1980 300SD 220,000-What to offer?

Prices for running Mercedes diesels can vary from $500 to $10,000 (the higher being a pristine example of course). Just saw a 300TD wagon sell for $19,400 with 155K. Average price of a very clean 300 SD with good interior, good paint, no rust, good running engine with 200,000 miles would be $3500 to $5000. Make a list of everying that needs work and put a price on the fix. Paint could be $2000, climate control could be $800, new glow plugs $150, etc. etc. etc. Then show the owner the list. Don't expect the owner to cover all the repairs. Lets say the repair total is $3000 - you suggest a 60 percent deduction in valve. So if you explain car is worth $4000 and repair deduction would be $1800 - you feel comfortable offering $2200. That way the owner wont feel like you are trying to steal the car from them. I have used this technique many times with great success.Kent

Just picked it up today ! Idles a little rough but runs like a champ. My only advise on making an offer to a buyer is to check the car out thouroghly and find out what the seller is considering before you mention a price. I have had more than a few sellers quote me a price well below what I was figuring on spending so let her do the talking. Also make nice conversation like your her friend or family. Make small talk like it's not even business your there for. That usually opens up warmer negotiations. Best of luck ! Goin' Bio....diesel that is !

Thanks for the advice. I plan to visit her and the car early next week. I do know where she has the car serviced (non-dealer MB shop). She actually told me one of the mechanics came to her house and helped her start the car last week during cold weather.

Short update - more to come; all windows(including sunroof)and door locks work great, paint needs wax and buff, rocker panels need replacing/repairing due to rust and hanging paint, back seat is shot (foam exposed on upper back and bottom will need rebuilding) front seats need covers and possibly rebuilding of springs. climate control: some heat, ac supposedly blows cold, in summer; use vise grips to clamp big hose into servo and unplug something plan to drive car and take to 3rd party MB non-dealer shop for inspection/compression test. assuming all goes well with insepection (engine compartment looks nice, car starts smoothly, lots of oil pressure) i am thinking $1250-$1500 as stated in Kent's book, climate control is an issue. Anyone had luck with going the digital route?

You know how I feel about rust. What you see can often be just the tip of the rustberg.... If the car has been subject to road salt every time you go to work on the chassis and suspension you will suffer.. Just my humble opinion of course.

Just to update the group, the little old lady with the 1980 300SD decided she did not want to sell car. I ended up purchasing a 1985 300D turbo with 241,500 miles. I have logged about 700 miles in the car, great ride! Now I know what really needs repairing, just as Kent mentioned in his 75 MPH book. So look for lots of posts regarding questions and WVO.