Summary
This 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300D turbo sedan that is a 2 owner car. It's a high mileage car that proves with the right mechanical care and maintenance, quality cars can have long lives. And the fact that it's a diesel doesn't hurt! Reading through the Edmunds.com reviews of the car yields nothing but positive testimonials with 60% giving 5 star reviews and 37% 4 stars. Another quality automobile from Mercedes Benz.

Exterior
The paint still has a good shine to it and in general the body is straight with only 3 noticeable dents and the clear coat is free of flaws. There is a golf ball sized dent on the rear panel, a scratch on the driver side c-pillar, and a bumper impact near the front passenger side headlamp (see photos). The headlight bezels have discolored over the years and there is a crack in one of the rear tail lights. The 15-inch wheels are discolored; the alloys would benefit from refinishing. This once handsome car retains its overall charm.

Interior

Overall, great for a nearly 40 year old car that has been driven. A deep detailing could bring this back to its former glory. All the components and hardware are intact and after nearly 150,000 miles, you won't be able to say that about very many cars from this era. The leather is all complete without tears, however the lower driver's seat cushion would benefit from a cleaning. Rear and passenger seats fare much better. The steering wheel is tight and the dash is free from cracks, which is nearly unheard of, and a sign this car was garaged consistently. The headliner is tight, power seats, radio, clock, telescope steering wheel, sunroof, droppable rear head-restraints, and all 4 windows operate as expected. The driver floor mat is stained and likely can be cleaned. The rear package shelf is faded and the passenger side c-pillar cover is loose at the top. There are some cracks in the center console wood trim.

Drivetrain
Opening the hood, we find a clean, driver quality, engine depicting its high mileage with a brand new hood liner. The engine is an inline 6 cylinder turbocharged engine rated at 143 horsepower. It is fuel injected and tied to a 4-speed automatic transmission which drives the rear wheels. Once at speed the engine hauls well, keeping up easily at highway speeds. When starting from a stop in traffic, the car is not quick, still able to keep up with modern cars, and all while maintaining that remarkable fuel economy. 

Undercarriage
Recent work has cleaned up a leak that was caused by an improperly installed transmission oil pan. MacPherson struts are up front with a five-link independent suspension in the rear. 

Drive-Ability
The diesel starts, runs and stops and we're not shocked. There is a brand new 12 volt battery and spare keys. You've heard of owners going 400k or more on a diesel and this one may well be on its way! That said, other aspects do age with less grace, and we note some things that are not working including the trip odometer, cruise control, and the air conditioning (needs a new compressor and service). That's not a bad list for a well used car!

Mercedes has a tradition of quality and it certainly didn't end in 1987. This stout car has life left in her and could also serve as the canvas for some cosmetic restoration. If you've dreamed of taking the million mile challenge, this might be a good candidate for that as well. It just needs some TLC.

I am a Mercedes enthusiast owning several classics from the 70s and 80s. You can have too much of a good thing and I will be selling multiple cars from my collection to make room for others. The sale includes a new car cover.