I am a former 3-series BMW owner. I've been taking the train to work but I want to be with my kids more, so I need a daily driver for commuting a total of 66 miles per day (33 miles each way). My neighbor owns 2 1987 Diesel Mercedes and if I help him collect vegetable oil - he converts it to biodiesel using methanol -- then he will sell me the biodiesel for 55 cents a gallon. At this price, I would be able to stop taking the commuter rail, assuming I could pick up an 80's Mercedes Diesel in decent condition. I'm more of a computer guy, but I am learning to do mechanical stuff and did a bunch on my bimmer (e.g. change oil, replace rear shocks, replace fan motor inside the dash). Can you help me evaluate this one? I know these cars can go very high mileage, but the high miles scare me:

1987 Mercedes 190d 2.5 turbo - $2900
The rarest of the rare. Imported in 1987, only 1,169 of these were sold in the U.S.; they cost $29,800 new and were all automatics. This one has been converted to a Mercedes 190d 5-speed. Since 5th gear is an overdrive, it only turns 2,000 rpm at 70 mpg and gets 40 mpg highway. The engine is a powerful, reliable 5-cylinder unit that was usually used for the larger E-class cars. Starts instantly, runs smoothly and uses no oil. Antilock brakes and driver air bag. This is the deluxe edition, with walnut dash and headlight wipers. Radio is a Sony unit compatible with a cd changer and a cassette-type iPod adapter. Except for the A/C and cruise control, everything works – including sunroof, power windows, power seats, power antenna and power door locks. A/C worked for years until last year, but my Mercedes mechanic said there is now no pressure, so the system must have a leak. It also runs on R12 so will require a conversion to R135. Odometer stopped at 28X,XXX miles; actual miles is probably around 300,000. Body is good except for a minor back-up ding on the lr fender. No cracks in the MB Tex upholstery. Dash has a few cracks. California original car with no rust. Repainted in the original charcoal color. Recently replaced: water pump, serpentine belt, idler pulley, brakes, heater core, oil pump, ignition lock (matches other locks), clutch, master cylinder, slave cylinder, battery. These were expensive repairs worth far more than the asking price of the vehicle. Tires are a matched set of 4 Michelins in good condition mounted on factory alloy wheels. Comes with a number of extra parts, including bilstein shocks and struts. Clear current
title in my name. Serious buyers only who can come with cash.