Update: This one got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330

March 1st Update – While preparing for our latest Wagon Wednesday feature, we confirmed the private seller of this 300TD deleted their Craigslist ad, so we’re calling this one “Sold!”

February 5th Update-   Other than the 270,000 miles already traveled, we’re not sure what to make of the reason why this W123 Mercedes 300TD we first featured way back on August 14th of last year remains unsold by the same seller.  While he hasn’t budged on his price, it remains in line with market expectations, even with that kind of mileage. 

Its no secret the Guys With Rides team are big fans of Mercedes Benz W123 diesel wagons, so when we happened upon this gold over tan 1983 300TD Estate once listed on Craigslist in Port Jefferson, New York (Long Island)  it was a no-brainer to feature it here.  Using the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool as a Guide, the private seller now has his Estate priced $200 below the #4 “Fair” (considered daily driver) level of $7,800.

Mercedes produced the W123 series of full size cars for model years 1976 through 1986.  The W123 models replaced the W114 range and surpassed that series to become the most successful Benz ever with nearly three million over its ten year production run.  The wagon version of this line, the S123, was first factory-built Mercedes-Benz Estate as previous versions were custom-built by external coach builders, such as Binz. While early versions of the S123 featured a non-turbo four-cylinder diesel, American consumers were not sold on the idea of a heavy wagon with only 77 hp.  Consequently, in 1981 M-B introduced the famed OM617 inline five cylinder turbo diesel.  This engine is considered to be one of the most reliable engines ever produced with engines often reaching over half a million miles without being rebuilt and is one of the key reasons for Mercedes’ popularity in North America in the 1980s, as it was powerful and reliable compared to other automotive diesels of the time. While the private seller only provides a brief description of his 300TD, he proudly states that his car’s strong suit is his claim that there is no rust to be found anywhere on this example.

While this wagon has 270,000 miles under its belt, that’s considered a good warm up with the W123’s virtually bulletproof diesel engine.  The private seller states that his Estate, “runs and drives excellent, no rattles or shakes, no oil leaks, good battery, and good tires.”

The seller reports that his car has “nice carpet and upholstery” and while the pictures provided tend to support that, it appears the area behind the back seat could benefit from a thorough detailing and the driver’s seat cushion might benefit from a new foam cushion.

If an in-person inspection confirms the rust-free condition of this 300TD and the seller can supply at least some recent history of the maintenance records, this has the potential of being either a nice driver or cosmetically improving it for car shows.  Good luck with the purchase!