Hi all. I'm new to Mercedes and I'm looking for direction. I drive a 74 911, a not very good car for commuting or for professional encounters (lunches etc). I like the way 300E's look and feel and I'm thinking of buying a used one.

I would like to pay under $10, and have no problem paying the split between high/low book, if the car is clean with records.

I would like to learn from your experience before I learn the hard way, so I'm basically looking for advice on what to stay away from and/or look for.

If there is a source of Mercedes classifieds that you guys recommend, that would also be very useful.

Lastly, I would appreciate names of shops in the Bay Area (SF and penninsula).

Thank you in advance, Spiros Bouas