I like the 123 as a beginner car. Son started out in a VW Jetta, nice car, but they fold up too easy. Daughter started out in '83 300D I got cheap. She did well and the Pickup truck she hit had more damage than her. Car is still on the road (and still dented). Simple engine, simple maintenance. Just do the normal stuff and fix things as they break. 300SD or SDL are similar but maintenance is higher.