That is why my 1987 300TD is my 17 yo son's DD. He and his 14 yo brother go to school every day in it.

If I had to choose between some of the small cars that I see my kids friends driving (Fits, Souls, XBs, yaris) I choose the 124 hands down. Yes the newer cars have airbags all over but the laws of physics still win the day in an accident. Particularly when the other party is a pickup or big SUV.

__________________
The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech