What you want to drive is as important as the condition you buy.

I had a 115 230 gas that was cheap to run. I did all the repairs myself.

I had a 109 300sel 6.3 that cost a fortune to keep going and yes, I did all the work myself.

Do research and figure out what makes you happy. The 6.3 was a money pit but it was a total blast to drive.

Some things are worth it.