High mileage 300TE suggestions

[crs82]

I'm going today to look at a 1990 300TE with 270K miles on the odometer (which still works, amazingly). All electricals work, but no AC. Heat does work. No oil in coolant.
Asking $1500, but I won't spend that. Car seems to be in great shape, body-wise. A few dings and scrapes, but nothing serious. No rust. Even the SLS seems to be in working order.
What are your thoughts? There are VERY few cars I would even consider buying with this many miles (a 300D being one), but I know that this car would serve my family well for many years if I buy it right.
I know I may be looking at a HG soon, and maybe some front end work, I don't know.
I will take pictures today and post them if it will help at all.

[silversleeves]

You are right about the Head Gasket, that is probably due on a car with that mileage (not for the first time).
Check the delay between reverse and Drive, I would suggest the transmission is next to go at that mileage. Those are the two majors, next would be suspension, bushings, check the timing cover for leaks.
I would look in the coolant reservoir, if it is brown or green you would be best off to replace the cooling system. Of course the MB recommended coolant is yellow so anything else is doing damage.
Check the power steering/suspension pump for leaks, those are an expensive item to replace.
That is off the top of my head, hopefully something in there helps you.

[crs82]

SS, I went ahead and pulled the trigger after the owner told me, unsolicited, that the trans had been rebuilt at the tune of $1500 and the head gasket and water pump had been replaced as well. The trans shifted EXACTLY as it should and had nice looking fluid as well.
No leaks at all to be found. SLS works. As advertised, NO RUST!
Got it for a pretty price. Engine fires up immediately and idles smoothly. No idiot lights. Even the rear hatch close assist works!
I'm chuffed.

[silversleeves]

Sounds like you have done well!