My 1985 300TD has just under 300k miles on it, I've don a lot of work to it over the 7 ears I've owned it. I cant quite keep up with all the smaller things, mostly cosmetic. Rust is getting bad on rear hatch, probably not worth repairing and simply better to replace whole hatch.
But it still runs great, and is our daily driver. We've put on many many miles going from the Prairies to the East Coast several times, and other long trips.

I've really grown to like this car. I have it riding on WVO as well.

Someone is selling an 1984 300TD same color and by a preliminary view, its in much better cosmetic shape than mine and has many less miles. Probably 150K less. Its also been converted with a WVO system although different model than mine.

Any thoughts as to what I would be sacrificing with leaving behind the 1985 for a 1984? I know it quite well now. Vacuum system, SLS etc... what are the major differences?

Owner is asking about $5000 Canadian. I bought mine for the same in US$, seven years ago...

I need to act fast I think, and want to hear what others would do if in my position.

If the car is in better condition, you might consider it. However, as you know it's really easy to muck up a car with a poor WVO system or with gross WVO poured into the tank. I'd be very cautious when dealing with anyone else's greased cars.

Also, when it comes to these cars sometimes the devil you know is better than the one you don't know. I'd give a real good inspection for anything funky with that WVO system.

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'84 190D 2.2 5MT (Red/Palomino) Current car. Love it!
'85 190D 2.2 Auto *Cali* (Blue/Blue) *sold*
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Tough choice .

In 1985 the tranny and final drive ratios were shuffled resulting it much more seat of the pants motoring enjoyment . they're very popular .

Seven years ago , old Mercedes Diesel were hot , now not so much so for $5 it'd better be pretty nice .

If it's rust free and you're willing to chase all the little things again go for it other wise , buy a nice rust free hatch out of the U.S.A.'s South West area , paint and install it then get busy chasing those remaining little things on your current ride .

I recently looked at an '85 Diesel Coupe in beige that looked very nice and went like a rocketship (rust free California model) with a trashed interior , I wasn't able to get a firm price out of the seller (my local Mercedes Mechanic) so I gave up on it in spite of my Diesel Coupe needing paint and minor rust repair and will continue to keep up fixing my '84 300CD .

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-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

I would put the $5k into my car & not get another project. If you want to look at numbers, which car would be better? Your car + $5k or the other car + what you could sell yours for? I'm getting tired of having so many projects because there are some on the list that have been there for years and are no closer to finished.

Does anyone want to buy a 1976 Bayfield 23 sailboat with trailer? It's currently in Nashville but plays well in lake Michigan winds.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.