I have just traded a '00 Tacoma with with a knocking engine
for a '91 300E 4 matic

I took it to Holloway in Manchester, NH for an inspection
and it seems to need:

Front Strut Supports repaired (spring perch) $1650
Front right lower ball joint replaced
Headgasget leaking oil $1300
transmission secondary pump leaking $500
transfer case leaking $1100

Now my friend owned this car for the last year
and both of us are in shock.

Should I just give up ?
The spring perch seems pretty expensive to me.
Should I be concerned about the others ?

Headgasget leaking oil $1300
transmission secondary pump leaking $500
transfer case leaking $1100

Your garage floor must me a real mess.

My wife's 96 Caddy STS leaks about a quart of oil a month. $1200+ to fix.
Drip pan is my solution.

I think you need a second opinion.
If all of these leaks are real either your friend is blind or never checked the fluid levels.
What does your friends garage floor look like?

A second opinion would be good.

He doesn't have a garage!

In have a 90 4 matic. the 4 matic is great in the snow, but it can be very problematic, and difficult to diagnose when problems occur. I flipped my test switch for this and have been driving with it disconnect because of the vibrations when making a turn, no one can figure out. It drives great with it off. I will reconnect it in the winter. I have no other problems with car. It runs and drives like its brand new. This is really a solid car. I wouldnt trade it for anything. well...............

Thanks for that vote.
I need something for winter being used to a Toyota Tacoma 4x4.
My 1200' up hill driveway gets pretty bad.

Do you recomment any particular kind of tire ?

Do a search on the transfer case...the estimate sounds low from what I remember reading.

__________________
dtf
1994 E320 Wagon (Died @ 308,669 miles)
1995 E300 Diesel (228,000)
1999 E300 Turbodiesel ( died @ 255,000)
2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 AC 4X4 (115,000 miles) rusted frame - sold to chop shop
2011 Audi A4 Avant (165,000 miles) Seized engine - donated to Salvation Army
BMW 330 xi 6 speed manual (175,034 miles)
2014 E350 4Matic Wagon 128,000 miles
2018 Dodge Ram 21,000 miles