From owner-diesel-benz-digest@digest.net Thu Apr 19 09:18:00 2012 From: diesel-benz-digest To: diesel-benz-digest@digest.net Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:18:38 +0000 Subject: diesel-benz-digest V1 #3573 diesel-benz-digest Thursday, April 19 2012 Volume 01 : Number 3573 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles Derick Amburgey Digest Coordinator Contents: Re: [db] valuation of '93 300D - demand an APPRAISER Re: [db] valuation of '93 300D - demand an APPRAISER [db] OT - people carrier [db] Re: Something like this? Diesel Benz Digest Home Page: http://www.digest.net/diesel-benz/ Send submissions to diesel-benz-digest@digest.net Send administrative requests to diesel-benz-digest-request@digest.net To unsubscribe, include the word unsubscribe by itself in the body of the message, unless you are sending the request from a different address than the one that appears on the list. Include the word help in a message to stag-digest-request to get a list of other majordomo commands. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:11:32 -0700 From: Bruce Caruthers Subject: Re: [db] valuation of '93 300D - demand an APPRAISER Fortunately, my insurance policy includes an outside appraiser option. After about a week and a half of (pleasant) back and forth, he is reporting an appraised value of $6,500. Sounds decent to me. Anyone have concrete arguments for more? I figured I would come out okay with the appraiser when he drove up in a '92 300SD. :) The Brier '87 300D is going in for mechanical inspection at MB Lynnwood tomorrow morning. Unless they find something signficant, we'll be buying that one to replace ours. I'll swap interiors and stuff like that out of the wreck. Then, once the insurance payout and buyback (*should* be about $450) is confirmed, I can check into the couple of SLs for the conversion project. - -bkc Lynnwood, WA (his) '76 MB 240D [W115.117/616.916] (hers) '92 Toyota Celica GT (long overdue to be retired or sold) (ours) '93 MB 300D 2.5 Turbo [W124.128/602.962] (wrecked, 28Mar12) On Mon Apr 02, 2012, John Meister wrote: > > there's an '87 on CL for $3995 at a dealer. > I paid $3450 for mine, but I've put at least that much into it since then. > > You paid a lot more than that for it and haven't had it that long... my '91 > 300D 2.5L > was refurb'd and sold for $10k. I was looking at another '91 for $5k not long > ago... > > > The KBB and NADA should be higher than that... that car was in excellent > condition, > > Demand an APPRAISER. Don't settle for that. > > > I had to do this with one of my Jeeps... state farm was offering me about > 1.5-2k for it, > it was worth at least $6k at the time, in part because of the options, in part > because of the upgrades... > it had full leather, lift kit, locker, limited slip, aussie bull bar, tons of > add ons, > mechanically perfect... the appraiser came out and placed the value of the > jeep at 6k. > > > They would allow me to buy it back for 1.8K... usual price to buy back is > about a grand... > so I passed, was going to buy it back at the auction but was late, it sold for > $165. The 4.10 gears alone were worth > 2x that much... oh well, at least I had the satisfaction of knowing I got full > value > and the insurance company lost at least $800 because I would have paid a grand > to get it back. > > but the point is, I had to request an appraisal... I've seen your car, worked > on it... it's > worth easily $5k, maybe 6k because you just had that timing chain done... give > Lynnwood Mercedes a call > and see if they have any ideas or know of an appraiser... > > > BTW, If you don't buy your car back, I would like to... :) > there's a number of parts I can use on mine... I know there's some parts you'd > like... we can work it out. :) > > I haven't seen it yet, but I bet we could make it roadworth again, remember I > have a porta-power... :) > > > > > hey, my 300D got 31mpg this last tank!!! last three tank average is 26mpg... > not sure I'm filling it correctly, > one tank was 21, then 26, then 31... ok, sure I switched to amsoil, expect > better mileage... but my 2.5L only > got 30... ;) I think 26 is about right... > > > also, on the smoking startups... it has gotten better on my 300D since > switching to amsoil, but I haven't > checked all the glow plugs yet, it's not happy cold, suspect glow plug > issues.... my VW TDI after switching > it last week to amsoil, also from pennzoil, has increased power and has almost > completely quit smoking on startup! > just a little at startup, but nothing like before... didn't even think about > that. > > > On Mon, 2 Apr 2012, Bruce Caruthers wrote: > > # Initial valuation for my 1993 300D 2.5L is coming back as around > # $3,600-ish, even after "upgrading" its status to nearly perfect. > # > # I can't find a replacement one anywhere for that cheap. Any advice from > # those who have experience with such things as to how I might "prove" to > # them that the car is worth more? The inspector said I could send in > # whatever research I gather to try to argue it up, since they didn't have > # a lot to work from, it being a relatively rare vehicle. NADA roughly > # agrees with the initial valuation, unfortunately. > # > # John has suggested getting the WA state use tax basis, which I will be > # checking on shortly, but what else might they take seriously? I plan to > # collect recent sale prices on eBay. > # > # (If it matters, my insurer is Allstate, which apparently uses Audatex > # Autosource valuation based on two local dealer quotes). > # > # On the plus side, the buyback price is $475.41, which doesn't seem > # too bad. > # > # Thanks! > # -bkc > # Lynnwood, WA ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:24:15 +0000 From: john Subject: Re: [db] valuation of '93 300D - demand an APPRAISER That sounds more like it and closer to reality. I was going to look at a 91 or 92 in good shape for about 5k. But considering book value on my 87 shows more than that I'd argue for something between the 91 and 93 if the data is wrong for the 92. Or some arrangement like that since 94 was a body change and data for the 93 is suspect. :) I'm thinking about buying a 94 suburban 6.5L turbo Diesel that seats 8 because my brother in law and wife is coming out with his daughter and her husband. Both of our cars seat 5. Found a nice one for about 4k, will use it for a few months and sell it for 4k. Figure it's cheaper than paying almost a grand for a week car rental. John __john_at_http://wagoneers.com__ - -----Original Message----- From: Bruce Caruthers Sender: owner-diesel-benz@digest.net Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:11:32 To: Reply-To: Bruce Caruthers Subject: Re: [db] valuation of '93 300D - demand an APPRAISER Fortunately, my insurance policy includes an outside appraiser option. After about a week and a half of (pleasant) back and forth, he is reporting an appraised value of $6,500. Sounds decent to me. Anyone have concrete arguments for more? I figured I would come out okay with the appraiser when he drove up in a '92 300SD. :) The Brier '87 300D is going in for mechanical inspection at MB Lynnwood tomorrow morning. Unless they find something signficant, we'll be buying that one to replace ours. I'll swap interiors and stuff like that out of the wreck. Then, once the insurance payout and buyback (*should* be about $450) is confirmed, I can check into the couple of SLs for the conversion project. - -bkc Lynnwood, WA (his) '76 MB 240D [W115.117/616.916] (hers) '92 Toyota Celica GT (long overdue to be retired or sold) (ours) '93 MB 300D 2.5 Turbo [W124.128/602.962] (wrecked, 28Mar12) On Mon Apr 02, 2012, John Meister wrote: > > there's an '87 on CL for $3995 at a dealer. > I paid $3450 for mine, but I've put at least that much into it since then. > > You paid a lot more than that for it and haven't had it that long... my '91 > 300D 2.5L > was refurb'd and sold for $10k. I was looking at another '91 for $5k not long > ago... > > > The KBB and NADA should be higher than that... that car was in excellent > condition, > > Demand an APPRAISER. Don't settle for that. > > > I had to do this with one of my Jeeps... state farm was offering me about > 1.5-2k for it, > it was worth at least $6k at the time, in part because of the options, in part > because of the upgrades... > it had full leather, lift kit, locker, limited slip, aussie bull bar, tons of > add ons, > mechanically perfect... the appraiser came out and placed the value of the > jeep at 6k. > > > They would allow me to buy it back for 1.8K... usual price to buy back is > about a grand... > so I passed, was going to buy it back at the auction but was late, it sold for > $165. The 4.10 gears alone were worth > 2x that much... oh well, at least I had the satisfaction of knowing I got full > value > and the insurance company lost at least $800 because I would have paid a grand > to get it back. > > but the point is, I had to request an appraisal... I've seen your car, worked > on it... it's > worth easily $5k, maybe 6k because you just had that timing chain done... give > Lynnwood Mercedes a call > and see if they have any ideas or know of an appraiser... > > > BTW, If you don't buy your car back, I would like to... :) > there's a number of parts I can use on mine... I know there's some parts you'd > like... we can work it out. :) > > I haven't seen it yet, but I bet we could make it roadworth again, remember I > have a porta-power... :) > > > > > hey, my 300D got 31mpg this last tank!!! last three tank average is 26mpg... > not sure I'm filling it correctly, > one tank was 21, then 26, then 31... ok, sure I switched to amsoil, expect > better mileage... but my 2.5L only > got 30... ;) I think 26 is about right... > > > also, on the smoking startups... it has gotten better on my 300D since > switching to amsoil, but I haven't > checked all the glow plugs yet, it's not happy cold, suspect glow plug > issues.... my VW TDI after switching > it last week to amsoil, also from pennzoil, has increased power and has almost > completely quit smoking on startup! > just a little at startup, but nothing like before... didn't even think about > that. > > > On Mon, 2 Apr 2012, Bruce Caruthers wrote: > > # Initial valuation for my 1993 300D 2.5L is coming back as around > # $3,600-ish, even after "upgrading" its status to nearly perfect. > # > # I can't find a replacement one anywhere for that cheap. Any advice from > # those who have experience with such things as to how I might "prove" to > # them that the car is worth more? The inspector said I could send in > # whatever research I gather to try to argue it up, since they didn't have > # a lot to work from, it being a relatively rare vehicle. NADA roughly > # agrees with the initial valuation, unfortunately. > # > # John has suggested getting the WA state use tax basis, which I will be > # checking on shortly, but what else might they take seriously? I plan to > # collect recent sale prices on eBay. > # > # (If it matters, my insurer is Allstate, which apparently uses Audatex > # Autosource valuation based on two local dealer quotes). > # > # On the plus side, the buyback price is $475.41, which doesn't seem > # too bad. > # > # Thanks! > # -bkc > # Lynnwood, WA ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:54:53 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: [db] OT - people carrier OT: need some advice... PROBLEM: The last week of August we need to be able to transport 6 to 8 people around Western Washington. it will be three adult couples with luggage - average to large sized... and the possibility of another adult couple coming along... and another adult... max full load 9 people... typical 6. BIGGER PROBLEM: a couple quick checks show a rental minivan/suburban/expedition costing $700-$900 or more for the week. SOLUTION (in my Diesel soaked mind): buy 3 seat Diesel Suburban - drive for week - sell for same price or more , found one: http://wagoneers.com/tmp/Suburban/ALL.html $4k - needs a speed sensor so the speedo/odo works, about $50. Stereo is wired wrong - tires about 50% - - comes with extra rims, have time to find good deal on correct tires on CL or live with "ok" tread - ONE week of use expected. OTHER SOLUTIONS: any vehicle capable of carrying 6 to 8 people with working AC and automatic that is a non-smoker - doesn't need any repairs, or if it does, is very inexpensive and something I can fix and make money on... ok with tranny swaps, etc... provided it all pencils out... Widened my search on Suburbans to include stinky, inefficient gas engines of which I know little and found several pages... hmmm.... and for less money... more hmmmm... BUDGET RANGE: less than 4k - but must sell for same or more when done... So, that's where y'all come in... I'm well versed and knowledgeable in Mercedes Diesel, VW Diesel, GM Diesel and Jeep vehicles... if I venture outside of that realm I'm likely to end up with a white elephant, a project vehicle or a Mr. Murphy special. While I'd prefer Diesel it's not necessary... it is highly unlikely that this vehicle will displace any vehicles in my current fleet. Have thought about a 300TD - but that back seat might be a bit claustraphobic... of course these are in-laws... ;) Any chance of finding an ALL WHEEL DRIVE minivan that gets 20mpg that could be had for around 4k??? I briefly borrowed a friend's minivan for my Daughter's wedding, it was a nice vehicle... what should I look for in a minivan that I can sell when done? This is a brave new world for me... might be fun... an all wheel drive mini-van that gets in the 20's might be a keeper... oh yeah, need an answer by this evening... ;) (just kidding... was talking about going to look at the suburban this weekend, it's about 6 hrs away... which means I should probably pass on it... even though it's nice looking... ???) john ----- current fleet includes J10 - 2 people, 3 max, unless we do the migrant farm worker mode... Jetta Wagon TDI - 4 people, maybe, 300D - 4, maybe 5... - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -o|||||o- john-at- http://wagoneers.com TRSTGZS Snohomish, Washington - where Jeeps and Diesels don't rust, they mold buy direct: http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- b^\A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college educationb^] Theodore Roosevelt (American 26th US President (1901-09), 1858-1919) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:18:14 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: [db] Re: Something like this? this is awesome... won't fit in my driveway, well it'd fit in the drive, but wouldn't be able to make any of the turns or go up or down the hill... :) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1957-Chevy-Chevrolet-Suburban-Limo-Limousine-strech ed-from-new-classic-/251039149764?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a73196ec4 if it were a 1956, or a 1953 I'd be all over this one.. ;) actually found a nice 1947 Suburban... problem was it's 25k. it's beautiful too. btw, the main requirements are to move 6 adults around for sight seeing... with the possibility of 3 more adults joining us (my kids)... luggage isn't likely to join us except to and from transportation out of the area for the 4 adults... :) So, I'm looking at gas powered Suburbans, found several decent ones for around 2k, also looking at minivans... the Diesel Suburban for 4k looks the best, but this isn't a keeper... can't haul compost in it... ;) anyone know anything about a Mazda MPV 4wd? v6, it has about 150k on it, looks like it's in excellent condition... nice and clean, the guy wants $2800 for it... looking at it today... seems to have good reviews... will it sell when I'm done? any issues? Mazda seems to me to have good quality and reputations, a couple have come through this shop/driveway... studying quality issues in manufacturing they seemed to do better than ford.... I don't think LPG is the same kind of option/benefit here in the states as it is overseas. People here don't understand the benefits of Diesel, let alone LPG. :) john ----- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -o|||||o- john-at- http://wagoneers.com TRSTGZS Snohomish, Washington - where Jeeps and Diesels don't rust, they mold buy direct: http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- b^\A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college educationb^] Theodore Roosevelt (American 26th US President (1901-09), 1858-1919) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- On Thu, 19 Apr 2012, Stephen Rigley wrote: # Run it on LPG ;-) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1957-Chevy-Chevrolet-Suburban-Limo-Limousine-strech ed-from-new-classic-/251039149764?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a73196ec4 # ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #3573 **********************************