You might want to drop back one year to a 1996, and check out a well-maintained C220. It is one of Consumers Reports best ever used cars. With one in my stable I have to concur with them. As long as you don't have a big family (the rear seating is a tad tight) or expect super-charged performance, this is a fine automobile! Also, with gas prices where they are, this is a good option, as even with over 100K on the Odometer the car still gets 36 mpg highway....not too shabby for over 3300 lbs.

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1996 SL320 97K miles
1996 C220 130k miles
1992 500SEL 170k miles <---sold
1986 300E 216k miles <---sold