I'd need a lot more information as to the "mechanic read the mileage from the engine" claim. Bad alternator won't keep it from running long enough for a test drive. Will a cracked windshield pass safety test? Seller may not be completely honest so you need to check it out, learn what works, what doesn't, and which are important to you. If you do your own work, I'd go for it. I like the part about perfect body. Assuming that's true, its easy to do the mechanicals (I don't do body work, consider someone who does it well as a true artist). Alternative is if you have the "free" time and space, you could double your money by parting it out
. We were in the same situation...My daughter's first car is our recently acquired 93 300D. It has a few cosmetic issues but mechanically almost perfect. Reasonable purchase price plus new shocks, struts, pads, and rotors and it drives like new at 200K miles. Had to replace the oil pan also (whole other story), but I wouldn't hesitate to go cross country in it, or for her to depend on it. Look, learn, offer $500 cash if towed to your garage and see what happens
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