The solution is simple. Just buy a newer Mercedes. I wouldn't trust any other manufacturer (except Porsche simply because I'm biased).

Probably W203 on up, imho. I've seen the hits they take. And I've gone from a "I hate W203 and newer Mercedes cars. To I love W203 and newer Mercedes cars" because of how well they, and all the newest Benz' fare in real world crash situations.

But structurally, I don't see the old stuff much differently from the new. Except I really don't care to be picking glass shards out of my brain after a significant side-impact collision.

I would only trust Mercedes for safety. Unlike the others, they DON'T play into automotive politics when it comes to saving lives.

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1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)