1984 Mercedes-Benz W123 300TD Station Wagon review from North America
"A tank that looks, feels, and drives like a Mercedes should"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Brake fluid leak from the master cylinder.
Dash board has minor cracks from heat and UV damage (a dash reflector has completely stopped the deterioration)
Power steering belt snapped.
Odometer works... occasionally.
General comments?
I will never love a man like I love this car.
It has automatic locks and a system that makes it nearly impossible to lock yourself out.
The seats have lumbar supports, and are the most comfortable car seats I've ever sat in.
The cabin is beautiful even after 25 years. The carpet wear looks like that of a 2 year old car, and none of the leather has cracked or faded.
However the dash has cracked and the leather heats up like a hotplate in the summer, and is biting cold in winter.
It handles beautifully for a larger car (better than some of my friends' sedans and compacts).
It's not the fastest accelerator, especially up hills.
However once it gets there, it maintains high speeds like a champ and still handles well.
I was t-boned by a truck and drove away with nothing but a dent in the passengers side. No axle, transmission, interior, or human damage. I feel truly safe in this car.
It is an older car and takes some maintenance, but is incredibly reliable and has never left me stranded (as my former, newer car did...often)
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| 1984 - W123 300D 3.0L 5 cylinder turbo diesel Quality, durability, economy, and distinctive class, all wrapped up into one affordable package |
|
| Everyone should have one and diesels do not explode on impact! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1984 |
| Year of manufacture | 1984 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | turbo diesel Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 240000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 260000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 5th February, 2009 |