Hi,

I'm looking at a Mercedes Monday....I've wanted an 83-85 Turbo-Diesel for awhile....A mechanic in the East Bay (San Francisco)...has one and he is saying it is in such great shape..I haven't seen it yet but I am not comfortable asking him questions, he is quite aggressive, "I am an honest man, don't you trust me"
So it has 215,000 miles on it, which seems high to me but it is a diesel, right?
Any advice would be great. He is asking $2,750.00, it is silver. I am hoping that since he is a mechanic who works on mercedes he is being honest with me. The car belongs to a customer of his.
Thanks...any advice or what to look for would be great!
Linda

Maybe its just me, but if this guy is pushy and has to state that he is honest, it just sounds like a red flag to me. I'd be wary. How well do you know this guy?

Another point on the milage. It is very common for the odometers to stop working on these cars at one time or another, so it would not be unusual for the car to have more mileage than what is shown. Maybe a lot more!

I'd get a second opinion. If this guy doesn't like the idea, there are plenty more of these cars around, be patient.

Good luck!

If hes an honest guy surely he will let you have a pre-purchase inspection done at a shop of your choosing. Maybe have two done, more opinions can't hurt. If the car is clean and in good shape the price is not bad even with the miles. If you don't know what you are looking at find someone who does and get another opinion. RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

Definately, take that car to a mechanic before you purchase it if you want it that bad. I avoided getting a 1987 300SDL that had problems on it that the mechanic discovered before we were supposed to buy it. The guy who was selling kept on saying, it's in great condition, great car, but when the engine and tranny are about to go out, not so great. So, go get that car checked out, and if the owner won't let you, just forget it, there are other 83-85 Turbo Diesels out there.
-Joe

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

"H-town"...try Overseas Speedometer in Austin,TX to get that odometer repaired. Overseas Speedometer

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Diesel-guy

If you like everything about the car it is possible it is a good car in the hands of a jerk shop owner...
The companies that do complete inspections all the time for about $100 can really be lifesavers.... and may not be as prone to being friends of this guy through local MB clubs, professional mechanicing organizations, just being in the same area etc,... and not all mechanics are good at ALL over the car inspections ... and these companies ( like Lemon-Busters ) give you printouts of their findings.
The 81-84 turbo diesels are in one bracket and the 85 in another for finding parts for them.... if that concerns you ...
It is good to have at least your state showing in your profile. People can give more specific answers sometimes when they know what state... maybe even what town you are operating in.
If you are going to find a regular mechanic then be sure to also look in the " good MB shops" forum on this site...
And have you looked at the " cars for sale" forum on this site as a comparison ?

Thanks.....I'll look on this site for reference.....This shop is in Concord, California...
Thanks again,
Linda

Hi Linda Jane,

I live in the Northbay and am also looking at a 85 300D, your posts have been thought provoking and am causing me to re-assess getting an 85.

Little did I know the smog impacts and the difference in parts that a year would make from 84 to 85. With fuel prices here in CA I am buying a diesel as my commuter, now I wonder?

Please post your findings, I am looking at the 85 tomorrow morning.

Tosh

2001 QX4 (nice ride before gas prices rivaled precious metals)
1983 Porsche 911 SC

Hi Tosh...

I spoke to a friend today who is an excellent Mercedes Mechanic (he has a shop in SF and has been out of town so couldn't talk with him before).....He Told me that He would stay away from the 85s himself...that he thinks 82-84 last longer....Not that 85s are bad, he just thinks the other years are better...If you need a good Mercedes Mechanic, he's great.
I know that some people say that the 85s are the best out of 82-85, so this info is just what he told me.
Linda

Hi Linda,

Thanks for the reply, so would I be correct to assume you have been adequately swayed to not acquire an 85?

I have been looking fo r a couple of weeks and have actually seen very few 300D's for sale no doubt people hanging on to these great gas misers!

The 85 I am supposed to look at tomorrow is a high mileage (what 300D isn't?) one owner beige with tan leather interior, been told it runs weel, has been very dependable etc, etc.. and I can buy the car very cheaply, really tempted with that 30MPG highway mileage compared to my 12 MPG QX4.

Do post what you finally do, best of luck.

Cheers,

Tosh

If the car were an exceptional price, I wouldn't hesitate...I mean, I'm sure the 85s are great cars...the one i'm looking at (maybe) has 215,000 miles, and he's asking 2,750...Some guys on the board think thats a little high...I will probably still look at it....If Its too pretty to resist, and in great shape, and someone else checked it out and said so, I'm sure I'd get it.......I'm indecisive on this as well??????????????? (But I would lean toward the 83-84...I think)
Linda

Well OK Linda, you may have provided that gentle nudge to move me either I will end up with a great car and deal or that nudge might be over the MBZ mechanic's "I've got to pay my boat payment" cliff.

The car from the email pictures I have received is very clean, the owner who is an older gentlemen has been forthright with everything he has done and his assessment of the car seems reasonable and honest. The price is 1500!!! if I pass I'll get you in contact if you want a look see.

I don't want to feel as though I'm hogging the board ,so here's my email should you want to back-channel dialog.

Best,

Tosh

Linda,

It seems like you're missing the forest for the trees. The cardinal rule is to find the car in the best condition and with the most complete records. Color, upholstery and options as well as 82-84 vs 85 are secondary considerations. These cars are not so plentiful in the Bay Area that you'll have an 84 and 85 in the exact same condition that it boils down to which year you prefer.

Something more important to think about at this point is whether you want a $2000 car that needs $3000 in work or a $4000 car that needs $1000 in work. If you someone offers you a $5000 300D that doesn't need work, maybe I can interest you in one of my Diesels

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

Sometimes I do need to see the forest thru the trees and the trees, whatever...
I am new at this...THis is a tad embarressing but, I have owed the Same 1971 Volkswagen Covertible since 1971...SO this Will Be My First New Car since then!.....
(I tend to get attached to things....)....Promise, no more Idle chatter, I will stop hoarding the board now.
Thanks again
Linda

lindajane,

"Embarressing" ?????

Owning that '71 VW since '71 is sooooo cool !!!!

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Diesel-guy