Scuba,

Older cars, even ones as well built as Mercedes, require a certain degree of attention. I suppose you could buy an old Mercedes and just drive it until it won't start....but if you prefer things to function, then you will need to be ready to work on it some. Many of the things that go wrong with an old car are just the product of aging - like rubber pieces that go bad over time.

So part of your decision should be the interest you have in tinkering with the car (I'm assuming you don't have the deep pockets to just take it to the shop every time something goes wrong). If you are mechanically inclined, or want to be, an old diesel Mercedes is a great thing to have. Fairly easy to work on and lots of quality built in. As long as you stay ahead of the repair/replacement power curve, the cars are very dependible. I'd drive mine anywhere tomorrow.

I think a big part of the pleasure in owing one of these is being able to improve the car by spending time working on it.

Good luck,

Nic
'85 300CD @ 150k miles