Until you said $3k, I was going suggest you spend $10-12K and get the best of both worlds...98/99 E300.

I guess your decision needs to be based upon how important $3K is in your life and whether you have additional monies to put into it as needed as W140's can be expensive to own.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)