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Originally Posted by LandYaghtLover
Thanks, I will read through that. On the note of efficiency, what numbers can I expect? I read a lot bout one being more or less efficient, yet I dont find anything in terms of raw numbers. I am not expecting anything amazing. But over 22 highway would be nice. My Mark gets about 30 and I know I have been spoiled with that.
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Welcome to the forum----there is a lot of great information here; some of the people are true experts.
I'm not expert ( that's one thing about which many here will agree with me), but you have conflicting desires--a car that will MOVE and get great fuel mileage.
I can help you if great mileage is more important---look at a W126 class DIESEL.
Many members report upper 20s into the 30s mpg. The W126 may be a pinnacle of Mercedes design--having been one of the last designs before MB began building to a price point.
A later model W126 will have air bags.
The one piece of advice concerning things MB that is most universally true is that,
THERE IS NOTHING AS EXPENSE AS A CHEAP MERCEDES.
These ( more than most other cars) can really eat you up on maintenance--especially if the previous owner "deferred" routine maintenance.
Maintenance is not expensive if you can DIY; parts are (mostly) reasonable.
You can get all the tech help and advice you would ever need in the appropriate forum. ( OD is not the best place for intelligent auto advice--emotional opinions on most anything else-YES, but I'd advise using the other fori (?) for technical help.
Other will chime in with buying help; I'll offer only 4 more.
1) RUST is the enemy. Steel wants to become rust; if the process has started, the only real solution is to cut it out and weld in new metal.
2) RECORDS are important. A car with a known service history is vastly better than one that is unknown.
3) Never judge the condition of a Mercedes by its interior--especially if its got MB Tex, ( The MB version of vinyl). You would not be the first person fooled into thinking that MB Tex was leather; in fact MB Tex generally wears better, feels better, and looks better than real leather in a 30 year old car. Many newbies are amazed at how well the interior looks 30 some years after it was made. That is MB quality, but it doesn't mean that beneath that near pristine carpet all is well mechanically or structurally.
4) Buy with your head as much as with your heart. Get an unbiased opinion on the car's condition before you fall in love with it.
Again, welcome to the forum.