1972 Mercedes 309D Decision

[aschafer14]

I already know I'm crazy for looking at a vehicle that has a top speed of 60 MPH downhill with a tailwind but I need to know how crazy and if anyone has any idea about pricing on these guys? I have researched what I can but there just isn't a huge sample size on these things. The interior is in rough shape but chances are I would have to/want to strip the inside of anything I bought anyway. I plan on going to take a look at it on Saturday and have already talked the guy down from $14k to $10.5k.

Deal or no deal?

Reference Sales I found online(I guess I'm too new post hyperlinks?):
• 1967 Mercedes Benz O309D – $15K
• 1972 Mercedes Benz O 309D – $18.5K
• 1972 Mercedes Benz 309D - $33k (restored)
• 1972 Mercedes 0309D Omnibus $3k
• 1975 MERCEDES-BENZ O309D - $8k
• 1975 Mercedes O 309 D - $29k
• Same bus but $14k(non-running)
• 1975 Mercedes-Benz O-309-D $10k
• German listings ($5-8k)

 

[Bikersmurf]

I don't know anything about those other than what google told me in the last ten minutes...

From the pics it looks a bit dinged up in the front, and the interior looks rough.

Which motor is in it? 4cyl? Diesel?

What is it that you're looking for? For 10k there are many options that aren't 40+ years old. I'd buy a Sprinter if I wanted a Mercedes... or an E series van, or Chevy AWD, or ??

One ton Sprinters seem to serve many well and ride, handle, and get good fuel economy. That said, they can be picky about fuel quality, and have pricey parts... as with all Mercedes. However, at least the parts would be available.

 

[luthj]

I am not intimately familiar with older Mercedes vans. $10k seems reasonable if it is in good running condition with some maintenance records. With anything this old it is all about the maintenance. Have all the rubber bits been replaced in the last decade? I could see a completely original and unmolested van going for about ~$15k. This would be one that has not been overhauled in the recent past, but is free from major defects.

If it hasn't been on the road for some time you may be in for a serious project. Sourcing parts could be a nightmare...

That being said, the van pictured looks pretty nice to my eye. I think it would benefit from a TD swap myself.

If my memory is accurate, the engine in this rig shares most of its parts with the diesel used in larger Mercedes cars of the same time period. Parts are still (somewhat) available for those engines, albeit at a premium stateside. The chassis however was never sold in the USA? Or at least not imported in any substantial numbers. This means any chassis parts may need to be sourced overseas, or fabricated.

 

[aschafer14]

Well unfortunately it was a good from far, far from good situation, I went and saw today and the rust was going to be a big issue, it had been sitting for a while, he didn't know if the fridge or stove worked (which means they don't). The interior wasn't as bad as it looked in the pictures but this was a little too far gone for me, undercarriage and motor looked good but I was afraid to dig any deeper so I passed on it. The search continues.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Vandit]

I think that was a smart call. Good luck on your next search!