If you've read these boards at all, you'll know to avoid any 1995 anything unless it has had the harness replaced.

Based on the recommendations from this board I bought some late model w202s as a replacement car for us and first cars for the kids.

I bought a 2000 C280 with 36m, now 110m. Everything about this car is an improvement over the w124 we had. Steering and handling is light and nimble, HVAC is electronic, AC ice cold and still flawless, very much like a Japanese AC with very little drag on the engine, electronic tranny is flawless (so far), again like a Japanese tranny. Mileage is OK not great, about 20 mpg in town, freeway is much better at 27mpg.

Daughter has a 1999 C280 bought at 84m now at 106m. Small leak in AC but so far fine car.

Son has a 2000 C230K, bought at 88m now at 102m. This one has super gas mileage because of the 4 cylinder. Only problem we are facing with this car is sooner or later will need a new SC. Older knob style HVAC. Same nice tranny.

A 1998-2000 w202 would be best but I don't think you can find one for $2000.