almost every pre '85 Mercedes was built on a "value added" basis...they cost a lot because a lot went into them, and they were expected NOT to wear out if properly cared for.

Today's Mercedes (and anything built since '85) is loaded with electronic stuff and other gizmos that give up the ghost with great regularity no matter how well the car is taken care of, and can only be replaced at GREAT expense with visits to the dealer. ALL cars today are basically just Hondas and Toyotas, built to a price, and expected to be used up and discarded like BIC lighters.

You can pay 6 times what a new Accord costs for a Mercedes, Lexus, Cadillac, or other "premium" brand, but you won't be getting any more car. All have about an eight year life expectency...five before they start giving immense amounts of irritating trouble. In the past, a five year old "fine" car was just considered broken in...now it's just broken!

I suggest you get a pre-'85 Mercedes diesel in as nice a shape as you can find...you will likely spend under $5k to purchase it, it will be easy to take care of, and will soldier on for another 20 years.