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!

 

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.
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Triumph speed triple