My dad and I have managed to buy a nearly mint W126 that only had a non-running (well, it ran....but it used more oil than fuel ) for $750.....there's deals to be had if one looks long enough. Aside from the drivers seat and a klima issue, the car is great.....we just put a new engine in it, that was 10,000 miles ago (last fall).

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)