Could someone please point me in the direction of some good basic information on the used MB diesel models available. I apologize to all other women out there who know their cars, I do not but would like to learn. I have been reading as much as I can in this forum and others but I feel as if I am getting information overload on issues way over my head. It seems the more I read the more questions I have. I am guessing that W123, W210 and such are the body types? And what do S, SD and SDL stand for? Could you fill me in on the pro's and con's of the different models and engine types, your particular favorites and why, which ones you would be happy to send your wives and daughters across country in, and the one easiest for them to do basic repairs on and the cost factor of repairs. Thanks to Hattares guy and a great post on the ebay sellers sight. You are very informative and patient.

I do have some experience with diesels, just not with owning a MB. I drove a Chevy G20 series custom van with a diesel conversion from 1986-1998 and loved it. That purchase was my choice, my husband hated it (lots of smoke and noise in the mountains)! The motor was still going strong at 298,000 but my husband got rid of it because it needed a new transmission. I cried for weeks. He replaced it with a 1995 gas model and I hate it! It's finally on it's last leg and I am choosing the replacement!!! It will be a diesel, just don't know which (My husband just rolls his eyes!!!). My daughter turns 16 in January and I want something solid that we can drive. Also something fairly reliable as we do alot of cross country driving from Utah to Indiana and all points in between. Friends have a 2003 Jetta TDI, great gas mileage but their VW feels cheap, like a tin can. And they constantly have problems with the check engine light. (Lots of unnecessary repairs and a car payment as well.) If anyone can point me in the right direction I will be most grateful. Thank you.