Classic car wisdom often dictates: “Buy the best example you can afford.” Solid advice, but where’s the spontaneity in that? What if you stumble upon a gem when you least expect it? For me, it boils down to the car’s purpose. Seeking a pristine collectible or a quick profit? Stick to the best. Flipping cars? Still aim for quality, but haggle hard. But what if you’re a hands-on enthusiast, planning to enjoy a classic without chasing perfection or concours trophies? Then, perhaps, rolling the dice on a Benz For Cheap becomes an enticing proposition.
I wasn’t actively car hunting on that typical Saturday morning Facebook scroll. However, having recently passed my reliable 2006 Mercedes E320 CDI diesel to my daughter, a slight void existed in my garage. Then, amidst the lawn-mowing procrastination, I encountered it: a 1983 Mercedes 240D, priced at a mere $1800. This wasn’t just any 240D; it was spec’d exactly as I’d prefer: manual transmission, manual windows, and a sunroof. Finished in Light Ivory (essentially German taxi cab yellow) with Palomino MB-Tex interior, it boasted a remarkable history – single-family ownership for 35 years, acquired from the original owner, a close family friend. Given the surging interest and values in Mercedes W123 diesels, regardless of condition, investigating this cheap benz seemed like a worthwhile venture.
The seller resided in Northern Virginia’s picturesque countryside, about an hour’s drive. My wife and I transformed the car inspection into a pleasant day trip. We envisioned a scenic country drive, a car viewing, lunch at the renowned Hunter’s Head Tavern in Upperville, VA, and a relaxed, winding route home. As we approached the seller’s property and rounded the final bend in the long driveway, the 240D came into view, parked in a field. It looked every bit the part of a well-loved, older 240D. The seller greeted us, folder in hand, brimming with decades of service records and documentation. He recounted the car’s history: his mother’s cherished possession, purchased from a neighbor, later passed down to him. This benz for cheap had been instrumental in family life, even bringing his newborns home from the hospital. However, it had seen little use in the last decade and was seeking a new owner to appreciate and drive it.
My immediate request was to hear it run. The seller readily handed over the keys, assuring me it would start instantly – and it did. The glow plug light remained unlit, but considering the car’s recent inactivity, this wasn’t alarming. Likely a simple fix – a faulty glow plug or relay. The engine purred as expected from a 240D. Inside, I noted minor dash cracks, some discoloration on the MB-Tex seats, and a faint musty odor, mingling with the distinctive Palomino Tex scent – all typical for a car of this age. Crucially, essential functions like lights, signals, sunroof, blower, and even the original Becker Europa radio with its power Hirschmann antenna were all operational. The seller mentioned the air conditioning was defunct, unsurprising at this price point. The tires, dated 2000, were indeed past their prime, restricting our test drive to the driveway – but it moved under its own power.
A thorough inspection revealed cobwebs and perished chassis rubber, signs of prolonged sitting. The paint exhibited significant oxidation, but being single-stage, I was optimistic about its restoration potential. Minor dents and a couple of small rust spots in typical W123 areas (fenders near the wheels) were present, but no structural rot, and the floorboards were remarkably solid. My wife and I conferred, both charmed by the car and its backstory. I informed the seller we would purchase his benz for cheap at his asking price, no haggling. A handshake sealed the deal, and I promised to return in a week after my check cleared.
Given its smooth running engine and my fortunate possession of a set of 14″ bundt wheels with near-new Vredestein Sprint Classic tires (albeit slightly oversized 205 series), I decided to drive my cheap benz home. I cleaned the bundt wheels, secured Hagerty classic car insurance, and prepared garage space. The following Sunday, armed with the wheels and a floor jack, we returned to bring our new acquisition home.
The original wheels came off effortlessly, and the upgraded alloys were installed. We embarked on our journey home, opting for a leisurely backroad route instead of the interstate. We were uncertain how the car would respond after its extended dormancy, despite the seller’s occasional engine starts and barn maneuvers. Reacquainting myself with the nuances of an old-school diesel after years of modern cars took a little adjustment. However, I relish the road feel of these cars. While not speed demons, once they reach cruising speeds of 50-80 mph, they maintain them effortlessly all day long.
Or so I thought. Did you foresee the twist? Mid-journey, transitioning from winding country roads to a 55mph four-lane highway, the car was humming along smoothly, my wife trailing in our truck as a precaution. At a stop light, I called my TTS co-host Jonathan, boasting about my “deal of the century.” As if on cue, the words barely uttered, a rhythmic thumping noise emanated from beneath the car, escalating with speed, not engine RPM. Driveshaft issue? My mind raced through worst-case scenarios: engine/transmission damage, undercarriage destruction, or worse. I pulled over immediately, joined my wife in the truck, and contacted Hagerty. Roadside assistance to the rescue! Our benz for cheap was towed to my trusted mechanic, about 30 miles away – surprise! – and we found ourselves back at Hunter’s Head Tavern for lunch, again. Too cheap to resist? The jury is still out.
Will this diesel darling survive this unexpected challenge? Will my wife declare it a lost cause? Stay tuned for the next installment!
