My journey looking for the perfect Benz has concluded, and the lucky winner is the w126 300sd (1981 - 1985).

For me, it is the best blend of comfort, economy, looks, and practicality. I hope to use this car throughout my university years, so for the next 7 or so years, I hope it takes me wherever I want to go in style, and with minimal expense.

Anyway, on to the important part of the post. I've begun actually looking at specific cars. I have a few months to choose the one I want, so there is no rush, other then the one caused by my own impatience. Since I have all this time, i want to make sure I get the perfect car. Below are all the things I've learned from the archives that I should look for in the car. I want you veterans to let me know if I missed something important, or added something that really doesnt matter. Thanks. Btw, the price range is around 5k CDN, so 3K USD. Anything else you feel I should know, feel free to say it.

Things to check(no particular order):

-Compression check. (to verify oil changes etc)

-Rust beneath the floor mats and bottom edge of doors

-Play in steering(to see if new box needed)

-Tire condition(to see if tie rods etc are bad)

-Door alignment

-Power windows/seats

-Leaks on bottom half of engine

-Rear window delamination

-Records to show oil changes and valve adjustments(these likely wont exist)

-Smooth tranny

-No rust and good paint

-And this: "check to see if the engine has a sizable amount of blowby. This is easily accomplished. There is a rubber hose that runs from the valve cover to the air cleaner assembly. Pull this hose off of the air cleaner while the engine is running and check for an excess of oil and combustion gasses. If you witness little oil and exhaust you should be in good shape. "

Most of these I can check with the help of my dad, but I'm going to take it to a mechanic anyway to make sure all is well.

Thanks guys.