Based on the advice from blackmercedes and other kind contributors, I zeroed in on a 2000 C280. Here in Southern California, there is a much larger pool of cars to choose from. For a data point, I bought mine with 34k for $13,900. Since the car had so few miles, I wasn't too particular on service records but with an older car and a lot more miles I would suggest you only consider cars with a reasonably complete service record and try and buy the the most recent MY that you can afford.

glenmore