"I think there is a lot of good cars to be had for < $2K"

ALL cars if you look pass the cosmetic and is willing to put some TLC into it. I like cars with bad windows, bad A/C, bad electrics, dents, missing trims, bad paint, crushed fenders, doors etc. As long as the drive train is good and body is straight then I am interested. Most panels can be obtained from a JY and with the same color code if you are lucky. I try to split my w/e on golf and fixing old MBZ. You can make a DD driver out of a sub $2K car easy, it may not win a beauty contest but it will take you from A to B reliably.

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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.