I think the 97 is a nice buy. It's the last year they had the inline-6, which was arguably the best modern motor MB made.

A 124 is a better-built car with a better track record overall, but let's face it - the newest one is 13 years old now, and you're going to spend $1000 a year on either a 124 or a 210 now.

If you have the car checked by a GOOD indie shop or the dealer, and you can verify VMI/service history, including (very important) trans fluid changes at least every 60k, I'd go for it - for the right price of course

And I just realized RLG was responding at the same time - and took the words out of my.......fingers

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former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL