ml 320 worth it?

[b1g4l]

My grandma is getting rid of her 99 ml 320. It has 128k miles on it and she only wants $3500 for it. My gramps did recently have the transmission overhauled ($4600), new brakes ($1600) and new tires ($600), which he admitted was a waste but he said it was worthless without it. If I were to buy it I would sell my 08 aveo stick shift with 99k miles and minor electrical problems. I'm only worried because I can fix small problems but if something major happens to the engine I'd be out $3500. Do you guys think I should go for it? The 99 ml 320's seem to have quite a few problems and it basically has a new transmission. Also aveo's don't have much better reliability ratings.