I concur. You can easily spend up to the purchase price getting the car to a daily driver condition.

However a 190e 2.6 5 speed is a very desirable car.
A 2.3Litre 16valve 5 speed is even a more desirable car.

I had a 190e 2.6 auto - a great car - I regretted selling it.

Contemporary cars are much more economic and realistic to drive however 99% have no soul.

You really need a bit of self reliance - i.e. d.i.y. ability to own one of these cars - taking them for professional repair can be daunting to the hip pocket.