Agreed, you'll be much better off, psychologically as well as financially, paying more up front for a nice example that doesn't need a lot of work. Bargain cars are usually no bargain as for every problem the seller admits to, there is usually at least one additional "hidden" problem. There's no percentage in having a money pit for your first Mercedes; it will sour you on the whole idea. The '82-'85 turbodiesels are the best; if your state doesn't inspect diesels, get the latest model you can find and take the EGR stuff off. Regardless, try for the car with the best set of service records.

Jeremy

__________________

"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970