Another (more specific) what car thread

EvanB wrote:

DrBoost wrote: Another possibility is a MB 300TD converted to run on veggie oil. It removes fun to drive totally but replaces it with supreme comfort and cheap to run. Whaddya think?

....... as you get one that is in good shape.

how about this one? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1983-300SD-W126-TURBO-DIESEL-LOW-MILES-WARRANTY-FLORIDA_W0QQitemZ270540229176QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item3efd744a38
Of course I don't know what it'll end for. There are tons of them that are a bit older though that are still nice.

Honda Accord? I've owned one and driven a few. They're comfortable, have good highway manners, handle decently, provide decent pickup, and are reliable. I'm a big fan, actually.

DrBoost wrote: how about this one? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1983-300SD-W126-TURBO-DIESEL-LOW-MILES-WARRANTY-FLORIDA_W0QQitemZ270540229176QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item3efd744a38 Of course I don't know what it'll end for. There are tons of them that are a bit older though that are still nice.

That one looks really clean. I am more of a fan of the W123 style. You should be able to get a good one for for ~$2k or really nice for closer to $4k. Mine was an 83 wagon.

Here is a good site for info, they also have a classified section where you might be able to find something. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/index.php

Thanks for that link Evan, I like the W123 very much, but that gen looks pretty nice.
If I'm really going to consider a diesel family car, I'd be remiss to forger about the BMW 524TD or the Mark VII Diesel. Basically, the 524 TD engine in a Lincoln mark 7.

Here is a nice choice if you can get a few grand knocked off the price.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=275757712&dealer_id=46755221&car_year=1996&rdm=1267759445268&lastStartYear=1981&num_records=25&systime=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&engine=4%20Cylinder&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=Gasoline&body_code=143&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=100&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&sownerid=1149686&first_record=76&make=&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=44&body_style=CONVERT&body_style=COUPE&body_style=HATCH&body_style=SEDAN&body_style=WAGON&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=100000&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=44870&advanced=y&end_year=2011&pager.offset=75&transmission=Manual&doors=&max_price=6000&cardist=74&standard=false

Consider a Focus? Stay away from the single cam, SPi engine. Go with a zetec powered Focus. Hatchbacks have lots of room to carry whatever you need when you fold the seats down. Ford parts and service are reasonable (relatively speaking). If you get lucky, you might find a Focus SVT with the 6speed, lots of fun to drive.

I hope this helps.

NewEdgePerf wrote: Consider a Focus? Stay away from the single cam, SPi engine. Go with a zetec powered Focus. Hatchbacks have lots of room to carry whatever you need when you fold the seats down. Ford parts and service are reasonable (relatively speaking). If you get lucky, you might find a Focus SVT with the 6speed, lots of fun to drive. I hope this helps.

You may as well have told me to get a Dodge Dynasty convertible. Actually, I'd get a Dynasty before I'll get another focus. I had one, in 5 weeks it left me on the side of the road twice! I had to get my Dodge Ram with 365,000 miles to pull it home. The engineering behind that car is all back-asswards. I think that's the last Ford I'll ever own built after 1968.

The only problem I've seen with M-B deisels is they make TDI's look cheap when it comes to maintenence - at least from my personal experience. The g/f's parents own a '85 300SD. It's a nice car and is a very nice hwy cruiser... but 0-60 times are measured with a calendar and much of the work that is simple on a 'normal' car (like a VW or a MINI) is a royal SOB and requires special tools. I don't easily shy away from major R&R procedures, but after researching what was required to replace ball joints for the front suspension, I cried uncle and sent the car to a German car specialist we know.

FWIW - he LOVES owners who run their M-B's on veggie oil. They're putting his kids through college replacing injector pumps.