Hey,
I found a 1981 Mercedes Benz 300D that I would like to buy. It has a busted front windshield, busted Front Passenger Window, broken rear door handel, flat tire, some mild rust spots, and is real dirty, it dose run though. I was wondering how much I should offer for it?

It also has 150000 miles on it.

Also, are all 300d's turbo diesels? Or just some of them? I think it could be a beutiful car.

Thanks,
Ben Hunter

 

Look at the book value, I think it's going to be on the order of $500. Subtract reconditioning costs. Windshield will set you back about USD 250-350. Window I don't know but you can probably find used. With what you cite (dirty, rusty) it probably needs brakes, shocks, tires, change of all fluids, coolant hoses and vacuum connectors. If you have to pay someone to do the work, the value is now below zero. If you will do your own work you need only pay the cost of the parts...

The "book" value assumes a marketplace of people who have no intrinsic attachment to the vehicle. If you want one of these cars, it may have more value to you. I paid $800 for an '82 240D recently. About 200K miles. No rust. Not dirty. Paint oxidized on hood, trunk & roof. Needed new tires, windshield, shocks and still needs work on the vacuum system (leaks badly when drivers door unlocked). May need brake pads soon they are cheap and I do brakes. Runs great. I think I got a good deal.