Buying a Mercedes diesel

[InSaNeBoY]

I posted this in another section and was told I should put it in here...

So, I've been searching for a good second car for me to drive every so often. Probibly 1-3 times a week, 60miles round trip, when my fiance needs our other car. I want to find something in the $3,000 range. What I don't want is a boring car, I definately want something with caractor... Also i will drive it in the winter, on nice days. My fiance doesn't do snow, so I'll be driving the element on those days

So, in my searching I discovered that the 1978-1985 300D/CD/TD seem to fall into my price range. It seems to fit the bill, but I don't know, I've never driven one. I've just heard they're very well built and run forever. I also remember years ago seeing someone pull up in one(a wagon) and i heard the door close with that heavy "thunk" I was impressed. I'm leaning more towards the coupe, with the sedan a close second. Of course I would not pass up a good deal on a clean wagon either I'm figuring I'd be a tad happyer with a newer(80's) one with a turbo diesel.

So those that have 'em, what's your opinion, good occational use car? How difficult is it to start when it's really cold out? is it do able without a block heater(no power in the garage) when it's say, -10F? Anything elce I should know?

Last, anyone know of any for sale in Maine? or if you have one and live in the area would you be willing to show off yer car to me so i can see one up close and personal to see if it's the right car for me? I'd love to find one sooner rather than later. but I don't need anything right away, I just got new brakes, full tune up and had the axle beam repaired on my ghia so I'll be crusing around in that as much as I can this summer So I can take some time to find the perfict one.