I think the story about the lack or records is BS. What would documents showing the service history of the car expose about the previous owner? That they had the service done? What privacy would they expose? I think that's just something dealers with no records say. My car has every single record since it was purchased and I would not have purchased it otherwise.

As far as your car, I would say that given your admission that you already work 2 jobs, it would be insane for you to spend 25K on a car. I think you should look for a nice early/mid 80's 300TD if you're bent on a wagon. You could get a great car for ~5K, and then quit one of your jobs, yielding time to enjoy both it and your life.

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1982 Mercedes-Benz 300CD
1982 Mercedes-Benz 240D - stick