These are expensive cars if you're not going to look after them and perform your own maintenance, and they do need to be looked after, but are reliable if maintained. They are also extraordinarally addictive.

If you are not going to work on the Wagon yourself I'd recommend trying to find a 2005 TDI Passat. Great driving car. My wife's has 150K, has been a trouble-free pleasure, and gets 37 to 38 mpg in mostly mountainous terrain. I know it's not a MB, but still a great wagon.

MM

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05 Passat TDI Wagon, 155k miles
05 Tacoma, 135k miles
96 F-250 7.3, 225k miles
85 MB 300TD, 275k miles
52 Dodge M37, 4BTA powered
52 Dodge PW, 23k miles
40 Ford Tudor Sedan (parts everywhere)