Hello dieselheads,

I am a long time german car fan. First car i ever drove was a 1971 280 se. still have it but gotta get some parts... anyhow i have found a 1985 300D automatic. The guy's wife told me it has about 100k on it, AC needs a charge (and more probably) runs good. It is about 2 hours from me so i am going to look at it closer this weekend. The paint is a little faded in some spots but the body looks pretty good overall. Interior seats a cracked in a few spots but nothing major that i can see. It may be a euro spec car because of the license plate holder. and it has a sunroof.

he is asking $2000. I am hoping to get it for $1000-1500 bones knowing ill need to fix the AC and no telling what else.

Thoughts from the experts? and what should i look for and at when i look at it up close?

 

Best to get under the Car and look for Rust (for sure look at the Rear suspension Trailing Arms; rust holes), Cracking rear CV Axle Boots, look at the Rubber Flexx Discs that take the place of U-Joints and the Oil Cooler Hoses (on US Cars on the drivers side).

Ask for records of any work done (see if they have been having the Valves Adjusted) and see of the odometer is working.

Roll all of the Windows up and down. Windows that are noisy of jump/jerk up and down when they are moving are a good indication of Window Regulator issues. In particular the frame/plate on the Rear Window regulators is made out of metal similar to the metal Carburetors are made of and the bend and warp.

 

Thanks for the replies. I am aware it is non turbo. What kind of mpg can I expect from this car.

I'll say it is wayyyy out in the country in Arkansas. I think that's part of the reason it is priced like that.

Does being a euro model make t harder or more expensive to get parts?

 

ugh, i thought 30+ mpg for the diesels? would you pick it up or no? i just love these old cars and i am selling my personal car. I just need something to putt around in once or twice a week. but i really hoped for something that gets 30+ mpg because i live about 30 -45 minutes from memphis so most of my trips are over that way.

 

i love how you put that. Ill try to scoop it for for $1500 then.

i found a little blue 1985 300TD in much better looking shape with 222k on the clock. i think he wants about $4000. Freshly rebuilt turbo. Im going to try to get that one to keep. love the dark blue plus it has the turbo which will make driving it only slightly more bearable as i am coming from an S4 and A4 with stage II and all supporting mods.