Seeking a daily driver for Midwest, suitable for baking in a parking lot all day and in the rare snow we get here in winter. Maybe $4k to spend, any suggestions on what to look for in a Mercedes? Considering an older Audi, but would like a Benz. (If you have a nice one, let me know!)

Vic
94 SL320

Vic,

Definitely go for a 123 chassis 240D or 300D Turbo ('82-'85 for the turbo version). Any 240D is a safe bet and will run nearly forever. I'd never trade my Turbodiesel for anything else to drive everyday, and I'm sure alot of people will agree with me. Just my $0.02


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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Precision Motorcars, Cincinnati, Ohio
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'86 420SEL
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8
'74 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III
'81 DeLorean DMC12
'84 BMW 745i Turbo

Aaron is right, definately go for a W123, 240D or 300D, you will not regret it. You may also want to consider an older W115, 240D as well. To me, the W115 is a more 'shapely' body style... and they are usually a lot cheaper.
The diesel motors will run almost forever with normal maintenance and a little TLC.

$4K should buy a good car from the '80's or shoud leave enough left over for repairs if you get one from the '70's

Good Luck

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William
76 240D - 550K miles
78 300D - 200K+ miles

I know of a Good 123 240D that is here in ATlanta for sale. One of my friends owns it. It is for sale, he is buying a Grand National.

Just e-mail me if interested. Price is in the high $3k's/

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Please send me an email - may have what you want.

rbdrost@netscape.net