Howdy!

I'm new on here . . . found this cool site a few days back and have been doing alot of reading, and I have a few questions, but 1st let me tell you what I "think" I want!

I was trained in a highschool vo-tech program came out top honors both years, worked in a large truck repair shop for 2.5 years after that, been working on my own vehicles all along . . .been around diesels most my life (truck driver) but only owned a new Dodge sprinter for about 7 mo in 05 . . . current nightmare has been my gmc p/u computer issues . . . finally took it to a shop . . . he is on the 2nd computer . . . I've been driving my wifes 02 Volvo S60 since before Thanksgiving . . . she wants it back, and she wants to park her bicycle! (Happy wife = HAPPY LIFE!)

I want a vehicle that will:
A. Be reliable
B. Easy to work on (no computer!)
C. Still get parts for
D. Get good MPG
E. Be able to pull a small utility trailer
F. Manual transmission

I'm thinking a 240D with manual trans . . . what do you think?

I believe that 2/79 they increased the hp a tad in the 240D (like maybe 5-6 hp) so a late 79 to 83 is what I think I want, unless I found a Euro up to 85 . . .

Yes I know the 300 has a bigger engine, and it also could come with a turbo, but I "think" those will cost me in the MPG area . . . am I right? Do I really need that power? Also I believe it would be much harder to find a 300 with a manual tranny . . . am I right? (I believe a Euro 300 might have a manual)

I'm not usually in a hurry to go anywhere, mostly would be driving to work 3.5 mi oneway, and to church 3 mi oneway, and shopping once a week 25 mi one way, once in awhile go to Tucson 80 mi oneway, we like to go to eat Tombstone for dinner every month also about 35 mi oneway . . . if we drive the dirt roads . . . 60 if we stay on tar!

I want a vehicle I can work on when it needs it, I don't mind tinkering . . . or more maintenance, as long as I can do it myself.

I've re-built my own gas engines . . .I'm no stranger to a wrench, and believe in carrying a tool box in my vehicle . . .

What are the "problem" areas to stay away from . . . compared to something that I should expect to be wrong, but no big deal to fix?