My experience, cheap cars cost more as soon as you drive away.
You will be spending 2-3k trying to make it drive and feel good.

My opinion, get a car that has a straight body, nice paint (you will never paint it and if you do, its going to be expensive and more than the cars value). Check for water leaks around window seals and sunroof. Get a car with a good interior.

I would rather buy a car with a bad tranny than have to later deal with dents, rust or bad paint.

Just my opinion, spend more money and get yourself a nice looking MB car (inside and outside).