[Chica]

Hello - I'm a noobie here and noob to MBs.

I've been eyeing an '82 300D Turbodiesel and need advice on what it's worth or the most I should pay for it. I'm looking for something very reliable, economical on the road and can handle long highway trips.

Basic specs are:

-Auto, 5 cyl, diesel Sedan
-A/C, Power Locks, Power Windows, Cruise Control, Sunroof, Cassette (all working)
-Has almost 300,000 miles
-Excellent mechanical condition (according to seller)
-No signs of rust
-interior is in great condition

The only concern I have at this point is buying one with this many miles.

Are there any specific questions I should ask? I've asked some already but I might be leaving out ones that might make or break my decision.

All advice is welcomed and appreciated...thanks!

-chica

 

[wallsent]

82 123 bodied diesel

HI' I have an 82 300 diesel, that has about 250K on it.
When i bought it the transmission was out, so i got it for $550. turned out not to be a bargain, cause it cost me almost $2400 for a new trans. now it runs good; i have driven it for the past year, but it leaks oil like a sieve. Can't seem to find out exactly where it is coming from, and the car certainly isn't worth tearing the engine out just to fix leaks. I think it is reasonably comfortable, i like to compare it to driving a 56 buick. soft ride, soft handling, brakes really quickly (easy to do a brake job on, did one last week) but most of the electrical stuff doesn't work anymore.
1/ climate control..sometimes works, sometimes not
2/ tachometer..rarely works
3/ clock..has never worked
4 cruise control.. rarely works
5/ these things are known for electrical problems; the engines last forever if you keep the oil changed. I use Mobil 1 15/50 synthetic.
seats are too soft; they break down and lean towards the door, even tho the upholstery is good.
BTW, check in the truck; most if not all of these leak like a sieve and fill the compartments in the trunk up with rainwater. I had to drill holes in the bottom to drain.
But I love the car, and am looking for a 350 SDL cause i want one that is a lot nicer, and rides better, and has more room and power. these old ones are pretty slow! Mine's nickname is "sluggo" cause it is so slow. but i still love her

 

[Chica]

Hi again...

Wallsent - I'm not sure that the info you offered helps me to make a more i...

Hi again...

Wallsent - I'm not sure that the info you offered helps me to make a more informed decision about this vehicle, or tells me what to even offer for it. However, thanks for your feedback.

I've got some updated info on the vehicle this morning, as follows:

-the A/C and heater are NOT currently working (awaiting info now as to whether or not the seller will repair this at no charge before the sale; does anyone here feel they should?)

-antenna does not go down, stays in up position

-one window switch has gone bad

Again, if anyone can offer any advice to me about this vehicle, I'd appreciate it. []

Thanks,

chica

 

[pondscum007]

while that is sorta high on miles, if you stay up on it you can definately get another 300...

while that is sorta high on miles, if you stay up on it you can definately get another 300k out of it... the antennas on mine is broke as well, thats pretty common

 

[twenty3sky]

First off I am by no means an expert but I've been researching these cars since I got mine...

First off I am by no means an expert but I've been researching these cars since I got mine and am paranoid.
Most things are pretty simple. Check hoses for cracks or leaks. See if its burning oil and how much. Look around the oil filler cap, is there a bunch of residue? Open the filler cap after a hard run and check for escessive blowby gasses, some are normal. Ask if the tranny's been rebuilt or if its original(This is a big money item if it goes) Ask if the timing chain's been replaced(also relatively expensive). How easy is the car to start? Basically, the mileage tells you nothing on MB's, it is about how well its been taken care of.
Hope this helps...

 

[Chica]

Twenty,

Thanks a bunch for your reply! Well, since I'm not in the area of the vehicle ...

Twenty,

Thanks a bunch for your reply! Well, since I'm not in the area of the vehicle it makes it a bit more tough to closely inspect it. But, I have gotten more pics on it and it's got spots of rust on different parts outside of the vehicle. I'm still waiting on the heater situation & whether or not the owner is planning to fix it before selling.

In the meantime, I have been looking at a '77 280 SE, and searched the forums here, but didn't find alot about this model.

In looking at the 280 SE, it's beautiful, but I don't know if I want to go back to gas or a 6 cyl. I was hoping to find a good 300D Turbodiesel, which is a 5 cyl. So, I assume it would be overall more economical than the 280 SE.

Anyone got any insight on a 280 SE and gas consumption?

Thanks again...