That is a great question. I have thought long and hard about it, but am still not 100% sure of my decision. So maybe some of you can help correct me if my logic is wrong.

As with many of you, I want to purchase an older MB in order to have a comfortable, classy, safe vehicle which is more affordable than many of the other cars on the road. But economics are a major part of my decision. Please correct any of these statements that you don't agree with.

1) A 1995 124 wagon is 8 years younger than a 1987TD, so on average, the condition will be better, the mileage will be lower, and the newer 124s are supposed to be a little more refined than the earlier models.

2) There are soooo many more gas versions around that parts have to be more available, especially at salvage yards.

3) Local garages will be more familiar with the gas version of these cars, and hopefully better equipped to diagnose problems. (I had trouble finding a garage to help me with my diesel).

4) I barely see any TDs for sale, and the few available recently are trashed. I have seem countless gas versions for sale. And this has driven the price down for the gas versions.

At the end of the day, my perception is that the cost of ownership will be less for a gas car, primarily because the initial purchase price will be less. I would love to be convinced otherwise.

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1968 220D, w115, /8, OM615, Automatic transmission.
My 1987 300TD wagon was sold and my 2003 W210 E320 wagon was totaled (sheds tear).