It is said there is the good, the bad and the ugly. An 83 SD is a solid car, but let's not forget it is OLD. Which means there are components which will need to be replaced along the way. For people who don't have a problem with that, it's ok. OTH, the Lexus is newer which means the parts are newer which should mean less headaches. Lexus is a nice car, but like the culture that built it, it tends to be on the sterile/non feeling side of things. An older benz, OTH, has personality and the famous feel of a solid German road car. Plus, the famous hidden safety features. An older benz is not for everybody but for those who have the patience to deal with upkeep and maintenance, it gives back a LOT.