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.

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currently enjoying,
'96 E300 black opal 149K
'97 E300 smoke silver 137K
also owned by family members,
'83 240D manual
'97 E300 white
'02 Jetta TDI

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?

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

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

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

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.

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Fred Hoelzle

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.

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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


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