When I buy a used MB, I generally pay more attention to the body/interior than the engine/tranny. I can do the mechanical repair at reasonable price (for the models that I am familliar with) but not the body work or the interior.

If you can start the car and the engine sounds good, at this low mileage, the only thing you have to worry is the fuel system, worst case, a rebuild FI pump (or a used one). Just to be safe, I would still look for any sign of overheating and the conditon of the cam (thru the oil filler hole). This expensive 4-cyl engine should last for a long time. A rebuilt tranny is likely to come, possibly $1500, to bump up your cost to $3000. For a price of $3000, you can have a like-new MB to go around town (possibly without A/C), not bad.

It has to be in like-new condition or close to like-new before I want to take that chance. I will wax it very month and watch it shine.

You may have different purpose or opinion buying a used MB. For me, it is not an investment. It is just for fun with a price tag of $300/year auto insurance.

David



[This message has been edited by be459 (edited 07-17-2000).]