I like the E300s. A diesel 6 cylinder, non turbo but fast enough to not really need one. Relatively bullet proof. Early ones are in the $8/13000 range. Solid as a tank. Though nothing is idiot proof and you say that your daughter is reliable. Mine was too and still totalled a 220D. Didn't get a scratch on her. The car protected her. Stick to a Benz, whatever you do. IMHO.

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N. Hodges
1994 S350
1987 300 SDL (for sale)