I recently decided to graduate from my '05 Honda Accord hybrid to a Mercedes diesel in order to run bio-diesel. I suspect the next step will be a WVO conversion, but I'm a baby-stepper at best. Needless to say, my price point appears to put me in the market for a 1995-99 MB 300TD w/ anywhere from 140K to 225K miles. Although I know that diesel engines are far more durable than gas, I’m still am a bit un-nerved by the high mileage. Notwithstanding the diesel engine, I assume the rest of the car contains the same components that show up in all MB cars (electric, computer, brakes, etc.) and will have suffered the beating of 140+ miles. Never having owned an MB before, any info people can share about what to look out for at the dealer’s when assessing a particular car would be great. Any anecdotal stories on how long people have run their MB's and what some common problems are would also be great.

THANKS!

 

The dealers who will have any MB on their lot with 140K+ miles will fall somewhere between slim and none. I would not recommend you buy "any old MB" from an auction or Joe's Used Car Lot. My best advice would be to buy an issue of Auto Trader, or look on eBay, and get one from a private owner. Also, try to get a pampered one-owner with the service records.

 

Thanks for the insights Musikmann.

Actually, the dealers I was referring to came directly from posts on AutoTrader.com. Both (one in PA and the other in NY) claim to have certified mechanics doing once overs on the car. What's more, one actually deals almost exclusively in used MB's while the other specializes in European cars. Nevertheless, I think your idea about getting service records is a great one.

 

No problem, and it sounds like you are on the right track - Good Luck, and welcome to the forum!

 

Bought and sold lots of cars,never off ebay,seen to many people burned.Autotrader is good,also I found our 99 e320 wagon in mint condition for 9500 on craigslist.Flew down to san diego checked it out and drove it back north.If you are seriously looking and willing to fly or have an inspection co. look at it,try this cool program someone wrote --go to craizedlist.org and enter the region you want searched and what you're looking for,it will open all the craigslist pages with that car.tap the for sale by owner button and you will find lots of nice diesels to survey.
good luck
1998 Mercedes e300TD Turbo Diesel • 175hp • 36mpg • RARE • Beautiful! - $17500 (Woodlamd Hills) pic img
'97 Mercedes-Benz E300 Diesel - $12995 (Bellingham) pic
don't know your price range but assume these prices are negotiable
ohlord