I have been reading this forum for sometime and I have learned many valuable things about diesel Mercedes from this forum but I have two questions I need answered.
I am planning on buying a 300SD Mercedes for about $5000 as my first car. My father says I should not buy a used car but a new one as it will have a warranty and such. Is it a good idea to buy a Mercedes as my first car or should I go for something less unique (around here you don't see any)?
Also, I have read that short drives are hard on deisel engines and that usually about 7 miles will be enough to burn off any condensation in the engine and enough to recharge the battery. Will idling the car for a little while before you drive away be equivalent to this or not?

Your help would be appreciated.