My first post...
I'm thinking of buying my first benz, I'm looking at an 85 300sd automatic tran. It's for sale locally and I have already went by to look at it. The car looks decent in and out for a car it's age. Known issues with the car:
1. Tranny is out
2. A/C is out
3. drivers seat has some tears
4. ODO is out currently reads 240mi
5. Drivers window doesn't roll up.
I can pickup the car for less than $1000, how much less is up to negotiation.
I'm a confident DIY guy, I do as much of the work on my own cars as possible. I rarely visit a repair shop.
My main concern with the car is the transmission. The owner wasn't home when I looked at it but he left the car open. What struck me about the transmission was that I was able to shift through all gears, R F N, etc even without pressing brake and not having key in ignition? Is this normal? If not then I'm assuming this is part of the problem - the owner said that everything was fine then one day it wouldn't move. I had my wife shift while I peaked underneath and could feel the shifter move the linkage that leads into the transmission so the problem must be internal. My question is, is this a simple fix or rebuild?
My next biggest concerned would be the AC. Clicking the schraeder (sp?) valves indicates no refrigerant, I'm assuming there is a leak. I'm thinking I could find the leak repair it and convert to r134a for little investment. Worst case replace compressor and/or condensor, $500? Is this this a wrong assumption?
Power windows seem to be a common issue on this car. I've replaced power window motors and regulators in the past but can't seem to find much information on this problem much less parts. Any help?
I was going to walk away from the deal completely but I then found a used transmission for sale locally for $150. I feel confident in replacing it if necessary but would rather keep what's in there if it's an easy fix.
My goals for this car is to have a reliable daily driver that can give me decent fuel economy (hoping for 25mpg mixed driving). I currently drive a suburban and I love to tinker with mechanical things. If I can park my burb save a little on fuel to pay for tinkering on my Benz then I would be happy.
Thanks in advance for the help!
I'm thinking of buying my first benz, I'm looking at an 85 300sd automatic tran. It's for sale locally and I have already went by to look at it. The car looks decent in and out for a car it's age. Known issues with the car:
1. Tranny is out
2. A/C is out
3. drivers seat has some tears
4. ODO is out currently reads 240mi
5. Drivers window doesn't roll up.
I can pickup the car for less than $1000, how much less is up to negotiation.
I'm a confident DIY guy, I do as much of the work on my own cars as possible. I rarely visit a repair shop.
My main concern with the car is the transmission. The owner wasn't home when I looked at it but he left the car open. What struck me about the transmission was that I was able to shift through all gears, R F N, etc even without pressing brake and not having key in ignition? Is this normal? If not then I'm assuming this is part of the problem - the owner said that everything was fine then one day it wouldn't move. I had my wife shift while I peaked underneath and could feel the shifter move the linkage that leads into the transmission so the problem must be internal. My question is, is this a simple fix or rebuild?
My next biggest concerned would be the AC. Clicking the schraeder (sp?) valves indicates no refrigerant, I'm assuming there is a leak. I'm thinking I could find the leak repair it and convert to r134a for little investment. Worst case replace compressor and/or condensor, $500? Is this this a wrong assumption?
Power windows seem to be a common issue on this car. I've replaced power window motors and regulators in the past but can't seem to find much information on this problem much less parts. Any help?
I was going to walk away from the deal completely but I then found a used transmission for sale locally for $150. I feel confident in replacing it if necessary but would rather keep what's in there if it's an easy fix.
My goals for this car is to have a reliable daily driver that can give me decent fuel economy (hoping for 25mpg mixed driving). I currently drive a suburban and I love to tinker with mechanical things. If I can park my burb save a little on fuel to pay for tinkering on my Benz then I would be happy.
Thanks in advance for the help!