Purchasing Advice: '75 240D DIESEL

[d2e]

Hello! I'm new to MBs, have never owned one and seeking some advice on purchasing one.

I'm looking for a reliable, yet inexpensive vehicle that will go many miles. I've been talking with someone selling a 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240D DIESEL. Hopefully someone here can answer my questions!

My questions are:

-What's the most I should offer for the vehicle? They want $3000, I'm going for half that, given that I've seen pristine MBs like this model for a bit less.

Here's the scoop on the vehicle:

This car had only 1 owner and is blue; all original parts are on vehicle; has 173,000 original miles; garage kept; reupholstered cloth driver's seat (leather elsewhere is in great condition); carpeting in great condition and have been covered since purchase; rust on bottom of both rocker panels; rust around the left front headlight housing, some bubbles along passenger side bottom rear quarter as well as surface bubbles along the rear quarter fender lips; appears to be mechanically sound (I have not had an inspection done yet, this is just what the seller says); came with AC but the belt has been off for years (I don't know what this means -does it mean the AC doesn't work?); all other parts of vehicle is in great or excellent condition.

-Is this indeed a 4 cyl or 6 cyl engine in this model year? The seller (who's not the owner) says it's a 4 cyl, but admit he doesn't know alot about this type of vehicle. I just want to be sure. If it's 4 cyl, will it be good on diesel consumption?

-If the seller agrees to my price, where should I have a mechanical diagnosis done? By a MB dealer or import car specialist?

-If I purchase this car, is it going to be "expensive" to maintain, meaning, to do oil changes, tune-ups, etc.? What should I expect to spend on normal maintenance?

-Where can I get info with the VIN since it's this is a classic? Can't do a Carfax check, although the seller says the car has never been in an accident.

-What questions should I ask the owner that may make or break me from buying it?

Thank you in advance everyone, as I know this is alot to ask. It's just that I want to know what I'm facing in thinking of buying this car!

d2e

 

[d2e]

Anyone? Maybe you can direct me elsewhere for answers? :?:

Thanks.

 

[dieselman]

Hi

I can't answer the price question as you are in the states and I'm in the UK.

With all cars the most important thing to look for is rust. If the car has cosmetic rust then budget for some repair work, if the rust is in structural components then have this checked out before buying.

The best place to have the car checked would be a Mercedes specialist garage as they see them all the time.

For your information the 240D is probably the most reliable Mercedes ever built. It will go on and on, but slowly.
173,000 miles is nothing. Many of these cars have covered at least double that mileage and a number treble. Fuel economy should be well into the thirties for a US Gallon.

Servicing should be relatively cheap as not much is required other than oil changes and filters here and there.

If the car starts from cold and drives ok, without feeling loose or vague then it is probably a safe bet mechanically.

The air con drive belt will render the air-con redundant. Ask why the belt was removed.

Try the newsgroup "alt.autos.mercedes" for info from stateside.

 

[d2e]

Hello Dieselman,

Thanks kindly for your reply. I am waiting to speak with the last two service centers that has maintained this vehicle over the years for the owner.

One was a MB dealer and the other a local mechanic. Monday is the day I'll speak with both.

Also, I have posted to the alt newsgroup you've suggested. I got back one reply so far, which pretty much said I was crazy for even considering this car but it seems like a decent vehicle in my opinion, until I speak with the mechanics. There are about 10 others wanting this same vehicle as well, so I guess we're all crazy.

I will definitely ask about the A/C belt and why it was removed. I'll ask about the rust that was mentioned on the vehicle.

If after speaking with the two mechanics I get good feedback, then my goal is to have it looked over thoroughly, by one of these places or the type of place you've recommended.

Thanks for your time and advice on this!

D2E