Looking at buying a 300CD. I'm not a real "car guy", but looking for something to have a little fun with, maybe convert for WVO, add another car to the garage in preparation for my oldest kid to begin driving (in a couple of years). My "advisor" (a good friend who is big into cars) has essentially advised against anything with even the slightest amount of rust. There are some out there w/o rust, but there are a lot more with "a little" rust. There's one in particular that I've been talking to the seller about...describes it as "minimal rust" along a strip under one of the doors. Will get it inspected before I would consider buying, but the question is a general one: will a car with even minimal rust turn into too big a headache (especially for a non-tinkerer) to justify even the lower price, or is it an "okay deal" to accept a little rust, good mechanicals, and hope for the best.

I know this is a question without a real "answer", but I'm guessing there are some guys who might weigh in on it. Thanks in advance.