1985 300d Turbo....200k miles...worth???? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hip001 · #1 06-15-2009, 03:38 PM

I found a 1985 300D Turbo with 200k miles for sale. I have not seen it in person yet but the guy claims it is Factory paint, like new insde and out. also says he gets 30mpg most of the time. He also said ebay has sold them for $6000+.
My pain tolerance for a real nice 80's diesel is under $5000 for a SWEET SWEET like new car. I already have a nice 300SDL so my next benz is gonna be a daily driver. please don't FLAME me but maybe even the name which we fear to speak (WVO conversion).

What would be a good price and what to look for in this car when I see it?

Squabble · #2 06-15-2009, 03:47 PM

i got mine for less than $5000 on this forum. 144,000 original, documented miles, pristine interior, MINOR exterior issue (issue, not plural). nothing had to be done to it (but of course i got started doing stuff to it). it's been completely worth it. that said, having owned a WVO W123 before this one, do NOT spend that kind of money if you plan on putting veggie oil through it, just my two cents. you greatly lower the resell value and, again - in my opinion, create more issues for a great car in the long run. get a cheap car to convert and try it out, fix it up if you like it, it's easy enough to do. or, buy that perfect one that's out there waiting for you and run biodiesel through it if you insist on alt. fuels.

just my two cents.

there are long threads on here about what to look for in buying a "new" W123 diesel, do a quick search.

Hip001 · #3 06-15-2009, 04:06 PM

Thanks for the reply! Kinda what I thought too but just thinking out loud! Only reason I was thinking WVO is because of my buddy gives me access to filtered veggie.
I do want to see this car. I suspect I can get it for $4000 ish. would that be a ok price?

UriahT · #4 06-15-2009, 04:07 PM

Gotta agree with Squabble to some extent. Don't buy a perfect example and plan on running wvo through it. I don't imply that you haven't read how to do it the right way. Just that the resale value of a wvo car will never be as high as one that has been untampered with.
A 200k mile sedan should never go for anywhere near 6k. A wagon or coupe in near mint condition could go for that much with 200k, but never a sedan.
For 4k, you should be able to buy one with working a/c, extensive service records and some major maintenance items already done (ie. rear axles, front end rebuild, a/c rebuild, etc). Florida has a glut of these cars without rust in good condition. A good service history is more important than miles. And while cosmetics can get expensive, its much better to buy a car in great mechanical shape and a few niggling cosmetic issues than one that looks great but has some mechanical problems on the horizon.

There's lots of threads detailing what to look for, but being in Florida, make sure the car has remained a southern car. Rust is one of the few things that 'kill' a W123. Better to have to replace an engine than deal with a car with serious floor pan rust. ANY rust you can see plainly is the tip of the iceberg.

Hip001 · #5 06-15-2009, 04:16 PM

Thank you guys for your help. I may back off of this car since he seems to be priced too high. Well, I may go look at it for reference. I really kinda wanted a 240D 4spd just simply for the mileage factor as a commuter. Pierre told me that the 300D Turbo can get close to 30mpg when dialed in.

TheDon · #6 06-15-2009, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hip001

Thank you guys for your help. I may back off of this car since he seems to be priced too high. Well, I may go look at it for reference. I really kinda wanted a 240D 4spd just simply for the mileage factor as a commuter. Pierre told me that the 300D Turbo can get close to 30mpg when dialed in.

ehhhhhh you have to try really really hard

::matthew · #7 06-15-2009, 04:55 PM

define "close"

kingdoc1 · #8 06-15-2009, 05:49 PM

My 1982 300D consistently gets 28mpg. (on the highway)

marybeth · #9 06-15-2009, 09:01 PM

$6K is way too much for a MB-if you intent to convert to WVO. My wifes 1985 300D which has been running on WVO for a few years & was her daily driver, is up for sale at $3900(+/-). The wife has a hybrid now. Her 300D had a new paint job but looks and runs great.

However $3900 was the same price I sold my father in laws 1984 300D WVO converted. (We are talking a PROPER conversion-Flate Plate Heat exchanger, Tube in hose, Custom WVO tank 28 gallon, etc-not some one tank or junky conversion that will trash your engine) a while back.

Be patient for a good MB at a reasonable price and if going WVO spend the time/funds for a conversion that gets WVO up to proper temp (160F+)and + Filter, filter filter and dewater, dewater dewater your WVO.

brownrice78 · #10 06-15-2009, 10:39 PM

You should be able to get a great 4 door W123 for about $3500 with no rust issues, working AC, good service records and that looks/runs good!..these cars are a dime a dozen among old Mercs.

seanarcher · #11 06-15-2009, 11:05 PM

i sware i was getting 30mpg on the highway from a 123 turbo.....i had the car on cruise and set at 55-57....you are not going to get 30mpg once you get over 60.i would put money on it.....if you want mpg then get a 4cyl diesel
a car is worth what anyone is willing to pay.you can find a lower price than that though for now......

argus445 · #12 06-16-2009, 03:52 AM

wow cant say 6K i'd have to see a nearly perfect car. mines for sale for around what i bought it for $4500 especially if your even considering a WVO project i've seen tons of w123 on the cheap seems like ppl who dont know anything about them want like $500 dollars to get the junk outta they're yards.. and ppl who love them wanna keep them even when they dont lol

Hip001 · #13 06-17-2009, 02:54 PM

Boils down to lil under 4k. But I got a lil Maintenance to do to it. Valve adjust, vacuum valve for the AC center vents, and one rear window regulator. Car is in excellent shape inside and out so I bought it for a commuter.

rrgrassi · #14 06-17-2009, 03:55 PM

It's like driving a nice handling lounge chair. Keep the 300. ou will be glad you did.

Hip001 · #15 06-17-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanarcher

i sware i was getting 30mpg on the highway from a 123 turbo.....i had the car on cruise and set at 55-57....you are not going to get 30mpg once you get over 60.i would put money on it.....if you want mpg then get a 4cyl diesel
a car is worth what anyone is willing to pay.you can find a lower price than that though for now......

Maybe I'll try a trip keeping it under 57mph. That will be a good test! Only thing is AC on FULL blast in this heat! I will let you know what I find out by sunday. Taking it to Sanford/Orlando Sat. Depending on which roads I take, 57mph might get my happy a$$ rear ended

The new Black windows will shield me from the hand and finger jestures!! LOL!

I only had one motorist (Getto Punk) get me mad enough to get out of the car. Once I stopped opend my door and stood my 6'3" self up he rolled up his windows and locked his doors!! I never laughed so hard!!