Alternative fuel classics: Mercedes-Benz diesel
.jpg)
While in many parts of the country, the pervasiveness of the Toyota Prius points to our increased concern with fuel economy, in Western North Carolina 20-plus-year-old diesel Mercedes-Benz sedans or wagons are the local transportation of choice for conservationists. The demand for the old diesel cars has increased substantially, and many of them are powered by biodiesel. Some owners prefer the old Mercedes-Benz cars due to their practicality, but the majority of owners mention the ability to use biodiesel as an alternative to petroleum diesel as the main reason for buying the car. The people that are trying to sell their old Benz were often not running biodiesel, while the buyers often plan to use biodiesel, reflecting the national trend showing increases in biodiesel consumption. If any old Benz owners are reading this, you can get a pretty good price for your used diesel over in North Caroline. While the cars used to be worth around $1,500, they can now fetch $3,000 to $5,000. [Source: Asheville Citizen Times]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
chuck goolsbee 11:45AM (6/29/2006)
Actually older oil-burning Benz' are in demand everywhere, not just NC. I was shopping for a 300SD or 300SDL, or E300D for about a year... two years ago. I passed on many at what are now bargain prices. I kick myself for that now because the market demand has pushed the prices up 100% over the past two years. Look at eBay. ANYTHING Diesel (VWs & benzes mostly) are fetching premium prices above their gasoline fueled bretheren. It used to be that used Diesels were CHEAP, now they are quite the opposite!
I never did buy that MB, but instead the wife chose a Liberty CRD, which is my 5th Diesel vehicle since 1980.
I drive a Jetta TDI, which I bought new in 2002 at a huge discount. Try that in 2006!
Reply