Under a thousand you are looking at a parts car or a real diamond in the rough fixer upper. Expect a lot of money going to a shop or a lot of time on the jack stands and getting your hands dirty if you buy a cheap mercedes. I bought my 300SD for 1900 and I have put about 1100 in it in the last year not counting the time put in or tires. 1400 if you count tires. I really enjoy working on it though. I keep making improvements.

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My Daily : 96 E-300 Diesel with 195,000 miles
Retired: 92 300D 2.5 T 345K miles and for sale
Retired: 95 E320 157K miles and currently parked with blown engine

Both retired cars are for sale as is my w124 shop inventory