I am looking at a 1983 300D in great condition. One owner, 155K miles, all service records available, bio-diesel available nearby.
No major work has been done on the car since about 2001. Anything I should be aware of that may be a big ticket item on this age/model in the near future? Owner is asking $5000 which seems high to me.
I'm just afraid I may be putting out a bunch of money in the near future for who knows what?
Anything I should watch for? Be aware of? Advice?
Thanks!

 

I bought a ’93 300D, with a cold running problem, if you try out the car when it’s warm it performs well, if you try it when it’s very cold it has no power at all and barley gets up to walking speed for 200 300 yards then it picks up, so I advise try it when it’s cold.
Other than this I like the car, it’s a nice car to drive.

 

Well diesels are hot now and days and that owner might know that. Well besides the normal old car things, just make sure it's well kept. And if you notice something that feels like it's about to fail, it probably will fail, at the most inconvient time. And that means repairs. But if this car was well maintained, 155K on the clock means this engine is barely broken in.

 

It is a good deal providing it is in really good shape all around....my 1983 300D TD has 320,000 miles and is the fastest diesel in Atlanta.....155 is very low milage.

 

I also own a 1983 300d wtih about 280.000 on it and the car runs better than any of my cars.. I love driving it.. great milage.. The kids love it also.. Good luck in your search.. my only it would be to find one that has been serviced regular if so it will run forever.

 

I am looking at a 1981 300SD with 195k and was told to really have the transmission looked over as the pre 1985 Mercs had unreliable trannys... is this true? Should I be leary or pay special attention to the tranny in the car... btw they want $4500.00 for the car... as long as it checks out and everything works I think this is a fair price... how bout you all?

My 1st car was a 77 240D and I miss the old Merc... love the W126 bodys.

 

I have never heard of the unreliable pre-85 trans though both of my 126's are post 85 but thats cause i like the newer style.