[mattwestm]

Hi guys, I'm thinking about buying a 1987 300SDL with about 220K miles. The odometer stopped working but has been repaired. The car is owned by one of the mechanics at my local indie shop. The trap oxidizer has been gutted and welded shut, new tranny, ball joints replaced, vacuum lines replaced, interior installed from a 420SEL. He said he's spent about $2000 on repairs. The only problems I saw with the car are: one windshield wiper arm missing, fairly large gash on rear door, ignition key different from door key, climate control panel malfunctioning (he has another one he might have already installed), and the radio is missing (he has another radio also). I will get the 420SEL (not running) if I buy the car. The interior is in great condition as well as the exterior, minus the gash. Am I buying trouble or will this be a good car? Oh, the asking price is $2500 (includes 420SEL and a storage space of parts)

Matt

 

[SDLCrazier]

depends on how much you know about this mechanic and whether he can provide full repair history from new - not just what he did lately. The most troubling part is the odom stopped although it is working now, for that you really don't know how many actual miles the car has run.

In NC I think there will be a lot of choices for SDLs in that price range. Try to find one with complete service records, well taken care of, preferably one owner car. Even though such a car might be slightly higher than others, but trust me, worth it.

 

[mattwestm]

About the odom problem. He said it stopped working at 211K and he replaced the whole instrument panel with a new one (gasoline, so no glow plug light). He still has the original and is getting the gears for the odom repair. As far as finding SDLs around here, the only other one I've found is a '91 350SDL for $5950 with no records. No way I'd pay that much for a car that might have bent rods without records. I've found quite a few early 80s 300SDs, but they are in pretty bad shape. I'd have to spend atleast $2000 to get them up to my standards. I'm in no rush to buy the 300SDL and he is in no rush to sell it, he just wants a smaller car for parking in Raleigh. I'm just looking for a diesel w126 for highway trips around the state and something I'll drive a few times a week.

Matt

EDIT: I've considered getting a gasser, but more maintenance and bad fuel economy has closed that door for me.

 

[Skid Row Joe]

I would seek an '86-'87 SDL - in much better condition.

I would pass on the SD.

 

[christoj879]

Hey, to me it sounds good. Getting a parts car with it? I'd say go for it. Why not grab a door from the SEL and repaint it if the gash is a problem? Take what you need from the parts car then sell that either piecemeal or altogether and you'd probably be close to even.

The SDL is fun to work on, and with a replaced tranny you'll probably have a lot more fun miles ahead. Nothing better than spending a Saturday afternoon in 20 degree weather with a good friend replacing a starter and drinking gin.