Well, if you want cheap, you need to buy a middle-aged Toyota every four years......

I paid $4500 for the TE four years ago, and since then have replaced accumulators ($200), a tie rod end ($25), evaporator ($800 or so with etc), various vac stuff (less than $50), front flex disk ($90), various AC bits and seals, probably $200 with freon, etc., visco clutch and water pump with tensioner ($600), and rear brakes ($32). Put an exhaust on last week ($480). Engine mounts in there somewhere ($80 for the pair).

Still needs thrust and torque links (and probably camber and tie rod links plus spring link bushings, but they can wait) and probably a drag link and tie rod (other side) up front.

I consider tires (which I've also bought, $300) and brakes normal wear items, you can expect to replace them every three or four years, depending on milage.

Not the least expensive cars to own I've ever seen, but when in good shape, worth every dime as far as I'm concerned. I don't know of many other makes that run as quiet and smoothly as the W124s at 200,000 plus miles!

I know, these days you should throw the car away when it needs new brakes ( and a Toyota will cost MUCH more to do some of the above work at 200,000 miles, if you can still get the parts), but I simply cannot see doing that.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!