I live in the Palm Springs area which has more than their share of retirees. (I am one) The bulk of the used Mercedes here are in great shape. While desert cars can be faded most owners here are upscale and garage their cars.

I am the second owner of a '87 300E with 198K. The car has always been garaged and there is not a mark on it. In fact, I believe the wiper blade is the original.(Rain, what is that?) Everything has been replaced on the car and it has been meticuously maintained. I have records of close to $24K over the last 8 years. Expensive, yes, ridiculous, maybe, but I have a perfect 124 that still looks great and I would not be afraid to take off for the East Coast tomorrow. The car hasn't a single rattle and is as quiet at 80 as my '95 E420. The transmission has always been serviced and is smoother than my newer Benz.
Yes, there are good 124's out here. One just has to find them.