His n Hers: 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300TD W123 Wagons

It is lazy to post two cars in one craigslist advertisement…or genius? You save on the craigslist fees ($5 is $5…right?) and you get twice the exposure to your cars per click. And if you are trying to thin down your fleet…it isn’t a bad idea, especially if the cars are both the same make/model and ready for the next owners. Regardless, I’m gonna feature these because the W123 is my favorite platform to play tortoise in a race. Find these 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300TD W123 Wagons offered for $11,000 and $7,000 in Santa Monica, CA via craigslist. Double tip from Rock On & MikeD!

From the seller(s):

1983 Mercedes 300TD
condition: excellent
fuel: diesel
paint color: grey
size: full-size
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
type: wagon
Hers, hers & his, his welcome, too!

It’s with a sad heart that we have to sell our Mercedes 300TD wagons. We have to move to tend to one of our parents. These vehicles have been our daily drivers for 9 and 11 years. They’ve been kept up to date with oil changes, air filters, and overall maintenance by Tony at Pacific Motors in Santa Monica, who’s the absolute guru with older Mercedes. I fell in love with the 300TD series 20 years ago. It’s a good feeling to drive a car with real character. One that was built to last with style. People often give you a smile and the thumbs up as you pass. They’re exempt from smog check, and the trunks are enormous. If you take road trips, you definitely want the wagon model as you have the space of a flatbed truck. You can throw a mattress and sleep 2 comfortably with the backseats down. The saying “they don’t make ‘em like that anymore,” fits these cars to a T.

If you know about the 300TD series of Mercedes, you know they’re one of the most well-built cars ever sold. They’re famous for their engines, which can go forever. Google Mercedes-Benz OM617 engine. They’re so durable, they can even run on veggie oil. These particular cars have never run veggie, as I’ve never had the opportunity to access a source, but if you do and make a few modifications, you’ll never have to pay for gas again. Mythbusters did an episode on it. Youtube: Mythbusters – Cooking Oil as Economical Diesel Fuel. On the test, they got 33 MPG on straight diesel and 30 MPG on the kitchen oil without any modifications. I always found comfort that if society went crazy, I could avoid the gas pumps and run our cars on olive oil.

The first of our beauties is a classy grey with the tan interior. Our mechanic said that it was one of the best he’d seen when we purchased it in 2011. We’ve only put 33,000 miles on it, so it’s that same stellar wagon. This is the one we take out for special occasions with the smoothest transmission I’ve ever driven on a 300TD, which are famously durable, just like the engines.

$11,000
1983 Mercedes 300TD
Vin# WDBAB93A7DN015061
Miles 355,250

The second is a midnight blue wagon with the dark blue interior. It has a salvaged title. Never got the scoop on why it’s salvaged, but I’ve had no issues in over 10 years with it as my everyday driver. The turbo on this one is particularly strong. I like my cars bare bones. This one has old-school, roll-up windows. I replaced all the carpeting on the floors with rubber mats—easier for cleaning after surf trips. I upgraded the stereo with quality speakers and an HD radio/CD. The odometer shows 127,000, but it doesn’t work. Again, high mileage is not a factor with the early 80s diesel Mercedes. As long as they’re maintained well, they can run for a million miles. Both vehicles are registered till 3/8/2021.

$7,000
1983 Mercedes 300TD
Vin# WDB12319312015340
Miles? Odometer frozen at 127,000 when I bought it.

When these cars are cherry, they sell for well over $20,000. We put our money into making sure they are perfect daily drivers. Our wagons are exceptional cars that will maintain value and reliability. I encourage you to google Mercedes 300TD. Learn all about them. One enterprising guy even turned his into a high functioning, off-road vehicle. We’re located in Santa Monica. Our time is limited as we have so much to do to prepare for our move, so please be serious if you would like to come and check them out.

See a better way to start your fleet of old oil burners? tips@dailyturismo.com