In 2019 you could get a dead W211 for $3000, now you can get a fair car for $3000 and a nice one for $4000, and $5000 gets you a pampered example.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/516653942310311/

E500 Wagon for $4000
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/389037611746193/

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/516377775631722/

Been waiting for this moment for a long time.

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.