(no subject)

Off really shortly to take a look at a 1979 Mercedes 240D. From the bit of research i've done, they seem to be well reviewed, solid vehicles. The 240 is considered part of the 300 series, sharing a body with the 300s, but with a 4-cylinder diesel instead of the 5-cylinder in the 300s. As such, it's noted that they may be somewhat sluggish at lower speeds, but do passably enough past 20mph/32kph, and get somewhere in the range of 30 miles per gallon/12.75 kilometres per litre.The engines, though, seem to be regarded as among the best Mercedes ever made, and it is said that with the proper basic maintenance, these cars will easily do a million kilometres or more, and that in the end what stops them isn't engine problems. This bodes well. And, for $800, the price is right. We'll see.

One way or the other, doing something to work toward breaking the petrochemical reliance on the Middle East is a goal. Since biodiesel is the only alternative fuel which has fully completed the health effects testing required by the Clean Air Act and shows significant decreases in emissions- hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, particulate- it looks like a fairly viable option, and, living here in Seattle, it's fairly accessable as well (and should it not be accessable, "standard" diesel can be run in it without damage).

I'm trying not to get too hopeful about this.

(no subject)

240Ds are sluggish. Not a little sluggish or 'somewhat' sluggish, pretty freakin' sluggish. This one was, all in all, in pretty decent shape mechanically, wear notable but not excessive internally, paint a little rough.

But when you push the accelerator what feels like all the way down and the vehicle seems to crawl into traffic, that's not a super thing. It's actually pretty uncomfortable- until you discover that there's what feels like all the way down, and then there's "Oh? Hang on, i can kick this farther down." When doing so, it's still a little less than completely responsive.

Even so, i'm not decided either way, but leaning against. After having driven a 300SD- which is both turbocharged and features the 5-cylinder engine, the 240 suffers in comparison. Then again, it's hard to find a 300SD under $2000.

Any insight you'd care to offer?