Mid Week Match-Up: A Diesel Sedan For Zeke
Today’s Mid Week Match-Up request is from a friend of DT (Zeke) who wants a diesel powered sedan from the 1990s. Being a resident of the People’s Republic of California means that the car must be 1997 or older because the owner has no interesting in being caught in the dragnet of the draconian smog police, but something newer is preferred for lower maintenance costs and greater comfort. Help find something diesel, 4-doors, and automatic trans for Zeke in the Southern California area with a budget of around $5k.
This 1997 Mercedes-Benz E300D here on eBay isn’t a bad start, but the customized body work and years in Ohio are certainly negatives when looking for a Benz to drive every day.
This 1991 Mercedes-Benz 350 SDL offered for $3500 is an interesting piece of diesel Benz history, with a 3.5 liter inline-6 version of the OM603 that is turbocharged for extra awesomeness. Unfortunately the OM603 does have some issues that may or may not have been solved by 200,000 miles, but it is a concern.
What car do you recommend for Zeke? Comments below.
You don't need a sedan. And this is not an automatic either, but it is a diesel:
1982 Diesel Vanagon
This one is not a turbo so its going to be slow but not quite as slow as the Vanagon. Automatic and a sedan. Neither of these are in California but you will save with the low Canadian dollar.
1996 mercedes E300 diesel – $4700 CDN
Maybe a pre-dieselgate Passat?
sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5844529060.html
did the W124 came to the US as a diesel? if so, I cast my vote for it.
Knock knock!
– who's there?
Diesel
– diesel who?
Deese 'll save you a lot of money, if you can stand the noise and the smell
Badda Boom!
But seriously, why?