opinions sought - best choice mechanically
 

Considering one has $4k or under to spend on a car, which Mercedes models might provide the best service, if one is found in good condition/ well maintained.

Have been considering:
80's 300d's
early 90's 300e's
have all but eliminated:
420sel - evey one i have seen is a rat

open to suggestions comments.

123 300d. not the sexiest MB, but probably the most rational choice. I really like mine. Just the right size.

On the other hand, why not just drive what you already have?

A Mercedes W123

A 240D would give you the best bang for your buck.

It may not go very fast, but its easy to work on and will last forever if taken care of.

Dave

I'd opt for an early 90's 300E unless you adore the sound of diesel engines. I considered buying one, but they're too noisy and slow for my taste ... especially a 240D automatic.

Well- I was in a similar situation and bought a 190d with standard tranny. We're getting all of the odds and ends repaired now, but it was pretty inexpensive to start with. I also know of people who have tons of miles on 300d and 240d's. They seem to be very happy with them.

i think you have to decide if you want a gasser or a diesel

if I were getting a diesel, it would have to be a 300d

if I were getting a gasser... a 190e has an a/c evapoporator that is easy to replace (common problem). If the evaporator was replaced...I would opt for a 300e.

I'd consider an early 90's (up to '93) 190E 2.3 or 190E 2.6.

I think I would also actually recommend against any diesel model.

I don't know about the gas prices where you live, but in Southern California, diesel fuel is routinely more expensive than premium.

So, the high price of fuel, coupled with the fact that the newest 300D would be at least 20 years old, would make me look for an early 90's 300E or 190E 2.3 / 2.6.

I'll be the contrarian. To me the operative word was when you said you had less than $4,000 to spend. I have owned 3 - 300E's. 2 were purchased at around 100K miles and the third, a '93 Sportline with 250K miles is sitting in my driveway. I bought it for $3500. It has $36K worth of dealer repair receipts. The first of the other two was a '90 model. I put about 75K on it before trading. Here are a few of the repairs.

Alternator, radiator, rotors, A/C compressor $1,400, waterpump, center and rear muffler and many more.

Traded for a '92 Sportline with 113K miles and $7,000 dollars of documented repairs in the last 12 months. This car now has 225K miles. Again, Radiator, A/C compressor etc $1500.00, airpump $500, waterpump, ball joints, struts and shocks, center and rear muffler, differential bushings, strut mounts, alternator, $2500.00 breakdown out of state ( EHA, OVP Relay, Plug wires, Dist cap and rotor, etc etc.), flex disk. This is my daily driver. I confidently drive it out of state on business. Unfortunately, the rebuilt A/C compressor just went out. That repair will be another $1200.00.

The nice thing about these cars is that when you fix them they run like new.

I would not recommend a 300E if you are on a tight budget. You have to be ready for some hits. One thing to be aware of is the predictability of the repairs. It may be better to find one with 150k miles that has documented repairs. Not an easy task.

A Toyota might be a safer move.

Steve