Hey guys....I took a look at the service records of the 87 300sdl 329,096miles (I mentioned in the previous thread)and the service guys recommend a new tranny..
that was back in 04' the car has been driven very little about 5000miles. Here is what the service tech had to say back in 04'--"Trans shifting erratic after 20-30 min. tested vac modulater it was leaking down. found cap cracked, repl the cap, OK. inspected kickdown system and found the wire to solinoidcut and possibly touching ground, soldered the wires. added fuel to car for extended road test trans was erractic after 40 miles, it would at times not shift 2nd to 3rd and then 3rd to 4th when erratic it would also drop out of 4th to 3rd and 1 time dropped 4th to 2nd. pulled pan for inspection. Found clutch material in the pan and fine gray sludge in pan, cut open filter and found large amount of clutch material. aslo the filter looked like it was being sucked up into the fluid pickup in the V?B. recommend a transmission. Client requests a filter and fluid change. repl. the filter,GKT, seals and fluid. Drained converter, refilled."
OK...so with all that said, it looks like I would need to drop a trans in this upon purchasing. Unless someone knows something this service tech doesn't.(it does have over 300k which I am told is about the time these transmissions go anyway)
I have priced a rebuilt installed with a couple local mechanics ranging from $1600-$2000.
With all that said, the owner is asking $2500. He is the original owner, a real nice guy and is not needing the money(well to do if you know what I mean) I think once I let him know the car needs a major trans overhaul that is going to cost as much as he is asking, he may come down further.
Other details about the vehicle-needs paint, rust spot on drivers door, needs new tires, probably shocks and front end rebuild, rear tail light, and with the exception of the power seats not moving any farther forward-all the electrical appears to be working including the A/C.
Any further advice on trans and what should I be willing to pay the owner for the vehicle??
Kevin

 

well looks like and sounds like that transmission really have some worn out pieces or more than likely it sounds as if the clutch is not disengaging as it should as the transmission shifts causing excess friction and thus the clutch pieces in places where it shouldn't be. As mentioned earlier, this tranny lived a full life and hve nothing to be ashamed of at this point. At this point, the owner might as well drop the price a little to offset the needed repairs. I would try aiming for $1500 area with all the needed work to be done.

Now is that $2500 with the erractic tranny talked about or is that $2500 with both parties knowing the transmission is almost dead?

 

$2500 with buyer not knowing tranny has issues. From the service tech's report the buyer knows there have been somethings wrong with the tranny back in 04' Now whether he remembers the issues or not, I am not sure. The buyer to the best of my knowledge (with me reverences)is a man of character and I don't think he would intentionally try to mislead me. But then again you never know.
You think $1500 is a reasonable offer?

 

Please refer to that other thread where I discussed these issues and how I would handle them, the relative value of the car before/after repairs, etc. Also I provided a link where you can get a rebuilt tranny for $1200.

 

I looked back over your post. When I looked at initially I did not see what you would offer if tranny was toast. Although i did not see the link you spoke of about the rebuild. Can you help me out here???
thanks!

 

You are right on both accounts, my apologies. I think I posted the tranny link on some other thread. Anyway, here it is: http://www.adsitco.com/category.asp?CID=1634&VID=

As far as an offer, you could take market value, (you said $3500?) and subtract a tranny ($1200) plus installation, and maybe ask for something for the paint. If I was selling it I would consider the tranny but the rest would be part of buying used. So if I was the seller I would (based on $3500 book value) probably deduct $1200 for the tranny,or maybe $1500 to help with install, making $2000 my price. The seller may do better or may not budge at all. If I were the buyer (you), I would consider my paint cost and if I need to do it or not. My 300D was very oxidized but I buffed it well with polishing compound and it looks new now. It all depends on what you want. If you want a "showroom" car the you'd probably be better off looking for a cream puff but it'll cost you several thousand more. I always go for the cheaper car so I can attend to as much or little as suits my needs (and wallet). Also then I KNOW what work has been done and it should be good for a long time. But getting the right price is important when you're going to spend more afterward, which leads to my answer to your question. I would offer $2000, I guess, and be sure to tell him I wasn't "insulting" him, but that I had to consider the things mentioned above. I would "go up" to $2500 or maybe more, assuming the car is OK otherwise. It's hard to say without seeing the car, and of course I can only speak for myself. One other thing, if the only rust is the minor door spot, I would tend to be more interested in the car (willing to go higher if necessary). Serious rust is a "no deal" for me unless I get the car for the price of a parts car. I tend to not shy away from problems or work, though - that's me.