The cheapest car to operate and maintain on a budget is a 240d stick. I would recommend an 82 or 83. The only weak point is the ac is not all that great in them.

Buy the best one you can afford and keep it up. It will be worth the same or more when you decide to move up to something newer.

The 280e is a fine car but uses LOTS of gas,

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.