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Originally Posted by hertfordnc
About the 240D, just how slow is it? I know that's a tough question to answer. The simplicity really appeals to me and we don't have California freeways around here, and it's relatively flat, but i hear so many comments about the lack of speed. I'm trying to get san idea what it's like to live with.
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I guess it comes down to what you want the car for. Will it be a pleasent, classic second (or third) vehicle, or your daily-driver.
I consider my solid, well-running manual-shift '82 240D to be perfectly acceptable in flat country. But keep in mind that, despite their legendary durability, the newest W123s are getting close to 3 decades-old, so I wouldn't have one as my sole transportation. Currently, my daily-driver happens to be a '96 Toyota Camry. Still, my 240D isn't so primitive that I don't enjoy driving her.
The W124 and later diesels are so much more refined and would make a suitable daily-driver, but for their increasing complexity and computerization, (and the afore-mentioned head-cracking issue).
For their simplicity, I just prefer the manual-shift W123s (I also own a 5-speed '84 Euro 300TD)
If you live in an area where air-conditioning is essential, none of these cars have what I consider really reliable AC systems. Hence my choice of a Toyota for my main transport. (Plus, in winter it saves my classic Benzes from the ravages of road-salt!)
Happy Motoring, Mark