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Originally Posted by 450SEL 6.9 Thanks, cawimmer. I found a 240D two days ago with 35,000 original km. It's barely been broken in. Since most of the W123s I'm finding in my part of the world are diesels, I might as well look for the biggest of the lot, the 300D. A TD would be fantastic. I saw a 300D with about 300,000 km going for 4,000 Canadian dollars. |
A 240D with 35K on the clock!?
GO FOR IT!
You couldn't be asking for a better example. Plus, owning a 240D is a wonderful experience. I've read many accounts of 240D owners being so happy with their car because of the way it feels. Obviously, it's not a very fast car, but the feeling of driving one is enough to make up for any performance it lacks.
I once testdrove a Euro '79 200D (60-hp) W123 and I was the happiest man when I testdrove it. I didn't even notice the 33.2 second 0-100 km/h time simply because I was smiling all the way when I sat in it enjoying it to the fullest. These cars incredibly well-built and fun in their own way. Not every car you drive gives you fun from how fast it is, no no.
A 300D or 300D Turbodiesel will be faster, and the 300D should get similar fuel economy as the 240D, but keep in mind that the 300D Turbodiesel, especially later in life may develop turbocharger problems. I've read that this is a common problem so keep an eye out for that. In Europe, the used car market for W123's is basically focused on the 240D / 300D for the diesels, and 230E for the gasoline models.
Anyway, I'd go for that 240D! Sounds like a bullseye! What's the price on that thing?