Contemplatnig 84 300SD

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Contemplatnig 84 300SD

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Mercedes Forum >> Mercedes Benz Models >> Diesel Discussions >> Contemplatnig 84 300SD

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Contemplatnig 84 300SD - 1/2/2008 6:48:06 PM

BigFatGeek

Posts: 1
Joined: 1/2/2008
Status: offline

Hello -

I may have the option of buying an 84 300SD from a co-worker's uncle. Original owner (now in his late 70s), low miles (100k) and garage kept. Best of all, he's asking $6k for it - as he doesn't drive it anymore.

Supposedly it's in very nice shape, always serviced by an MB tech. However, (and they're always a hitch), it's also about 900 miles away.

If I decide to investigate further, I'll definitely pay to have it looked over by a mechanic to get a full report.

Why am I interested in this monster?

1. I don't drive my WRX enough to justify having this super-fun car sitting in my garage depreciating. It's only got 42k on it - and I drove it all of 2400 miles last year as I commute to work by bike.

2. I'm getting kind of bored with my car. Don't get me wrong, I love the car. It's silly fast and handles well (polar opposite of a 300SD). Plus snow tires on an AWD car is a hoot in the winter.

3. I enjoy giving cars cosmetic restorations. The basic stuff, full details and then personalizing it a bit with a better stereo, huge wing (I kid, I kid

). Again, the WRX looks and drives perfect.

4. It'd be nice to take the leftover money from the sale of the WRX and put it aside (for a future toy?)

5. I used to work as a porter/car washer/sometime detailer at an MB/Audi/Porsche dealership (Ed Mathieu Imports, Chicago Hts IL) in the late 80s and always liked the W126 and W124 MBs.

6. Premium ain't cheap, but that's not a major issue (again, 2400 miles per year means I'm filling my car up every 6 weeks or so).

So, I'm asking you Benz fans what you think. If the car is all it's cracked up to be - clean and sound - does $6k sound good? I did a little searching on Autotrader to see what diesel S-classes of this vintage are going for. This price seems more than fair.

Thanks!

Post #: 1

RE: Contemplatnig 84 300SD - 1/4/2008 4:09:14 AM

ForcedInduction

Posts: 893
Joined: 5/20/2006
From: Federal Heights, Colorado
Status: offline

If it really is as described (i.e. NO rust) then $6000 is a good deal. A 300SD with 100K miles could easily go for $6-7000 on eBay, up to $10,000 if it is very well advertised and they get a sucker to bite.

At those prices the ~$100 for a thorough prepurchase inspection is very well worth it.

_____________________________

1980 240D 3.0VNT 222K Miles. OM617.95, GT2256V VNT turbo, 4-speed manual, 3.46 diff, 15mm rear swaybar, ALDA removed, no EGR and Amsoil by-pass oil filter. Currently 107HP and 195lb/ft of torque at the wheels.

www.youtube.com/Turbo617

(in reply to BigFatGeek)

Post #: 2

RE: Contemplatnig 84 300SD - 1/11/2008 7:09:05 PM

paddo

Posts: 42
Joined: 12/20/2007
Status: offline

I wouldn't say the 300SD handles poorly at all. AT first it feels subjectively clunky and ungainly as *if* it would handle poorly, but actually put it to the test round corners and you may be very surprised. Just takes getting used to.
Power - yeah wouldn't argue with you there.

(in reply to BigFatGeek)

Post #: 3