When I was in the Army, I drove boats (yes, the Army). In RVN I was stationed on a SKILAK -- 113 feet, 2 12-71s. The chief engineer filled my head with Mercedes diesel praise -- he had a 60's 190D. I transferred this to my parents, who got a 74 240D with 17,000 on it .... and drove it for 24 years (243K). They loved the longevity, and felt very safe.

I had an 86 Jetta NA which was a wonderful car (43MPG average), despite its having been poorly maintained before I got it. I drove it for 5 yrs. I was going to drive my parent's 115, but there was rust @ the front jacking points and around the headlights, so I sold it when my Indy had to seize a 1-owner 240 Euro with 193K, for nonpayment, 2.5 years ago. I liked the 123 body, and the faster glowplugs. It now has 232k, and has given me no real problems (I do need to rebuild both suspensions).

We had an 8-N also, and I see them all over the country, often restored-looking.