Faults:

Water pump replaced in 1987.

A steering link rusted away in 1989. Cost $10 to repair.

Glow plugs replaced twice in the last 10 years.

General Comments:

It drives like a tank and don't think about getting one if you need a getaway car. It is slow but steady, and I would think nothing of getting into this 27 year-old car right now and driving a thousand miles.

It's main problem is that in cold weather it requires several Hail Mary's to get it started, but once it is running nothing will stop it.

Mercedes corrected the cold-starting problem in later models, and modern Mercedes diesels start in seconds.

You can pick up a decent 240D for $1000 to $2000. Don't be afraid if the miles seem high - these engines will do 2 or 3 times the miles other cars can do. Just make sure you have a battery recharger on board because in cold weather your battery will need to be 100 percent.

Faults:

Power steering bracket bolt broke at 272,000 miles.

Blower motor for the air conditioning stopped working at 280,000.

Fuel filter clogged at 290,000 miles.

Several small interior plastic trim pieces have broken.

Needs new exhaust tailpipe - the rest is still original and good.

General Comments:

With the exception of a three month period in between, this is a two-owner car.

Car has all service and repair records; the repair records are about ten items total - a few bushings, linkage, etc.

The transmission is a perfect match for the little 67hp engine: the four-speed manual makes the car actually fun to drive!

The trunk is big enough to sleep in.

The interior and exterior chrome is fabulous and the MB-Tex interior is great.

The dash has only two small cracks in it after 28 years.

The engine has no blow-by gases and starts great in cold weather, so it may make it another 300,000 miles (I hope).

Faults:

When I acquired the car it needed a new fuel injection pump diaphragm. this took a while to replace, but after that with some new belts and hoses, all was fine.

Brake booster began to die at 320,000.

Other than that its been great!

It did need a lot of body work... but it got done. rust wasn't too bad.

General Comments:

A 1972 220d isn't a rare car. I bought it at a body shop for $300. the owner insisted the motor was blown. the day I trailered the car home, it started up perfectly, albeit a lack of oil. I did sell it, but the present owner does not seem to appreciate her car to the fullest and it may return to me in time. I drove it around too. its alternator is weak, but that doesn't cause many problems. A/C system needs finishing.

This car will be good for many, many more miles. it is not a bad 220d at all.

Faults:

My 1974 Mercedes 240D had all the rust removed when I bought it in 2000. It was repainted the original Ivory color.

My transmission had to be replaced at 187,000 miles. I replaced it with a four speed automatic from a 300d.

The brake booster began to work improperly at 190,000 miles.

The master cylinder was replaced at 198,000 miles.

The car has a tendency to eat through tires, and I have to replace one about every 2000 miles.

The vacuum pump diaphragm began to leak at 189,000 miles. I promptly replaced it.

General Comments:

This car achieves an average of 34 miles per gallon. This tends to vary, as I get 30 in the city and up to 46 on the highway.

The vehicle is extremely comfortable, and has a strong air conditioning system, luxurious interior and chrome appointments.

The car is slow in accelerating, but it cruises well at 60 MPH.

This vehicle is extremely reliable, and has inexspensive maintenance costs.

The vehicle looks gorgeous, with chrome sidings and a lovely classic body style.

The vehicle handles well, and is very safe, being equipped with disc brakes, independent suspension and 3 point seat belts.