i have never owned a mercedes brand, but i like this one so much i don't think i would ever lt it go,on the other hand my wife says its so ugly the crusher would spit it back out, could anyone tell me what series benz in a diesel'' would be a more pleasing car for my wife to look at, i don't think any past a 1995 would be within my price range, i really want a Diesel 5cyl or 6cyl in a small body style but don't know much about all the different models,which one would you say would be the best choice, and what models should i run from, i need a car that can handle long hours of road trips with no worrys, i dont think a car of this type with 150.000 miles would be anything to worry over do you? i suppose i just need the cold hard truth about a diesel mercedes good or bad before i buy a more expencive one for the family, i need some help on this one,thanks so much, . have a good day.
2006-08-22 16:27:44 · 3 answers · asked by JALISCO 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Mercedes-Benz
I would recommend you try and find a 300D sedan from '82-84. I currently own two of these turbo diesels (123 body, '83 and '84"). Both have well over 200,000 miles and both are freeway monsters. I have reached nearly 40mpg in the '83 benz on cross country journeys. It can go over 700 miles on a full tank of diesel. I have heard the '85 is not as good and later models (non 123 body) can be substantially more expensive to maintain as they are not the simple machines you seem to like.
If you find a well-maintained 300D 123 turbo diesel in good cosmetic condition, you can expect to keep it going for around $1500/year in maintenance. You may spend more if you want to keep it cherry (imho it's worth it). Because the car will not break down during the year, you will receive the total bill for maintenance in one annual inspection visit to your mechanic. If you are not prepared for the big bill you will feel sticker shock, but if you consider your monthly costs to be around $120 dollars this is really not very much.
The mercedes turbo diesel likes to be driven. If you drive long distances a lot you will get better fuel economy and better value for your maintenance dollar. I wouldn't recommend it for city driving or short distances (just walk or ride your bike).
In my experience the parts which tend to fail are those which are used least, and they can often be repaired by simple cleaning and proper lubrication. Remember this before you begin replacing expensive parts. These old cars need love.
In an emergency situation the 300D turbo diesel handles well enough to avoid collisions, and in an unavoidable collision it will prove itself a very protective shell (wear your seat belts). Being rear wheel drive, the cars ride becomes smoother and more stable at faster speeds and is terrible on icy roads. Throw some chains on it and it drives like a luxury snowmobile!
I think the mercedes 300D turbo diesel ('82-'84) is a near-perfect marriage of form and function and the best fit for the kind of driving I do. I plan on keeping one as long as I can. But there are other cars out there for a reason. I have friends who love their subarus. Other people think the porche cayenne is a hot car. If your wife thinks the mercedes diesel sedan is an ugly car, you may have to forget about buying one and get something you can both love together.
2006-08-23 09:40:02 · answer #1 · answered by peter g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 240D is an ancient car. If you want a rock solid Mercedes and can't afford much, I'd suggest looking at the C-class such as a C240 or C320 made between 1998 and 2004. You should be able to get a really good price on one of those.
2006-08-22 17:56:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
what wrong with the 240D its a wonderful piece of history
convert to a biodiesel and run it with veggie oil
maybe she'll like how it saves on gas
2006-08-23 09:21:32 · answer #3 · answered by Red Sawx ® 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋