I would not consider anything but a stick in either car because of the expense to repair an automatic. That said if I found a really clean one I'd buy it and gather parts for a conversion and do it when the auto acts up.

Mileage really does not matter if it has been taken really good care of. There is nothing that cannot be fixed on them. I like the 300D's too but for daily driving a 240 with its manual heat controls is the way to go...if you can find a nice one.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.