Also consider that you already have a pretty good idea of what your car needs.

Any used car is bound to have needs also.
It's a rare used car that doesn't need something.... and generally needs quite a bit more than you thought.

That said, I've bought some used cars that didn't need much work, but they all had a few things in common: picky owner, tons of history, and a high price......

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles