Newbie: REALLY want a 300D (w123), don't want to go crazy!

[niki716]

Been reading posts for months, and finally joined.

I've bought into the hype about the 300D turbo, and now want one, no matter what problems lie ahead (may the force be with me). Don't mind spending a little more than the going rate, which looks to be around $2500 - $3500 for something in nice condition. Just don't want to spend all my time in the shop. In other words, I'd just as soon spend the $5K up front. $7,000 however, seems crazy. The nicest vehicles on ebay seem to be going for $6500 - 8500, though. I'm in Michigan, and NOTHING nice ever comes up on Craigslist here.

Is it going to end up costing me an extra $5000 to get everything working on a $2500 car? Should I go ahead and buy something like:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=007&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=170079266157&rd=1,1


Please help me not make a huge expensive mistake. Thanks!