Valuing a modified diesel
Valuing a modified diesel
08-08-2009, 07:47 AM
#1
What do you think the value of these cars should be placed at after tons of modifications?
Basically, If I list the thing on ebay, will its value be higher because of the stuff on it, or lower?
I wrote this little essay which would give you an idea of whats on the car. This is the rough draft for an eventual auction sale. (WARNING- its long and boring)
This post was last modified: 08-08-2009, 10:09 AM by JB3.
Attached Files
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
Looks like I will have to sell my 300D at some point in the next couple of months.
What do you think the value of these cars should be placed at after tons of modifications?
Basically, If I list the thing on ebay, will its value be higher because of the stuff on it, or lower?
I wrote this little essay which would give you an idea of whats on the car. This is the rough draft for an eventual auction sale. (WARNING- its long and boring)
Attached Files
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
08-08-2009, 08:07 AM
#2
Personally....
350k miles is a lot to start with in any used car, even an MB diesel, but somewhat a plus for being honest
4-speed a big plus
2.88 a negative (to me) when paired with a manual and stock turbo
Dead EGR is good
3" exhaust is a big plus
VO system, I'd walk away immediately (you knew that answer was coming
)I've read the document and it seems very long winded even by eBay description standards. You could probably leave out the "Here is how it works" section completely since those interested in that stuff likely already know the process.
Definitely trim some fat; less "story of its life", more useful "to the point" details that will help a potential buyer decide if they want the car and how much its worth to them.
Good luck!
This post was last modified: 08-08-2009, 08:11 AM by ForcedInduction.
ForcedInduction
08-08-2009, 08:07 AM
#2
Its totally subjective. Most people are scared away by lots of customization, they don't know whats been done and what "quirks" might be hiding in all that custom work.
Personally....
350k miles is a lot to start with in any used car, even an MB diesel, but somewhat a plus for being honest
4-speed a big plus
2.88 a negative (to me) when paired with a manual and stock turbo
Dead EGR is good
3" exhaust is a big plus
VO system, I'd walk away immediately (you knew that answer was coming )
I've read the document and it seems very long winded even by eBay description standards. You could probably leave out the "Here is how it works" section completely since those interested in that stuff likely already know the process.
Definitely trim some fat; less "story of its life", more useful "to the point" details that will help a potential buyer decide if they want the car and how much its worth to them.
Good luck!
08-08-2009, 10:07 AM
#3
(08-08-2009, 08:07 AM)ForcedInduction VO system, I'd walk away immediately (you knew that answer was coming
Haha, actually I figured you'd probably set the car on fire and save it a slow death! In all seriousness however, if you were inclined to run VO, there is no better system than is on this car. Ill take a few pics at one point.
Yeah, its a long boring document. The problem is ebay is that you get these SOBs that lie right through their teeth about these cars.
Its not all sunshine and roses. Ive gotten screwed big time several times on ebay. "runs great, needs nothing" + 90 mile drive with a second driver x Blown head gasket, and "let me get the ether so we can start this" = justifiable homicide.
I figure I trim it down to a quarter of its length, and add some video, maybe itll sell decent. My big problem will be the mileage, even though the thing runs great. If i can demonstrate that it runs and do some driving video, I might get it sold.
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
(08-08-2009, 08:07 AM)ForcedInduction VO system, I'd walk away immediately (you knew that answer was coming
Haha, actually I figured you'd probably set the car on fire and save it a slow death! In all seriousness however, if you were inclined to run VO, there is no better system than is on this car. Ill take a few pics at one point.
Yeah, its a long boring document. The problem is ebay is that you get these SOBs that lie right through their teeth about these cars.
Its not all sunshine and roses. Ive gotten screwed big time several times on ebay. "runs great, needs nothing" + 90 mile drive with a second driver x Blown head gasket, and "let me get the ether so we can start this" = justifiable homicide.
I figure I trim it down to a quarter of its length, and add some video, maybe itll sell decent. My big problem will be the mileage, even though the thing runs great. If i can demonstrate that it runs and do some driving video, I might get it sold.
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
08-08-2009, 01:16 PM
#4
(08-08-2009, 08:07 AM)ForcedInduction Its totally subjective. Most people are scared away by lots of customization, they don't know whats been done and what "quirks" might be hiding in all that custom work.....
Absolutely! I totally agree. I look at it that only all original equipped deserves the top price per condition. Major modifications are product of people's personal preferences and may not suit everyone. Thus the value of a car should be lowered then a comparable condition vehicle... Unless you find that certain person with your own tastes..... Then you can get top dollar.
Gota love Mercedes Diesels!
.
DeliveryValve
08-08-2009, 01:16 PM #4(08-08-2009, 08:07 AM)ForcedInduction Its totally subjective. Most people are scared away by lots of customization, they don't know whats been done and what "quirks" might be hiding in all that custom work.....
Absolutely! I totally agree. I look at it that only all original equipped deserves the top price per condition. Major modifications are product of people's personal preferences and may not suit everyone. Thus the value of a car should be lowered then a comparable condition vehicle... Unless you find that certain person with your own tastes..... Then you can get top dollar.
Gota love Mercedes Diesels!
.
08-08-2009, 03:15 PM
#5
The next problem is that those that spend lots of money on these cars are the same people who shit themselves if you alter the tire size by 3mm or weld a brace to the bottom of a shitty stock jack (works great by the way).
What I need to find is an older rich former hippie who regrets opening those sweatshops in Thailand and who now would like to repent by appearing 'green'. Let me know if you come across one of these people.
I intend to put it up for sale when I get the title back from the state, which should be in the next couple of weeks, but more likely 2024.
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
Yeah, its a shame really. The way I see it is that anyone who loves playing with their vehicle will undoubtedly want to do all kinds of work themselves, not buy one where a lots been done already.
The next problem is that those that spend lots of money on these cars are the same people who shit themselves if you alter the tire size by 3mm or weld a brace to the bottom of a shitty stock jack (works great by the way).
What I need to find is an older rich former hippie who regrets opening those sweatshops in Thailand and who now would like to repent by appearing 'green'. Let me know if you come across one of these people.
I intend to put it up for sale when I get the title back from the state, which should be in the next couple of weeks, but more likely 2024.
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
08-11-2009, 02:21 AM
#7
'78 300D, OM617.912: 4spd manual, TB03 at 10PSI, 26*BTDC, DV's turned, HVAC, emissions system removed, e-fan, short ram, 3" downpipe to straight exhaust, W126 Bendix brakes, MR2 Spyder seats. 2890lbs
Interesting. I've had offers on mine a couple times in the last year. Maybe it's all the redneck/diesel truck inspiration in my town.
'78 300D, OM617.912: 4spd manual, TB03 at 10PSI, 26*BTDC, DV's turned, HVAC, emissions system removed, e-fan, short ram, 3" downpipe to straight exhaust, W126 Bendix brakes, MR2 Spyder seats. 2890lbs
08-11-2009, 11:03 AM
#8
I really don't want to sell it but I cant argue with a calculator, a pointed finger, and an accusing stare.
It turns out, once you add every dollar Ive spent on the car, and divide it by the months Ive owned it, ive paid 350 bucks a month for this car over 2 years. Add that to the likelyhood that I will continue to work on it and spend more money, and it represents a dangerous money drain at the moment. "3 quarters of all this money spent was voluntary, you were bolting random shit to it for years, random EXPENSIVE shit."
"You could have bought a very decent newish car for 3 or 4 grand, and saved THOUSANDS of dollars over time." Wheres the fun in that?
Then I was hit with the logic of "think, you can do all this stuff again on a better starting condition car when you have more space and more time" True, that WOULD be fun.
We'll see how things are when the title gets here, it takes 10-14 weeks to get one back here. This is what I get for keeping meticulous expense records in an unlocked filing cabinet.
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
Ive had a couple offers on this in the past as well.
I really don't want to sell it but I cant argue with a calculator, a pointed finger, and an accusing stare.
It turns out, once you add every dollar Ive spent on the car, and divide it by the months Ive owned it, ive paid 350 bucks a month for this car over 2 years. Add that to the likelyhood that I will continue to work on it and spend more money, and it represents a dangerous money drain at the moment. "3 quarters of all this money spent was voluntary, you were bolting random shit to it for years, random EXPENSIVE shit."
"You could have bought a very decent newish car for 3 or 4 grand, and saved THOUSANDS of dollars over time." Wheres the fun in that?
Then I was hit with the logic of "think, you can do all this stuff again on a better starting condition car when you have more space and more time" True, that WOULD be fun.
We'll see how things are when the title gets here, it takes 10-14 weeks to get one back here. This is what I get for keeping meticulous expense records in an unlocked filing cabinet.
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
08-11-2009, 04:54 PM
#9
'78 300D, OM617.912: 4spd manual, TB03 at 10PSI, 26*BTDC, DV's turned, HVAC, emissions system removed, e-fan, short ram, 3" downpipe to straight exhaust, W126 Bendix brakes, MR2 Spyder seats. 2890lbs
I would much rather put money towards a project than have a payment. When it comes down to it, can you really put a price on all those hours YOU put into it?
'78 300D, OM617.912: 4spd manual, TB03 at 10PSI, 26*BTDC, DV's turned, HVAC, emissions system removed, e-fan, short ram, 3" downpipe to straight exhaust, W126 Bendix brakes, MR2 Spyder seats. 2890lbs
08-11-2009, 06:51 PM
#10
ForcedInduction
08-11-2009, 06:51 PM
#10
Paying $350/month towards maintaining a car is better than paying a bank $350/month so that you can someday say you actually own the car!
08-12-2009, 11:43 AM
#11
(08-11-2009, 06:51 PM)ForcedInduction Paying $350/month towards maintaining a car is better than paying a bank $350/month so that you can someday say you actually own the car!
x2!
W123 Mods: 4 speed ** manual climate control ** '85 Kalitucky intake ** manual windows & full tint ** Euro headlights retrofit w/bixenon projectors ** 4 brake light mod ** Vogtland 50mm drop front & Lesjofors S600 drop rear springs ** 16" rims ** late w126 brake spindles, rotors & calipers ** full suspension rehab ** Bilstein HDs ** AL129X alternator & 1/0 starter and charging cables ** 300GD clutch/flywheel ** AFCO 80103N radiator & Earl's 41610 oil cooler ** custom block-off plate, remote oil filter & t-stat ** MW IP w/ tomnik's 6.5mm 'Holly' elements **
S124 Mods: 400E Rear subframe ** SL600 Brakes ** Late 300E 210mm diff ** SLK230 6 speed ** 17" CLK rims ** Vented RF Fender ** Facelift Hood, Headlights, and Lower Cladding **
OBK# 62
SurfRodder
08-12-2009, 11:43 AM #11(08-11-2009, 06:51 PM)ForcedInduction Paying $350/month towards maintaining a car is better than paying a bank $350/month so that you can someday say you actually own the car!
x2!
W123 Mods: 4 speed ** manual climate control ** '85 Kalitucky intake ** manual windows & full tint ** Euro headlights retrofit w/bixenon projectors ** 4 brake light mod ** Vogtland 50mm drop front & Lesjofors S600 drop rear springs ** 16" rims ** late w126 brake spindles, rotors & calipers ** full suspension rehab ** Bilstein HDs ** AL129X alternator & 1/0 starter and charging cables ** 300GD clutch/flywheel ** AFCO 80103N radiator & Earl's 41610 oil cooler ** custom block-off plate, remote oil filter & t-stat ** MW IP w/ tomnik's 6.5mm 'Holly' elements **
S124 Mods: 400E Rear subframe ** SL600 Brakes ** Late 300E 210mm diff ** SLK230 6 speed ** 17" CLK rims ** Vented RF Fender ** Facelift Hood, Headlights, and Lower Cladding **
OBK# 62
08-12-2009, 03:44 PM
#12
1987 300SDL 6spd manual om606.962 swap project
1985 300td euro 5spd wagon running
willbhere4u
08-12-2009, 03:44 PM #12At least you can do what u want to it while you own it! Don't forget cars with a loan need full coverage insurance plus if you have a money tight month with a payed off car just drive it! no payments!!! big plus not to be tied in to a payment!!!
1987 300SDL 6spd manual om606.962 swap project
1985 300td euro 5spd wagon running
08-13-2009, 07:58 AM
#13
Right now I don't really need the car, and it represents an asset I can offload in order to clear a credit card bill. Besides, Id love to do all the same mods to a wagon at one point.
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
you guys are all preaching to the converted.
Right now I don't really need the car, and it represents an asset I can offload in order to clear a credit card bill. Besides, Id love to do all the same mods to a wagon at one point.
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
08-13-2009, 08:22 AM
#14
1982 300SD: 304,xxx Super M-pump with 7.5mm elements, 265 Nozzles, GT35 water cooled turbo, M90 Supercharger, A/W Intercooler, Serpentine drive belt, 3" SS exhaust with Magnaflow muffler, 240 breather, AEM dry Filter, Manual Boost Control, EGT / Boost / EMP gauges....Moved on to other projects
1995 F-350 7.3L PSD: 230,xxx 6.0 IC, DIY Stage 1 Injectors, 17* hpop, Tony Wildman Chip, John Wood Trans, 6.4L TC, 3" down pipe, 4" straight exhaust, 310 HP on wheel dyno - 8500# dually: 0-60 in 6.98
Suzuki Samurai: VW 1.9L TD, Trackick doubler transfer case (made by me) 5.8:1 transfer case gears, YJ springs front and rear with rear missing links, wheel base extended 14", diffs welded, some day a VNT.
Rudolf_Diesel
08-13-2009, 08:22 AM #14Dump the complainer and keep the car, $350.00 a month is much cheaper than the later!
1982 300SD: 304,xxx Super M-pump with 7.5mm elements, 265 Nozzles, GT35 water cooled turbo, M90 Supercharger, A/W Intercooler, Serpentine drive belt, 3" SS exhaust with Magnaflow muffler, 240 breather, AEM dry Filter, Manual Boost Control, EGT / Boost / EMP gauges....Moved on to other projects
1995 F-350 7.3L PSD: 230,xxx 6.0 IC, DIY Stage 1 Injectors, 17* hpop, Tony Wildman Chip, John Wood Trans, 6.4L TC, 3" down pipe, 4" straight exhaust, 310 HP on wheel dyno - 8500# dually: 0-60 in 6.98
Suzuki Samurai: VW 1.9L TD, Trackick doubler transfer case (made by me) 5.8:1 transfer case gears, YJ springs front and rear with rear missing links, wheel base extended 14", diffs welded, some day a VNT.
08-13-2009, 01:06 PM
#15
anyway, if/when you're looking to offload that project, I'm interested.
This post was last modified: 08-13-2009, 01:07 PM by SurfRodder.
W123 Mods: 4 speed ** manual climate control ** '85 Kalitucky intake ** manual windows & full tint ** Euro headlights retrofit w/bixenon projectors ** 4 brake light mod ** Vogtland 50mm drop front & Lesjofors S600 drop rear springs ** 16" rims ** late w126 brake spindles, rotors & calipers ** full suspension rehab ** Bilstein HDs ** AL129X alternator & 1/0 starter and charging cables ** 300GD clutch/flywheel ** AFCO 80103N radiator & Earl's 41610 oil cooler ** custom block-off plate, remote oil filter & t-stat ** MW IP w/ tomnik's 6.5mm 'Holly' elements **
S124 Mods: 400E Rear subframe ** SL600 Brakes ** Late 300E 210mm diff ** SLK230 6 speed ** 17" CLK rims ** Vented RF Fender ** Facelift Hood, Headlights, and Lower Cladding **
OBK# 62
SurfRodder
08-13-2009, 01:06 PM #15I guess now would be a bad time to ask if you're ever gonna finish that tranny, huh?
anyway, if/when you're looking to offload that project, I'm interested.
W123 Mods: 4 speed ** manual climate control ** '85 Kalitucky intake ** manual windows & full tint ** Euro headlights retrofit w/bixenon projectors ** 4 brake light mod ** Vogtland 50mm drop front & Lesjofors S600 drop rear springs ** 16" rims ** late w126 brake spindles, rotors & calipers ** full suspension rehab ** Bilstein HDs ** AL129X alternator & 1/0 starter and charging cables ** 300GD clutch/flywheel ** AFCO 80103N radiator & Earl's 41610 oil cooler ** custom block-off plate, remote oil filter & t-stat ** MW IP w/ tomnik's 6.5mm 'Holly' elements **
S124 Mods: 400E Rear subframe ** SL600 Brakes ** Late 300E 210mm diff ** SLK230 6 speed ** 17" CLK rims ** Vented RF Fender ** Facelift Hood, Headlights, and Lower Cladding **
OBK# 62
08-14-2009, 01:06 PM
#16
This post was last modified: 08-14-2009, 01:28 PM by willbhere4u.
1987 300SDL 6spd manual om606.962 swap project
1985 300td euro 5spd wagon running
willbhere4u
08-14-2009, 01:06 PM #16Thats funny I maxed my credit card to fix up my 240d and now i am paying it off like a car payment but my car is every thing I could want and my daily driver!
1987 300SDL 6spd manual om606.962 swap project
1985 300td euro 5spd wagon running
08-14-2009, 01:23 PM
#17
(08-13-2009, 01:06 PM)SurfRodder I guess now would be a bad time to ask if you're ever gonna finish that tranny, huh?
anyway, if/when you're looking to offload that project, I'm interested.
Touche! Even though im a procrastinating SOB, I intend to finish it up. Might take me longer than I thought, gotta work on work needs. Im keeping all my tons of spare parts, extra rims, projects, and of course my much loved custom hand made stick shift knob.
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
(08-13-2009, 01:06 PM)SurfRodder I guess now would be a bad time to ask if you're ever gonna finish that tranny, huh?
anyway, if/when you're looking to offload that project, I'm interested.
Touche! Even though im a procrastinating SOB, I intend to finish it up. Might take me longer than I thought, gotta work on work needs. Im keeping all my tons of spare parts, extra rims, projects, and of course my much loved custom hand made stick shift knob.
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
08-15-2009, 09:43 AM
#18
(08-14-2009, 01:23 PM)dropnosky Touche! Even though im a procrastinating SOB, I intend to finish it up. Might take me longer than I thought, gotta work on work needs. Im keeping all my tons of spare parts, extra rims, projects, and of course my much loved custom hand made stick shift knob.
awesome dude...still looking forward to seeing you finish it up, whenever that happens. I just wanted to make sure that one did get done as you've already done the major work.
btw, does your gal understood that you have a 'sickness' and buying a newer car with more expensive parts *isnt* going to cure it? i finally got around to reading all of your mods in the word doc, and you're youve finally got it to where it's a 'keeper'. People who dont have the sickness cant understand dumping money into an older car, 'cause they don't know how sweet it is to modify something and be happier with the end result. my wife doenst understand the sickness either, but she doesnt try to stop me because she know its therapeutic for me. Anyway, hope you end up keeping your rolling project.
W123 Mods: 4 speed ** manual climate control ** '85 Kalitucky intake ** manual windows & full tint ** Euro headlights retrofit w/bixenon projectors ** 4 brake light mod ** Vogtland 50mm drop front & Lesjofors S600 drop rear springs ** 16" rims ** late w126 brake spindles, rotors & calipers ** full suspension rehab ** Bilstein HDs ** AL129X alternator & 1/0 starter and charging cables ** 300GD clutch/flywheel ** AFCO 80103N radiator & Earl's 41610 oil cooler ** custom block-off plate, remote oil filter & t-stat ** MW IP w/ tomnik's 6.5mm 'Holly' elements **
S124 Mods: 400E Rear subframe ** SL600 Brakes ** Late 300E 210mm diff ** SLK230 6 speed ** 17" CLK rims ** Vented RF Fender ** Facelift Hood, Headlights, and Lower Cladding **
OBK# 62
SurfRodder
08-15-2009, 09:43 AM #18(08-14-2009, 01:23 PM)dropnosky Touche! Even though im a procrastinating SOB, I intend to finish it up. Might take me longer than I thought, gotta work on work needs. Im keeping all my tons of spare parts, extra rims, projects, and of course my much loved custom hand made stick shift knob.
awesome dude...still looking forward to seeing you finish it up, whenever that happens. I just wanted to make sure that one did get done as you've already done the major work.
btw, does your gal understood that you have a 'sickness' and buying a newer car with more expensive parts *isnt* going to cure it? i finally got around to reading all of your mods in the word doc, and you're youve finally got it to where it's a 'keeper'. People who dont have the sickness cant understand dumping money into an older car, 'cause they don't know how sweet it is to modify something and be happier with the end result. my wife doenst understand the sickness either, but she doesnt try to stop me because she know its therapeutic for me. Anyway, hope you end up keeping your rolling project.
W123 Mods: 4 speed ** manual climate control ** '85 Kalitucky intake ** manual windows & full tint ** Euro headlights retrofit w/bixenon projectors ** 4 brake light mod ** Vogtland 50mm drop front & Lesjofors S600 drop rear springs ** 16" rims ** late w126 brake spindles, rotors & calipers ** full suspension rehab ** Bilstein HDs ** AL129X alternator & 1/0 starter and charging cables ** 300GD clutch/flywheel ** AFCO 80103N radiator & Earl's 41610 oil cooler ** custom block-off plate, remote oil filter & t-stat ** MW IP w/ tomnik's 6.5mm 'Holly' elements **
S124 Mods: 400E Rear subframe ** SL600 Brakes ** Late 300E 210mm diff ** SLK230 6 speed ** 17" CLK rims ** Vented RF Fender ** Facelift Hood, Headlights, and Lower Cladding **
OBK# 62
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