I tend to gravitate towards older stuff than the OP is looking for, but I'm kind of with who ever said about a W211 CDI. Don't know about the prices, so not sure if you can find one for the price, though.

My daughter's 05 C230 has been a solid runner for her for over three years now with issues whatsoever and wouldn't hesitate to recommend one for others. Her car came with impeccable service records, though, so that probably makes a difference in the current reliability, too.

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1995 MB E320 Wagon
2005 MB C230K SS
2001 BMW 330i
2007 Chevy Tahoe LTZ