condition that I am driving now. I believe for a person like yourself that can fix a few things and is a realist about what to expect you would find it a delight. In another few months it will carry CLASSIC status so it will probably be worth a fortune. Right now I am only asking $1,200. firm and cash only. Although it is not registered, it can be test driven up a private road a short distance. I would like to see it go to somebody that would restore it or at least maintain it. It's a solid machine. I was told
by a Mercedes mechanic that it should get 300,000 miles. Classic silver in color. I will also throw in two studded snow tires for it.

Phil.

Holson Adi · #2 08-05-2003, 02:39 PM

Hi Alex,

hows it going?

well I don't know how much you want a US spec 280E. From what I've read they arent much faster than a properly running 300D Turbo.

my dad had a 280E Euro and he loved the power and cant get over just how much power it has on the highway. Im not sure if the same can be said for the US cars.

Also for $1200 it sounds like a lot of trouble to me. I wouldn't buy it for that money honestly...

good luck!

... now.. if u find a Euro Spec 280CE.. let me know

surfblau · #3 08-05-2003, 03:35 PM

I would say $500, and only if you like old thrashed cars that are past their prime and will require constant work to keep running.

I would get a diesel instead....

kerry · #4 08-05-2003, 05:48 PM

I wouldn't buy it. There are too many inconsistencies in the description. It has no rust, then a couple of dime sized spots. He's been driving it 60 miles a day but it is not registered.

surfblau · #5 08-05-2003, 05:55 PM

In another few months it will carry CLASSIC status so it will probably be worth a fortune

Fat chance. There is no way that crossing an arbitrary boundary in time will make this car worth a fortune.

sixto · #6 08-05-2003, 09:40 PM

Very little in common with your 83 300D. No mention of year but 280Es were only sold through 81 so it has the old style ACC I think.

If it's gonna be a classic in a few months he should hang on to it.

Why do people care what happens to their car after they sell it? My 300SE will be for sale shortly and I don't care if the buyer uses it as a prop at a monster truck rally.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

DieselHead · #7 08-06-2003, 01:53 PM

I'm going to offer $500 IF he registers and inspects it first. I am uneasy about buying an unregistered car.

Alex

#8 08-06-2003, 02:36 PM

Yeah, make him register it, or provide proof that he had previously registered it in his name--could mean he has a title problem. I will say that here in Miss, when you buy your tag, you pay your ad valorem taxes too--this is why I mention at least make him prove to you that it was previously registered in his name. This may not be a problem in New York, but to register my car if it was expired would cost $700, and I wouldn't oblige you on that if I was sellin it!!

DieselHead · #9 08-06-2003, 03:17 PM

Narwhal,
Thanks for the heads-up but that isn't a problem here. I once registered a Volvo in Georgia a while back and they charged me a few hundred in tax. I thought that was crazy. In NY, you just pay the registration fee which hovers around $70 for two years. Eventhough there's no tax issue, I'd still feel more comfortable if he registered it and inspected it.

Alex

Kestas · #10 08-06-2003, 04:15 PM

The letter shows good salesmanship. I wonder why Phil doesn't hang onto it for a few months when it's a classic and then sell it for a fortune!

84300DT · #11 08-06-2003, 09:13 PM

Alex, if i were really curious and wanted to take a road trip to the woods anyhow, then maybe it might be worth a look see. i think i would take a large friend with me though..hehe

bob

DieselHead · #12 08-07-2003, 01:13 PM

The guy posted some pics on the web. The thing is UGLY. Forget it. I'll have to keep looking and waiting.

Alex

surfblau · #13 08-07-2003, 03:26 PM

but it will be worth a fortune soon....