Considering 1984 300SD w/348K- general info needed - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

86560SEL · #1 05-12-2003, 10:52 PM

Hello all. I may have posted this a couple of weeks ago- but not sure. For sale locally is a gray 1984 Mercedes 300SD turbo diesel, with 348K, that I am considering. Car has a $1588. price on the windshield. I have not driven the car, but I did look at it and here are some things about the car- It is 100% rust free, which is not unusual for a southern car. I lifted the driverside front carpeting and the floor is like new underneath. There are no dents that I could see, but the paint on the hood, top and trunk is badly faded and clearcoat is gone on those areas. Interior is good, aside from a hole on the driver seat back and the bottom of the passenger side seat has the "warped"/"sagging" look to it, which is something I have seen on other older Mercedes, so many will probably know what I am talking about. I guess the springs are bad in that seat. Rear seat looks good. I also noticed that the driverside window was down a little and it was just "setting" there. I was able to push the glass back up, as if nothing was holding the window in place. Perhaps it if off of the track? The car also has later model wheels on it off of a 1986-1991 Mercedes. I called about the car one day, but the owner at the lot was lot was not there, and person there knew nothing about the car and I have not called back yet. Hopefully, it is a very good running car. I am wanting to buy the car to only use as a work car, but with these miles, if it is at the end of the road, I do not want to pay $1588 for it. I know these cars typically last a long time, but what is the average mileage a Mercedes diesel of the 1980s will last? I have seen several 300SD's on E-Bay, with well over 300K still running well, so I am not sure. With these miles, what should I check aside from leaks, excessive knock, or transmission shifts? Is this a good deal, if the car runs decent, or should I pass this car up with these miles?
I talked to the owner today and they said the car runs good and for $1500, it was a good car. They said they would take $1500 for it, but I think if I offered $1300 they would accept it. I am guessing it should be worth $1500 if it runs good? Any info/advice appreciated.

95E320cab · #2 05-12-2003, 11:29 PM

I think $1,500 is about the end of the road as far as depreciation for any car that runs. After that point, you get cars that don't run. If it were me, not knowing anything about diesels at all, I would look for a gas car. At least I could change the spark plugs.

For that money, and for the purpose you intend, I'd personally go find myself a 150,000 mile Accord or Civic. I would mind the little things that were wrong with the car a lot less than if my expectations were higher for a MB.

One opinion.

86560SEL · #3 05-12-2003, 11:59 PM

I am also guessing that for $1500. it may well be worn out, especially with 348K. About getting a gas Mercedes- I am also considering a 1986 Mercedes 560SEL with 124K for $4500. Perhaps $4000. But I did not want to pay $4000. just for a work car. But I may buy it anyway and use it as a work car. I have also considered an Accord or Camry, as both are good cars- I have owned both in the past and would not mind having another. I just want a Mercedes for a change.
Thanks.

1992 Buick Park Avenue 4dr (3800 V6)- FOR SALE
1995 Chrysler Concorde 4dr (3.5L V6)- FOR SALE
1989 Pontiac Grand Safari 4dr wagon (5.0L V8)
1972 Pontiac Grand Ville 4dr (possibly buying as collector car)

Jason Beal · #4 05-13-2003, 12:09 AM

Maybe it had a rebuild somwhere along the line? Have you spoken to the owner in detail about the car yet, or just peaked in the window?

It is high miles. But if it seemed ok (to me) and I was seriously interested I'd offer the guy something low low like 800 bucks. But I throw out lowballs all the time.

I personally would not buy a car with that many miles for that price. I think you could get a cool 300d or 240d for 1500 with around 200k on it. You could pick up a real nice Civic too for that price, but I understand wanting a Benz.

It would be cool to own a car that was still going with that many miles on it. But for me I wouldn't want to buy it at that point.

BENZ-LGB · #5 05-13-2003, 01:38 AM

I used to own a 1984 300SD. I sold it at nearly 300k for $5,000.00. Almost from the moment that I saw it drive off my driveway I regretted selling it.

That was more than 3 years ago. From time to time I still see it on the road (I sold it to the dad of my one of my kids' friends). He is totally happy with his Benz, faded paint and all. He totally loves the car!

Moral of the story is: one's person "throw-way" is another person's happiness. (Not that my cart was a "throw-away").

If you like the car, have it checked by a mechanic that you trust, have the mechanic give it a thorough check-up and ask him to draw a three-column list. Column A, things that need to be done immediately, Column B, things that will need to be done within the next 6 months and Column C things that are not immediately necessary, but will make the car the little jewel that you want it to be. Then add up all three lists. If the totals from Column A & B are more than your budget allows for, then pass up on the car.

A 20 year old car can be a money pit. A 20 year old Mercedes, however, is a CLASSIC!

As far as gas vs. diesel, diesel engines are far longer-lived than gas cars, they are also simpler because they have fewer parts and the engine block is sturdier. In many states diesels do not have to be "smogged" That's something to consider.

RickM · #6 05-13-2003, 12:36 PM

Sound advice from all the above members.

My 2 cents... It's pretty much a given that Mercedes diesels last a LONG time. Aren't they used as taxis in Europe? Racking up hundreds of thousands of miles?

In any case, the engine is not the only consideration. For example the suspension components and other "sub systems" will most likely need servicing if not done already. Your best move is to get a qualified mechanic to do a PPI...it'll be worth the money. And if I were you I'd offer $1000....remember not many people are going to be in the market for a car with 384k miles...use that to your advantage. You can use the $500-$800 to get the car in order.

Best of luck!

BTW, If you get it please post pics...I'd love to see it.

86560SEL · #7 05-14-2003, 12:09 AM

Thanks for the additional replies. I actually phoned the other car lot about the other Mercedes I was considering- a 86 560SEL again today and the price is now $5500 according to the lot, instead of the $4900- possibly $4500, like I was told before. I am not even going to consider that car. I do not like them increasing the price on the car. Some good news, is the 1982 Mercedes 300SD on E-bay that I was going to bid on is possibly for sale again. The high bidder has not responded to the e-mails the seller has sent. It went for $1650, so I guess I can buy it for that. The car is 400 miles away though and it is going to cost $400 to transport it here. It has less miles @ 309K and is supposed to run excellent. Body good, with minor rust spot around the gas cover and some clearcoat starting to peel, other than that- paint it still shiny. Car is dark burgundy, with cream color interior. The carpeting needs to be cleaned and the seats are a little worn and the top of the back seat has a couple of holes. Other than that- is supposed to be a good car, with no leaks, no oil burning, and good transmission. My dad is trying to discourage me from buying a Mercedes because of high parts costs. He knows they are reliable, but he says they are $$$$ to fix when broken. Seems like most newer cars are expensive to repair. If I bought the 82, I would have $2150 invested in it, if I bought it for $1650 and transported it. I could always get it myself, but I am not going to have the time to get it. Thanks again for all of the info.

Jason Beal · #8 05-14-2003, 12:22 AM

See if the owner will have a mechanic go through it before you purchase it.

86560SEL · #9 05-14-2003, 12:43 AM

Well, the seller claims it is a good car. Not sure how I could know if a mechanic checked it for sure. Actually, my uncle lives where the car is located, so I am going to try to get him to check it out for me. Good thing is- he knows about Mercedes deisels, as he had one before. That may be my best bet.

vwbuge · #10 05-14-2003, 12:48 AM

I would not touch anything with that kind of mileage without any service records. If service records are there (car is "kept up") 300k is nothing.

Jason Beal · #11 05-14-2003, 12:49 AM

Ditto.

Records and have a mechanic give it a clean bill of health.

86560SEL · #12 05-14-2003, 02:22 PM

This really sounds discouraging. I think I may reconsider and buy a 150K-200K mile Camry or Accord for around $2K. Even considered buying a Lexus LS400. I really do not want to pay much just for a work car and when I buy my new auto this summer, it is going to be a truck or SUV. Few people have said that they have seen 150K-190K 300SD selling for around $2K, but I have not seen any. The ones I have seen with those miles are $3000+. They someone said they had a 300SD with nearly 300K that they sold for almost $5000.

*About the 82 that I am considering - even if I asked the seller to have it checked, I do not know for sure that it was actually checked. When you buy a used car- it is a risk anyway. Even a low mile, well kept car can possibly have or soon develop a problem. I asked about the records and the seller said that he only has the records since he has had it- which is only a few years. I think/hope my uncle may be able to tell if it is a good car, as he knows about cars and he also owned a Mercedes diesel for a few years. I just cannot make a 5 hour drive just to look at the condition of a car. I asked again about the rust spot the seller mentioned and he said the only rust is on the one rear panel below the gas cover. The car is a original southern car, so the car should be fine. I asked several times about the trunk pan and floor boards. He said all were fine. If I were able to pick up the car myself, that would save $400 and I would have $1600. in the car. I think this would be a better deal on this car, since it has less miles and better paint. Hopefully I will know more this evening.

Jason Beal · #13 05-14-2003, 04:21 PM

I would say offer to have it inspected on your money. Most people would be good with that. Probably run around 50-75 bucks. I don't want to discourage you but there are many things to consider on any used car. They are wonderful cars, anbody here will attest to that. But a compression test and a good look underneath may uncover major problems down the road. Or it may just show you little things you'll have to address a few months later. I've seen cars that looked great, but once they were up on a lift the tech pointed out frame damage etc. You just never know.

86560SEL · #14 05-14-2003, 06:46 PM

I know. I guess for $1600. I may take the risk. I have bought worse cars than that for $1600 before. Actually, here is a 84 300SD on E-Bay, currently @ $1876. "Buy it now" is $4500. This car may have a new transmission, but overall, it is in worse shape than the 82 I am interested in and this car also has more miles. I do not think it will sell no where near the "buy it now" though. I am going to at least run a car fax report on the Mercedes.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2414663466&category=6330&rd=1

Jason Beal · #15 05-14-2003, 06:57 PM

Good luck with your car search.