[MauleM5-235]

I just bought a 1983 Mercedes 300D with 188,000 miles. Got it from a friend for $800 sight unseen. Brought it home yesterday. It runs fine but needs tires, brakes and a new driver seat bottom cushion. My friend had been keeping it for her 16 year old daughter to drive and had been maintaining it for that purpose (ie keep the safety items up to par but don't pay much attention to cosmetics). The daughter managed to convince my friend that she couldn't see over the steering wheel, so it wasn't safe for her to drive!

My initial plan was to drive it occasionally as my second car and give it to my teenage driver in a year. I have been surprised how much I like it so I may fix it up some and use it as my winter daily driver.

Any thoughts/info on the market value of one of these? Anyone use one as their DD? I hate the faded tan paint (I think of the color as "Beirut taxi cab yellow") and would like to change the color to black or a deep burgundy. Thoughts on an inexpensive paint job vs a vinyl wrap?

I have heard Omega Motors in Portland is a good independent shop. Anyone have any information on them?

Thanks