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imoody
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
Must needs manual transmission. Might have trouble getting up hills otherwise. It is a gloriously Californian car, though.
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discontinuuity has left the Jalop until further notice
08/19/09

@imoody: Manual and a turbo, I say.
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Jim-Bob
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
Seeing as the 2 door W123 diesel is a rare body style of a desirable car, this is almost so low priced that it's crack pipe NOT to buy it. The only real negatives are that it is a non turbo diesel, and that it is an early W123. The reason that the early W123 is not as good is corrosion protection. Mercedes did almost nothing to protect them from rust, a issue that was rectified in the later models that came with the turbo engine. I think the changes came around 1981 or 82, but I am doing this from memory so I may be off by a year. So yes, Nice Price, but it would be better if it was a later car. I also would prefer a wagon over a coupe, but with a 240D rear gear and a European taxi version's 5 speed manual transmission. This would give it better acceleration, but the overdrive 5th cuts the 240D's 4.30 gears back down to the 300D's final drive. Also, the manual takes away the W123's other Achilles' Heel: The vacuum pump system. This is used to run several functions, but the most critical one is the automatic transmission. It also runs the power locks, so if you are looking at a W123 with faulty power locks, pay close attention to the transmission.

So: The best W123 in my book would have the turbo diesel, be a wagon, be built after 1982 (rust, turbo, better A/C controls), have a 240D rear axle, a Euro cab transmission, be a light non-metallic color, and have a dark blue MB Tex interior. The Dark Blue holds up better than the browns, and MB Tex is better than leather for durability.
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MarywithanM™
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
The car is nice price for sure. If I was buying it I would insist on the seller throwing in decent floor mats. Those are inadequate.I think also, that the non-functioning rear windows when coupled with no rear doors would be quite convenient for transporting pre-deceased hookers.C'mon people; six hours and not mention of dead hookers in a Graverobber post?
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vdiddy210
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
jalopnik is getting soft on us...

NPOCP used to be full of close calls, the past three (datsun, caddy-shit, diesel merc) have been no brainers. almost to the point where you'd literally have to be on crack to vote the wrong way...
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MushyHeirloom
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
By New Hampshire standards (due to its lack of rust) and based on its inherent two-door rarity, Damn Fine Value.
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Six Flags Over Tomsk
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
Although it's not a turbo ('82 was the first year for it in the coupe) and the interior needs some attention, I'm going to say nice price.
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If FromaBuick6 has to watch one more Chevy commercial, he's going to punch Howie Long in the face
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
$3900? Shoot, I'd buy that today if I had a job or didn't live 2,000 miles away.
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Novaload
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
I have a weakness for these, regardless of the biofuel factor.
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bmoreDLJ
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
This is the nicest price I've seen in a while, and a car I would actually buy, if it wasn't ten states and 2800 miles away.
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Brian
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
*Sniff*

It pains me to see this car so soon after losing my trusty 240D. Truly, the W123 Coupes are highly prized because of their relative rarity. This looks to be a fine example of and relatively well-preserved. That it boasts a whole 13 more ponies than my anemic 240D's paltry 67 is a good thing. Freeway merges might result in a diminished number of fellow motorists giving me the one-finger salute.

This is a fine example of one of the greatest families of cars ever made. Nice price. Now excuse me while I go into my company's "quiet room" and cry.
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CptSevere
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
I'm amazed by the fact that I like Mercedes diesels. I mean, I've never had anything German other than a VW Bug (an air cooled one). However, the idea of soaking up miles of highway in comfort while getting 30 MPG and not driving a beercan appeals to me. The model I really like is the 300 Turbo Diesel Wagon, but I still call Nice Price on this car.
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badco/LoJ
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
I can't call it without knowing what it would cost to fix the A/C. I know it's a totally different (and waaay much more complex) animal, but condenser replacement on a W150 is like $5k.
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P161911 probably shoudn't have
08/19/09

@badco/LoJ: A quick online check shows $150-$200 for a condenser (have to go to a M-B parts house) , about $150 for a compressor (available at Autozone). That's parts only. with German cars NEVER buy your parts from the dealer.
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Maymar
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
Brian B, Paging Brian B to the internet courtesy phone. Your car is waiting...
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tonyola
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
Nice Price. The W123 coupes were both attractive and understated. This particular car looks to be in very good shape, though obviously some attention is needed for the electrics. No-one's going to win any street races here, but that's not the point.
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Mobius
08/19/09

In reply to 1978 Mercedes 300CD for a Flexible-Fueled $3,900!
Basically this is a bulletproof car that can stand the suffering of the African plains and a petrol crisis. It's in good condition for a decent price.

IMHO, you are on crack pipe if you vote crack pipe.
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