WD,

Most important thing : Does your wife know how to drive an underpowered car? Things like getting a running start when hill is ahead, running it wide open thru the gears when pulling out in traffic and keeping out of the way of impatient drivers.

These are things I learned in driving 190D, 220D and 240D MB for hundreds of thousands of miles. Finally I got a turbo SD and all the above went away. I'm spoiled by my turbos and I really don't want to drive a NA powered Diesel anymore.

So I suggest U get a Turbo powered Diesel for your wife. More power at not much mileage reduction.

U want to buy a 30 year old car and don't expect to tinker with it? Dream on. The best U can hope for is no major breakdown.

P E H