I was looking at a 1985 Mercedes-Benz : 300-Series 300SD Turbo Diesel

It has 275000 miles on it,,I guess thats pretty high, but does run really well!

Is this a decent one to buy, or stay away because of the high miles?

It hits high gear a little hard, but nothing major, but he said it is typical of this car to do that?

thanks very much!

 

275000 miles isn't much for a Mercedes diesel. Don't be scared off at those miles as long as the price is reasonable and the car is mechanicaly sound.

That motor (If it has had proper care.) is just getting warmed up.

 

275k miles is high for any car. MB diesel motor is a good long lasting motor, but at such mileage, I am sure heads will need work at some point, and piston rings must be on their way out. You may get another 100k miles out of it or not, depending on the care the car got in the past. Inspect very well.

 

The legendary 5-cylinder 3-liters make 600,000 miles without the problem.
If I remember correctly the one in the museum made 780,000 miles without repair.
At this ages seals and gaskets likes to leak. Check how many have been already replaced.
I believe the model you are looking at is the most reliable car manufactured in 20-th Century.