So I'm thinking about buying an 84 300D non-turbo for my wife.

I have heard they are sluggish. Is this true? If so can they be tweaked like a Cummins motor by the timing on the IP or fuel screws?

I have read that they will get 24-26MPG around town all day and 30MPG on the highway. Is this true?

Price of the car will be the deciding factor. They guy is ready to scrap it or part it out as it needs rust work, paint, and a motor mount. Added to the fact that it was under water in a flood this past fall.

The oil has been changed as well as the trans fluid since the flood and the mechanic told me there was no water in either.

So what is it worth? $500, $800, $1000? I have seen ones on Craigs list for $1200 in better shape. But they are a good distance away and this one is 8 miles from me.

Any help or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

 

Ok the mechanic didn't know the year for sure, could be an 83. But it's non-turbo for sure. They guy has another one in that shop and it's a turbo.

Could a turbo be added? Or is the compression ratio too high to add forced air, resulting in a blown head gasket?

The water got to the level of the radio inside the car just over the center console. The power windows still work, car fired up after 2 attempts, (hadn't been started in 6 weeks)
The idle speed is too low it rattles the car. But with a slight touch of the peddle it smooths out and purrs nicely. Or it could be the that it needs a motor mount drivers side from a fuel leak. (The reason the car was there in the first place)

Ok I can deal with 21-23 and 25.

Does this car have airbags? I know my step mom's 420 has the SRS electronics on the firewall of the passengers floor. If so half of that would have gotten wet.

Do the vacuum lines run in under the floor mats? The door locks worked too and they are vacuum run correct?

It already has rust that I will be cutting out and welding new metal in. I'm sure it's gonna rust more anyway with the Salt they use on the roads in PA.

They pulled the floor mats out and they are in the trunk, and it's been baking in the sun and 90+* heat all summer. Things are dried out, there is a coating of mud on the floors where the water was, but I didn't see any mold.

It's probably gonna need brake work and maybe new calipers due to the water.

 

Ok thanks for the info. I guess I'll keep looking.