My budget precludes me from looking at too new a model. One shop said to steer away from the dual cam engines and stick with the single cam which are earlier years of the W124(?). He had a 92 300TE in pretty good shape mechanically although it had high mileage. That same shop also had a 2002 C-Class wagon for a good deal because the A/C doesn't work.
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Wgn 3.2L - Inventory | Gunter's Mercedes Sales & Service | Auto dealership in Rock Hill, South Carolina That price it a bit higher than I am looking but it seems like a nice car.