I've been researching these things for a week or so, and they seem really cool. I like the looks of the older 240D, but there are alot more 300D's for sale 'round here.

Are there major differences in years? as in "one year only?" or are parts really interchangeable?

The majority I see for sale are 198x 300D's(w123, right?), around $2-3 thousand bucks, with a touch over 200k on the odometer.
I'd like a driver, but I don't mind tinkering on the weekends, either. Will these prices get me decent ride, or a rusty moneypit and a busted knuckle?

....thanks!...Will