I have a '91 CE....daily driver and BEST car I have ever owned (I also drive an '02 CLK55 AMG). If the car is 'right', it will last a very long time!

Make sure to find out how many owners the car has had. This may account for some of the spotty service history.

Also, see if you can run a VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry) at your local dealer. That will also provide you with valuable information on the car (whether or not a recall repair was made, etc.)

Good luck and let us know how it turns out