I wouldn't hesitate for a second to buy the W124. With 55K on the clock (if you can verify them) this is the best car for the money...period. One of my cars is 94/E420 with just over 70K and this is my favorite from all the Mercs I own and I do have W140....
You wrote that you own W124 already, so you know that the money to keep the car on the road are the same as Honda or Toyota. I am talking long run...over 3/4 years period.
Do you maths and you will see that if you keep the Merc for 3/4 years the overall cost for maintenance are the same with any Honda or Toyota BUT..if someone hit your Mom car what you rather she was driving... I am sure you got my point.
No to mention that for around $5K you are looking at 100K miles for Honda or Toyota and this money can buy you a fabulous low mileage W124.
My vote: E420 any day
