They are good cars.

I have a 1980 300sd and over the last 18 years the only large expense was replacing the transmission (at a little over 125,000 miles). The climate control system has required repair a few times and right now, it needs a new switch or something that is probably electrical. I have heard that this is one of their weak points. Also had to rebuild the front end at around 175,000 ($800 +/-). Other than this, it has only required routine maintenance (brakes, oil changes, etc).

My American made cars have been much more expensive to own and most of them probably would be in the junk yard by now at that mileage.

It has 203,000 miles and I expect many more miles on this one before it needs replacement.

I don't see how you could go too far wrong at that price.