Purchase advice from the pros

[Dan DesNoyers]

New to this great site.And will be gratefull for solid advice. Seriously considering a pre-owned MB, replacing suv.
Will have $12K or so. Had a 87 300TD for about 6 enjoyable, problem-free months...swapped even for pristine BMW 325IC..wife aways wanted the convertable.Enough said.
Hoping for long-term dependability/loyalty(I'm an old dog type),need 25+ hwyMPG, 35k+ road miles/year comfort, some entertainment value. Lower "nuisance" factor would help, but don't mind reasonable tradeoffs...will do PM's on time.
Another TD? TE? Could use the room. Looked at 2 TE 4Matics recently-both 91's with 150k, both nice-understand transfer case every 75K or so. That right? Also a nice 89TE with good records for $9K
Regular 300E or D may do fine too. Pre 86 too far back?
Like the 86-93 look but not stuck on it. A number of these avail.locally. Here the 87D has a good 6. Good choice?

Sorry for the generality..will greatly appreciate your thoughts.Any favorites out there that parallel?

[stevebfl]

I would try for a 90 or newer 300E or 300D 2.5D T. The 300E won't get your fuel mileage requirements, but will be easier to find.

The interiors were updated at that year and the body trim also. More radio and the electronics get some help with some self-diagnsotics.

My suggestion after that is to buy miles and condition. Don't go for the cheaper car. Try for 100k or less, especially with your amount of driving. If values in your area place these models out of range go back a model instead of buying high mileage. There were no diesels in the "E" body between 87 and 90. I don't particularly like the 603 diesel, but thats personal.

[Edited by stevebfl on 12-24-2000 at 11:24 AM]

[Benzmac]

If low yearly cost is a requirement, I would not get a 4-matic. I have seen these leak from every imaginable place.

I would get a regular sedan or wagon as Steve suggested.