Ditto on the GM comments, although I think the 350 is a good engine. My reccomedation would be a well-maintained 1988-92 Range Rover. Don't worry about high miles, they run great a long time. Make sure the obvious things have been done, they can be had for pretty cheap. Think $1500-5000 range. 1990 on is made of aluminum, they don't rust. They have small V8's, nothing even close to a 350 in power (unless you put one in it, a fairly easy job!) but they run great. Mine with 187k on it runs perfect, leaks some oil, and since I bought it many thousands of miles ago I have put new front brake rotors and an exhaust sys on. That's it. Gas mileage is terrible, but they are so far more comfortable than anything GM ever made or will make. Best of all, you will have something with a little European class, something of an equal to you Benz. Of course, crashing snowbanks and climbing mountains are easy to do to.

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2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 4Matic
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon
2005 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE
1999 Audi A8 4.2L quattro