1985 300D / W123 Turbo Diesel - LOW MILEAGE, 2ND OWNER, NO RESERVE!

Description

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbo Diesel

BACKGROUND -- IT'S PERSONAL:

This is my first car. I am the SECOND OWNER. When I was 16 my Dad and I were listening to Car Talk and a caller asked Click and Clack what car he should get his son, who was soon turning 16.The Tappit Brothersrecommended aMercedes Benz 300D. My dad leaned over to me and said, "That's what I'm going to get you." Being the obnoxious 16 year-old I was, I responded, "Oh yeah, right. I would NEVER drive that!!!"

Needless to say, I've been driving this car since I was 16. That was 16 years ago.

This car has been my primary means of transportation ever since. I have driven it regularly and on long-distance trips, including from Miami to New York.It's dependable as hell. Butas with any car 31 years old, it's beginning to show its age.

I hate to give it up. This car is as old as I am, and in some ways it's holding up better. I will probably regret selling it. But I moved to New York in February and cannot justify keeping it, especially when insurance in the City runs $150/month.

JOIN THE CULT:

If you're reading this, you probably know of the enthusiast following behind this car. They're one of the most well-built and durable cars -- ever.This is the last year of Mercedes' W123 model line, which was its most successful.It's not uncommon to see them with more than 300,000 miles. Mine has only 217,000. I have maintained the engine well, changing the oil regularly, at least every 5,000 miles.

As you'll see in the vehicle history report the car was in a minor accident. When I was 17 I slightly rear-ended someone, bending the front left fender. Thankfully it required only some body work, nothing mechanical, and the car has been running great for the last 15 years.

LOCATION:

This car has lived in Princeton, NJ for the last year. For the previous five years it lived in Washington, D.C., and for the previous 10 years it lived in North Carolina. Clean title. The car is currently in Princeton, where I'm a master's student. It is registered in NJ.

THE GOOD:

New battery (less than 1 year old), new voltage regulator (2 years old), Michelin radial tires with good tread, great transmission (never had a problem), 6-disc CD changer in the trunk, European-style headlights (rare, special-ordered from Germany), automatic doors & locks, automatic sunroof (works great), blue interior with no cuts or holes in theupholstery, original floor mats.

THE BAD (ITEMS SHOWING THEIR AGE):
A number of items need attention, most of which will be easy fixes.Several of these issues stem from what is likely a small leak in the vacuum system, which controls many features and is a common issue with these cars. If you fix that, you'll fix several of the issues below.I'm including every single issue with the car to be fully transparent:

-- The following don't work currently: A/C & heat (the heat worked great until last year); cruise control; fuel gauge (I use the trip meter to determine when to fill up); radio console.

-- There is a bit of rust in 1-2 of the rear wheel wells and a 1.5-foot by 3-inch patch of rust under the passenger seat(see pic), none of which is outwardly visible.

-- The left headlight has a hairline crack but functions perfectly.

-- The passenger window sometimes requires you to flip the switch repeatedly for it to go up (has only started happening in the last year).

-- The glove compartment door sometimes won't stay closed; you have to latch it carefully.

-- Some of the finish on the woodhas chipped offon the console between the front seats.

-- You have to slam the passenger door for it to fully close.

-- Sometimes (1/5 times) the engine will not immediately die when you turn off the car; it'll take another 10-15 seconds to shut off (vacuum system issue).

--Occasionallya low-volume whining sound will emerge from the instrument panel. Its pitch is correlated with the tachometer. I think this could be a vacuum system issue as well.

-- The rubber trim for the front bumper and right rear door needs to be reattached (I have them).

-- The car could stand to be painted (the roof looks like the top of the trunk -- see photo).

This list looks long, but again, most are relatively easy fixes.Mechanically, the car runs great. And with the exception of the rust under the passenger seat, the body is in great shape.

TERMS:

--I'm not willing to ship the car, but I will drive it up to ~100 miles to meet you.

--I reserve the right to cancel bids from members with excessive negative feedback.

--I'm more than happy to answer any questions I didn't cover. Shoot me an email!

Thanks for looking. And again, don't hesitate to shoot me questions.

-Stephen

stephen.lassiter@gmail.com