I read this article in Popular Mechanics on "8 Hot Used Cars on Sale for Pennies on the Dollars". I think they are wrong that the Mercedes diesels are "slow enough to cause brain damage."
Here are related excerpts of the article:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class
1986 to 1995

Speed Bumps: Diesel models are slow enough to cause brain damage. Parts prices induce fainting. Oddly fashionable with hipsters, so supply is dwindling.

Volvo 240 Sedan
1982 to 1993

Speed Bumps: Faster than the Mercedes, but not by much. Suspension rubber is notoriously short-lived. Available with an 82-hp, Volkswagen-built diesel six, which is neither powerful nor efficient.

8 Hot Used Cars on Sale for Pennies on the Dollar - Yahoo! Autos