Marsala,
If a W203 car is in your price range, I believe you would be very pleased with it. I have loved mine except for the crappie Goodyears that came on it, I have no complaints.
I believe if you drove one you would find it to be far superior to a 201 car. After all it is the culmination of everything that they have learned with the 201 and 202, plus designed and built with modern technology.
I had to drive my 6 Speed C240 on a 714 mile round trip yesterday to a funeral. I enjoyed every mile of it. These are fabulous automobiles.
Good luck,