If you like everything about the car it is possible it is a good car in the hands of a jerk shop owner...
The companies that do complete inspections all the time for about $100 can really be lifesavers.... and may not be as prone to being friends of this guy through local MB clubs, professional mechanicing organizations, just being in the same area etc,... and not all mechanics are good at ALL over the car inspections ... and these companies ( like Lemon-Busters ) give you printouts of their findings.
The 81-84 turbo diesels are in one bracket and the 85 in another for finding parts for them.... if that concerns you ...
It is good to have at least your state showing in your profile. People can give more specific answers sometimes when they know what state... maybe even what town you are operating in.
If you are going to find a regular mechanic then be sure to also look in the " good MB shops" forum on this site...
And have you looked at the " cars for sale" forum on this site as a comparison ?