Well the problem with buying say a perfect 300/350SDL for $10k-$15k is that while you may not have to do much you will lose a lot in depreciation once you start putting on the miles. I think it depends on if you can and want to do the work yourself and to what level you want to bring the car up to. I am picky I work hard and want a nice car, I don't want a beater. Another aspect of this is if you do spend tons of money on a mint W126 driving it in winter would be kind of stupid. I for one wouldn't want to sacrifice a mint southern CA car to the road salt.

I don't think either is a better deal, it depends on what you are looking for and what you want. You have $10k to spend either you perfect a $2k W126 or buy a perfect $10K W126. Either is going to cost money to run but at least with the $2k car you know exactly what you have and what has been done. It is nice knowing a car from top to bottom.

Having said that if I was to buy another MB I would pay top dollar for a perfect CA car.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200