Up in my region they tend to bring around that price simply due to there are not many around. Owning one here in ND can be hard as I have to special order everything including something as simple as an air filter since the part stores don't keep them on hand. Also most places wont work on them due to they don't know anything about them. The few that are willing to give it a go are blind going in as they have no experience with them. I do most of my own repairs but when very busy at work and I need it back up and running I am lucky to have a shop in Bismarck who will do repairs for me. The first two times I told them what was wrong and what needed to be purchased to do the job, they ignored me. After working on it those two times they started to realize I was correct on my suggestions. Nowdays I just order the parts and tell them what needs to be done and they get it fixed. Luckily though it has never left me sitting, and the only time I have not been able to fix it is on some seal leakage issues where I did not have the time to do it myself.

 

eh, you just make your best attempt at letting the seller know the potential problems and why you're making the offer and have fun negotiating. If someone else is willing to pay 2X what it is worth, there's nothing you can do about it. Just move on to the next one and be patient. If there's no bites, the seller will probably start to come down. You may have to wait a few weeks/months, but the longer it sits the better it is for your bargaining position.

 

I just bought an 04 HSE 85k miles for 5K with a headgasket coolant leak and original shaft. Seller was asking $7500. 7-10K is the going price around North NJ for the 03-04 D2s in the winter.

 

If it's absolutely immaculate I'd pay $6,500. Which sucks because I can guarantee my truck is in better shape and $6,500 would be max I could get for mine with all the mods and repairs.