Around here a good VW can be had for a lot less $ then a good Mercedes. I would look for a 96-99 Jetta with a manual trans (the automatics are not reliable over 120,000 miles).

Just remember that any old car you get is going to need a lot of suspension and rubber parts replaced, and a Mercedes has about twice the parts of a VW...

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.