I'm looking for a ranking of sorts of which models are the most durable and low cost in maintenance if initial condition at the time of purchase is equal. I've had a 300E in the past and was happy with it- probably averaged $200 month in repairs over the three years I owned it and that included the $2500 A/C rebuild- but I'm trying to do my research before buying again. I understand if I'm looking for cheap trans, I can stick with my Celica, but that's not my question. I'm looking for which MB you'd buy for reliability and lower maintenance for a lower purchase price.

So far I'm hearing another 124 or a mid-80's SD? Is that correct?

Any thoughts on an older 240D?

Thanks in advance for the education.