honda insight

[Joe_Black]

Since this thread I have been heavily considering buying a 300d. Would you happen to have a recommendation of what years to look at? Strictly the w123's?

Definitely stick with the turbo models as you'll get better fuel economy than the NA engines plus they drive more like a gasser. I've got a '78 300D non-turbo and not only is it slow off the line the tranny is designed to start you off in 2nd, necessitating the use of a kick-down switch mounted under the accelerator when you really need to GO. The 126 cars have a little bit of negative reputation which is somewhat deserved simply as there's more stuff to break on the inside due to all the fiddly bits that come with the higher trim level. The earlier 116 chassis S-class cars have a much more European style to them yet aren't any more complex than the regular 300D. Two mods that make a 300D even simpler to maintain, plus more fun to drive, is to replace the automatic climate control with the manual version from a 240D and to convert from automatic to manual. Fortunately the automatics are robust and easy for the average home mechanic to service. There's a fantastic forum much like this one for Mercedes enthusiast: MercedesShop.com

i went and drove a jetta TDI friday... was acceptable... i just had to keep reminding myself that it gets great gas mileage so its ok that it was so painfully boring!

What year was it and manual or DSG? One thing that turns most gas drivers off is the different power band. Running up to 3000 RPM to shift is about ideal as the power drops off around 3300 - 3500 RPM, and the engine is really happy to cruise around 2000 RPM. It's all about torque, so once you learn where it is you'll be trying to keep the wheels from spinning!

I had little to no interest in the car until I drove a friend's Golf TDI to the airport and back a few times. I found it very responsive, comfortable for my tall frame and simply nice to drive. Next thing we know my wife and I are at the VW place test driving the Mk5 Jettas and ended up taking one home. It's a subtle, unassuming car that just slowly grows on you though. I've never been a FWD fan at all, but this car doesn't feel like one and is balance more like the RWD I'm familiar with. Time will tell if the mod-bug starts hitting the wallet though!

Wholly Crap JOE BLACK..I think you need more suzoos ...lol

I agree wholeheartedly!

[johnnyapollo]

You need a nice 2000 proton to round out that sig-line banner. Give it a bit more pizzaz!

-- John

[etlsport]

i think it was a 98.. same body style anyway, manual..

yea the vx is completely paid off, i paid cash for it.. i know what you mean about extra expense but i would also love to keep the miles down on the VX so a second car is worth it... plus being able to put the vx out of commission for a little while for bigger mods

[Joe_Black]

i think it was a 98.. same body style anyway, manual..

That would be a Mk4 although it has a pretty good following and plenty of folk tuning it in TDI form. Definitely go take a look at the Mk5 (new as a mid-year 2005 model) as it's based on the same platform as the Audi A3 and is quite a different animal from the '98 you drove, plus a more powerful and refined TDI engine with the "Pumpe Duse" injection pump.

You need a nice 2000 proton to round out that sig-line banner. Give it a bit more pizzaz!

-- John

Yeah, somehow I think Kathy will be getting her 3.1L diesel Trooper built before I get another VX!

[JHarris1385]

As far as the 300D's I would really like to have an early 90's 300D but from what I have been reading those years are not as "great" as the older? My father's friend just totalled his E-Class diesel that had near 300,000 miles on it and running STRONG..... Which year gap would I most likely need to look out to get the best bang for my buck?

[Joe_Black]

Anything prior to '86 in generally the sweet-spot for MB diesels as the 6-cylinder that followed the 5-cylinder was prone to it's head developing cracks. The 5-cylinder 3.0L diesel is just a joy to work on as you couldn't get much simpler. It's like the Ford Falcon of German cars! And you will see a lot of high mileages on the ones that were well maintained. I've currently got an '80 300SD (W116 chassis) that has almost 600K miles on the clock and runs strong still with the original engine. The couple I purchased it from had been running it for years on soy oil they bought in bulk from a local discount center, which made it run much quieter until I started blending regular diesel back into it then the normal diesel clatter returned after the soy ran out.

Just remember to stick to the turbo cars for the extra power and economy. Actually, if you don't mind a little body and interior work I'm looking to part with an '82 300D Turbo that's been converted to 4-speed manual. It's very quick and an absolute blast to drive! If interested shoot me a PM and I'll get you the details.

[JHarris1385]

Ok I think I got it now. Anything prior to an 86 with a turbo on the diesel. I was under the impression that all were turbos but now I got to make sure to watch for that. Is there anything in particular that I should look for? I assume one of these with more than 100,000 is not too bad after all? I would heavily consider your car for purchase but I plan to watch these for a couple months and buy when my income settles (just started a new job yesterday actually + getting married in a few months). If it is still around Ill pm you for sure.

[Dumke]

i think it was a 98.. same body style anyway, manual..

yea the vx is completely paid off, i paid cash for it.. i know what you mean about extra expense but i would also love to keep the miles down on the VX so a second car is worth it... plus being able to put the vx out of commission for a little while for bigger mods

Well then go with what you want. There will always be posatives and negatives to hybrid and diesel. IMO I like the fact that you can get some used veggie oil from a cooking place sometimes for free and use that as fuel. Free is always good to me