Like mb123 said, if you don't want to maintain a car, you don't need one. But if your friend ever decides he wants to get a car PROPERLY maintained (no Jiffy Lube or country shadetree mechanics), then he should get something like a 1977-85 240D, 300D or DT, or a 1978-85 300SD. I've driven each kind except the 240D and W116, and they all drive good, and have the outstanding OM 616 and 617 engines in them. But if he's too lazy to maintain a car properly, then the train or bus is the best bet for him.
-Joe

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.