So I'm a total Mercedes-Benz noob, in spite of some lurking and searching through this newsgroup.
I'm looking for a CHEAP, small commuter car to save my truck some miles and wear and tear. I'd like a diesel (having fallen in love with the Cummins in my truck), and my picks were either a VW Caddy in diesel or one of the older Mercedes. Since I can't find a Caddy anywhere in the local market (those things are pretty rare!), I'll go for the sturdier Mercedes, which I have found.
I'm looking for really cheap, though I'm willing to put some cash into the car to get it running.
In my area, there are four that fit these categories:
- A 1982 Mercedes-Benz 240D for 00, 200k miles, auto trans. The catch: No driver-side windows in the front or back.
- A 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300SD for 0, 200k miles, auto trans. The catch: someone ran it without oil, and they *say* it needs a new engine.
Both are claimed to be in otherwise really good condition. What would replacing the windows in #1 cost? How about a new or rebuilt engine for #2?
Compare with the slightly more expensive cars available:
- 1980 Mercedes-Benz 240D for 00, 250k miles, manual trans.
- 1982 Mercedes-Benz 240D for 00, 160k miles, manual trans.
Both of these are said to be clean and in good repair.
I have no point of reference to even begin to assess the relative value of these 4 vehicles. How about expected fuel economy?
I'm in Utah, will be commuting a 300-mile round trip once a week. Elevations varrying from 4000-to-6000 feet along the way, a few steep hills.
Conventional wisdom tells me that the manual tranny will be better for higher miles per gallon. But I've read in this group that the 240s are a little sluggish, as compared to the 300s. I don't need speed -- I stick the cruise control on 65 and and touch the gas or the brake for 100 miles at a stretch.
To my untrained eye, #3 seems to be the least hassle. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks. F.T.