[jkubica]

i think i finally found a nice 300d.
it runs great, looks good, e.t.c.
i checked it out last weekend and the issues are;

1- torn CV axle boots. left outer torn in half. right ones still whole, but cracked.
2-brakes. low, but not squealing yet
3-needs transmission pan gasket and service. slight leakage.
4-transmission FLARE between 2 and 3. does not flare when shifted manually. other shifts are smooth.
5-oil pan gasket leak. moderate.

my main question is this;
is this car safe to drive in this condition from NYC to VT (350 miles).
the axles were NOT especially noisy. the mechanic down there says i'd be risking real damage to the car driving it in this condition, and wants to charge me $1100 for the work, making the car not such a good deal. i could do the work MUCH cheaper up here. e.t.c.
it is a beautiful car. no rust, clean interior, nice paint, mileage around 220k
what would be a fair price, and is it driveable?
any advice?
thanks.
-gabe

Hi

As Aaron said, if you decide to make the drive, carry extra fluids (including water) and tools. Make the trip at moderate speed and stop often to check things.

With the torn CV boot, I think I would pack it with grease just for insurance - even if isn't being noisy.

When you get home, you will need to replace the CV half axles and not try to reboot them.

Good Luck

 

[jkubica]

all this info is priceless. sounds like the car can make it.
given these issues, what do you all think i should pay for the car?
the body/interior is IMMACULATE, really. AC doesn't work, but everything else does. 220k(give or take/odometer replacement).
owner originally wanted $4000, but i've got them down to $2500..
still too much?
-gabe

Hi

As described, $2500 sounds like a fair price to me. Budget for another $2500 in the next year or two getting things ship shape. That is with you doing a lot of the labor.

Before you close the deal, take a look in the air filter to make sure its not oil soaked' Also chack the blowby by removing the oil filler cap while the engine is idleing. Its OK for the cap to dance a little while sitting in the hole loose - but if it blows off the engine is badly worn.

Good Luck,

Joseph