I think that a 4-speed manual in this model is worth it's weight in gold. The auto? Well, as long as you understand that shift smoothness will never equal a contemporary American automatic, and that 0-60 times will be North of 13 seconds, why not?

Obviously, this presumes that the trans is in good repair and adjustment.

Carbs can be troublesome due to heat-induced warpage of the carb body. Rustproofing was not a Mercedes strong suit during this era, check the usual places plus the top of the front fenders just behind the headlight units, and the bottom of the spare tire well.