Is a Mercedes 300D W123 turbo diesel a good first car?

May 2021 9 89 Report

Is a Mercedes 300D W123 turbo diesel a good first car?

I'm 18 and looking for my official first car, a car that i'm paying for with my own money. The other day I test drove one of these, and I absolutely fell in love with the way this car drove and how it felt on the road. I also liked that fact that this was a diesel, therefore the gas mileage would be good. This car drove smooth for a 30 year old car. Another thing that I liked about this car was the interior. What I liked about it was that the interior was simple, yet had a luxurious feel to it. After driving it i didn't purchase, the car because that car needed work to be done and I didn't have enough. But don't get me wrong, I still loved the way it drives.

So when I have the money I plan on buying a cleaner one that was better than the one that i drove.

Anyways is this a good first car?

How good is the gas mileage?

Cars & Transportation / Car Makes / Mercedes-Benz

Mark K

Verified answer

Mercedes Benz diesels are world-famous and have been used as taxis in most European major cities for a long time. They have a reputation for being long-lived, well constructed, and very durable. They're a bit on the slow side, especially from 0-60mph, but once you get them up to speed, they'll do 100mph all day long, with that reassuring "purr". (No pocka-pocka noise like at idle). I'm not quite sure what kind of mileage the turbo diesels get but the regular diesels (240D & 300D) hover around the high-20's. If you're not in a rush, and don't mind leisurely acceleration, they're supremely comfortable, safe, spacious, and sure-footed. I would definitely recommend a M-B diesel.

low Rent & Trashy

Not only is it a good first car, a Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbo Diesel is a GREAT CAR FOR ANYONE!!! I have four of them and they are amazing! Bulletproof engines that last to 500,000 miles or more! You cannot go wrong with one of these! Check to make sure your vacuum pump is in good shape and working well, though. Other than that, no matter what is wrong with it, you cannot lose with these cars. THEY ALWAYS START, regardless of condition, a 300D will NEVER leave you on the side of the road!

Mo.S

a diesel mercedes benz is the best choice of car you can go after any day. They are known to last over 500,000 miles and some effortlessly can reach a million. I would go for it any day. I am stuck with a 98 C280 sport. Trying to sell it for a old diesel s class. Buy the 300D. If you can find a 190D you will save as much fuel and possibly more money than a honda civic driver could. Believe me.

pro-diesel

These are excellent cars and are very safe. I have owned Mercedes off and on since the 1990's. There has always been one in my family since the mid 1980's. There are a few components that get quite costly on these older cars due to age and the lack of maintaining them. Beware of cars that need air conditioning work. If the evaporator is leaking, the entire dash will have to be removed. This can cost anywhere from $800 to $1200 depending on the repair shop and if you do more such as replace vacuum vent actuators and heater core. Since the dash is out it is smart to replace those items as well. Then if the compressor itself is out, that can cost about $800 depending on what lines need replacing and suppliers. I think these older models come with a GM unit, I know my 1982 240D did. When you buy parts, find an online European warehouse. Mercedes will rip you a part on prices if you do not have a discount. Next is transmission. You want to make sure that the transmission is in good working order. Sometimes things as common as Vacuum modulator can go out and make things appear worse than they are. If transmission has issues, they are not cheap. Then the most expensive thing on these cars is the motor. If it has been maintained correctly, it will go many miles. When buying one of these cars it is important to see records. Also check the front end. Tie-rods are bad about going out, but luckily they are cheap. Brake rotors, brake pads, and all of your basic items are sometimes cheaper than a Toyota on this model. Yes, you may have to pay more for a great condition model. If you get the right car and take care of it, you will get a lot of service out of it. I still own a 1990 300 SEL gasoline sedan. Still solid as a rock on the road. Good luck and hope you find the right car.

I've had mine for 20 years and love it. Very reliable, built to last. The only thing I don't like is the climate control circuit card (american made) and prone to failure. You might do some research and find a model with a better circuit card. I've had three replaced and it requires removal of the dash board. ($$) But I still love the car.