[Js1203]

I am ready to buy my first 123 and found two that I am bouncing in between.

The first one is an 84 300D with 80k original miles. It has been garaged kept and has maintenance records since day one. Nothing major has been replaced, just scheduled maintenance. My concern is that it is getting to the point where some wear items may have to be replaced. ( motor mounts, suspension components, belts & hoses, and door and sunroof seals come to mind). It's listed for $15000.

The second one is also an 84 300D, but has 190k, but it has had a lot of work done. Repainted,new suspension components, new radiator, all new seals, new belts and hoses, fuel system components, brake calipers, and vacuum hoses just to name a few. I feel this would not initially have as many problems as the other one, but that they would catch up to me in another 50k. It being auctioned, but I expect it land land somewhere between 8000 and 12000.

Which one do you guys think is the smarter choice.

 

[dkr]

I think the prices are absolutely insane.

I bought my 1984 300D with 108K original miles also a garaged car in similar condition for $4000. It had a few rough spots and I put about $2500 into it the first year, but I also drove it 20,000 miles.

I think you should find some grandma or grandpa who is 90 years old and needs to get rid of their one-owner car.

Dkr.

 

[jackfrost1031]

Agreed. Prices are overblown unless you just love pissing money away.

 

[carnut62]

No 300D is worth these prices. Do you live on an island? I ask because your signature does not list where in the world you live!

 

[moody]

Prices are definitely too high - you will seriously make someones day if you pay either of those. There are value cars on this board that are well worth looking into.

 

[moody]

Here is one listed on the forum for sale - $4500

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w12...ade/2291833-84-300cd-t-sale.html#post11454193

 

[Noah Way]

I'll sell you my '81 280E, 130k, for $10,000.

 

[Rmac58]

Yeah, priced too high.

Try this link for comparisons:

Search Craigslist by state and more.

 

[Me widget]

I agree. Those prices are way too high.

Keep looking.

 

[gatorblue92]

You can find a very nice well sorted W123 for $5000. The main concern on these cars is rust. Buy the one with the least rust you can find.

 

[MBCAJUN]

Too much to pay for these cars. You can find a decent one between $2500 and $5000 that should make you happy. As Gator said stay away from the rust. You can pretty much fix the rest especially with the savings between 5 and 15K. You're going to have repairs on any 30 yr old car, working on them is really part of the fun of owning one of these cars.

 

[240Steez]

Personally I wouldn't want a low mileage garage queen. I'd buy the one with 190k that's been looked after. 190k really isn't much for these engines.

I agree with everyone on the pricing though, 8-12k is ridiculous. The highest I've ever seen a W123 sell was about $8500 for a super low mileage 1985 300CD in SoCal that had maintenance records back to it's first oil change and had recently had the engine overhauled by a Mercedes dealership.

 

[Pete '06 E320 CDI]

So I guess I did alright with my 82 300d with 227,000 miles, 2 owner 100% original no rust car for $2K.

Installed about $700 worth of parts and maintenance to date, and I think I'll have a solid spare car for many years.

If only I can sort out the door locks and air conditioning, I'll be ok...

 

[dependable]

Back to the original poster; I agree with others the two choices you are considering are more, probably, than I would pay. But if you have the money, either of these might (or not ) be a great car.

If you want one of these cars and are not interested in doing your own work, hopefully you have identified a mechanic you can trust to do maintenance and repairs you will need. Have whoever will work on car for you check any car out before purchase.

As stated, stay away from rust. Also don't pay premium for low mileage unless proven and documented.

Don't buy for high dollar unless you or someone you trust has thoroughly checked the car, and know what they are looking at, and it is exactly what you want, including color and smell.

 

[Rmac58]

I paid 10 grand for my coupe in 2004, it had 83,000 miles, no issues.

 

[rocky raccoon]

W123 coupes

are priced about W123 sedan x 2 condition for condition.

 

[hamrt]

Yeah. those prices are way too high. Coupes do sell for more, but not necessarily twice as much. Personally, I'd go for a lower mileage car. I paid $4,500 for my well maintained, garage-kept one-owner '82 300D. I wanted something that might need minor maintenance but not major items. So far, so good. It's not a daily driver and stays in the garage. It gets driven two or three times a week around town with an occasional sprint on the freeway. I have thoroughly enjoyed this car. If you are paying $15,000 for a W123, you had better be buying it from the Mercedes Classic Center, fully restored, otherwise, it's too much.