thanks for the quick replies. I would definitely inspect the car as well as possible. My brother is a mechanic and we have both rebuilt cars for years, albeit no MB's. If I lived closer, I would go and check this one out http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1983-Mercedes-Benz-300-TD-TURBO-Diesel-SPECTACULAR_W0QQitemZ4618442166QQcategoryZ6330QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I am just trying to decide whether I should venture into a MB for my intended usage. Running a car 5 days a week for 6 plus hours a day is asking a lot. Plus, a lot of these miles are running around 75 on the freeways. I just can't get into a little sh** box Japanese car, but maybe I should. I truly see the appeal mechanically and aesthetically to the old MB's, but will it be the right vehicle is the question. AKA, if you were in my situation, what car out of all offered would you choose?