Z, just be patient, you'll know..but just put alot of notes and ask a lot of questions. I pefer the 126 model. I also like the 123 and 124's, very good cars.

All 80's diesel MB's are simple to fix. You really can't go wrong with a W123, W124, or W126. Actually the W126's have a larger engine bay so their is more room. Turbo's are not really a problem area, as long as the oil is changed they seem to last the life of the engine. Low boost problems are common but not to difficult to fix.

Have you driven the 87? The 86/67 300D/TD/SDL had the 6cy 603 diesel that is a lot more powerful and refined than the 617. It was MB's first real modern engine and is very similer to the 606 that was used up to 1999. Just don't overheat one.

I would sudjest driving a few you might not like the non turbo models or may find them to be perfectly fine. I find the W123 to be kind of small, but thats me many people love them and find the W126 to be to big.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Condition is everything. If you can find one that is not worn out and has been well-maintained, buy it.

It is much cheaper and more enjoyable than buying someone else's problems and trying to fill a money pit. Be patient and be alert.

This particular car I believe was a multiple relist as seen it up before. It seems to me a very dangerous practice to conclude the deal without actually having the car examined in some way. Once drove a thousand miles away to pick up a museam piece. Listing was such a misrepresentation it was simply unbelievable. Ones optomisim to hope for the best in conjunction with vendors attempt to sell can have a really bad ending. Never forget that if you have a really good car one your relatives or friends would be more than happy to have the car so the listing on ebay is just probably not going to happen.. Several of my cars are wanted by friends and aquaintences. They have stated if ever I choose to sell, let them know first. Or I would let one of my children have one. Anyways mercedes cars in my opinion are about the hardest to evaluate properly when older and used of any cars that I have had much experience with. The actual milage and prior maintanence are extremely important. Only got one car from ebay that met expectations and believe it happened because vendor did not know what he had. As to actual milage on chassis if car does not have at least the factory book for oil changes and service plus lots of paper work records. You will not be able to evaluate milage, do not count on carfax or much of anything else. Also as this car was on a carlot and if it was really good somebody going by would have seen it and brought it on the spot.(tons of us car guys around) Look for people with integrity as they will not sell you junk without telling you it is junk. Unfortunatly there are good cars and vendors on ebay but hard to sort from unethical vendors with junk cars.