Hi guys,

I'm probably less sophisticated than most people who are on the forum about Mercedes but I'm in the market to buy a used Mercedes. My budget is $6500 so I'm looking for an older Mercedes but I'm so uneducated that I need help understanding:
1) Pre-2000 what Mercedes models are good and reliable? I'd like someone that's sporty and fun
2) What are key parameters that I should be aware of? e.g., what's the threshold in # of miles that I should work within if I want a reliable car? (I need to drive 30 miles a day) What's the oldest model that I should look at? etc.
3) This one is really elementary, but can someone break down the different classes of mercedes and explain the key differences between these models and how they rank relevant to each other? For example, E class vs. S class, which one is the better/more luxurious/etc class?

Thanks so much for your input and help!!!