WTB: Cheap diesel in central California

Im looking for a cheap ($2500 max) diesel Mercedes somewhere in California. I live on the central coast, but I can probably get a ride as far south as Orange County or as far North as San Fransisco if its a good deal.

I dont mind something that has a poor interrior as long as the engine is still running fairly well. Being fairly mechanically inclined, I can do a lot of replacement work, but I dont have any experience with diesels or Mercedes, so I dont want something that doesnt run very well.

I dont really like the tan color of the late 70s/early 80s, so I would like to skip that if possible. That is my only nit-pick thing. Brown isnt great either, but I can deal with it.

Strong preference for manual, but I understand they are less common and will settle for auto (I think...I havnt driven one yet ) Preferably no more than 200k miles.

Here are a couple candidates that I have found:
Already sold
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/6/8/49487768.htm
Beater
http://www.tradeexpress.com/detail.asp?adid=1535602
Emailed awaiting response:
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/6/4/49008664.htm
Wee bit high mileage to make a 250 mile drive for:
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/3/2/49045532.htm
Really nice...might bite the bullet and throw in some extra $$$
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/2/6/49008626.htm
Awaiting call back...local
http://www.tradeexpress.com/detail.asp?adid=1539070

My goal is to get a second fuel tank for running waste vegetable oil via www.greasel.com or www.greasecar.com.

[The Godfather]

Hey cool you're from SLO too!

Yea, you actually referred me to this forum. I may have posted as Darklighter on your Eurosomthingsomething page. I also "run" the SLOVW mailing list.

Industrial Technology major here at Poly. You are also finishing up your 2nd year, if I recall correctly...

[The Godfather]

OH that's right! I remember you now. Euromotorsport.net I gotta pay for that damn domain. everything is down now!

Going onto my 2nd year at poly..and my 5th in college International Business Management major

Nobody has anything for sale?

pretty much all of my previous candidates are sold and/or have been disqualified by me for one reason or another.

[The Godfather]

You should look into neighboring states. Maybe Oregon, WA or something. I got all my Mercedes from Texas: eBay Motors baby!

[RG5384]

if you want to look at cars in florida take a look at my post a few posts down.

I wouldnt mind going to a major city somewhere fairly close...plane tickets are about $170 from San Jose to Portland (I was looking at a diesel Jetta that was an awesome deal). I dont think I want to drive a sub-$3000 car half way across the country, especially considering I know nothing about these cars.

[The Godfather]

You could put it on a truck like I did mine. Cost about 800 bucks. But for a car like you're looking for, it may then not make much sense, unless you save a lot on it.

Aye, it doesnt make much sense to pay $800 to ship even a $3000 car!

Well, Im still looking. I actually got approved for a $6500 loan that I had intended for a Jetta TDI, but it was sold...

[Ridge]

A2RiceGTI,

Check out these two websites for lots of used Mercedes. www.craigslist.org and www.recycler.com . I'm certain that yopu'll find more MBXs than you can deal with.

Ben