I need some advice guys. I have a 2001 VW Jetta TDI and I'm thinking of selling it and going with an older MB diesel. My main reasons for doing so are that I still owe 11,000 on the Jetta and I'm about to have to have the 80K service done and a timing belt change for around 1000. It just seems like too much money. I was thinking of going for something that required less maintanance and costs much less.

I found 2 MB diesels in my area. One is a 79 240D with around 135,000 miles asking 3,500, the other is a 92 300D with around 208,000, asking 4,000. I'm leaning towards the 79, because I think it will have less parts to break and cost less in the long run. What do you guys think? Also, are there any specific areas I should look at on these cars? When does the engine need to be overhauled, and about how much should I expect to be putting into these cars each year in maintenance? Thanks so much for any feedback you can give me!