i'm in high school, and own an 83 300SD. I would personally much prefer to have a 560sec/sel, or even a 190E/300E, but the maintenance would kill me. With this car, i can work on everything myself, and learn a ton while doing it. The car isn't that quick, all my friends dubbed it a panzer tank, and it doesn't look that great anymore, but only once has it ever left me stranded(radiator blew, my fault i knew it was going but......) The cars are so easy to fix i think i've fixed just about everything with a 60 peice tool kit. Also, the ride and comfort is unparralelled for the cost of the car. How many other cars can you buy for under 3k that ride like a new honda(if not better), handle well, and will cruise at 100 all day long, while maintaining your comfort with automatic climate control? my opinion is, they are the practical car for someone who wants a mercedes and likes to work on thier own cars.
R

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.