This will be my third Mercedes Diesel. I currently have a 83 240D. Went to look this 1981 300SD this morning. Car was almost in fair condition on the border of being rough. Mileage on body was 401,000 miles. Owner told me the engine had been replaced at around 200,000 miles. From what I saw the car had these issues: paint oxidized, interior messy, tires bald, needs lots of cosmetics. Issues are as follows as far as the owner told me: vacuum pump not working(brakes, ignition cut off switch), two power windows not working, a/c or heat not working, sunroof not working, transmission fluid leak, minor dent on drivers rear, broken gas pedal. Drove the car and the turbo wound up good, the oil pressure was good, car started cold very well. I don't expect this to be a gem or anything based on the age and miles and the issues this car has don't scare me away a bit. The seller of this car is asking $1,200 firm. I bought an 83 SD from a friend years ago for $500 in better shape than this one. I need some opinions from folks about what I may offer for this car or what it may be worth. I am sort of waiting in the wings to see if this person actually sells this car for $1,200.