Best Roadie Gas or Diesel?

[Mr. BILL]

O.K., I know I'm obsessing over this, but it's a big decision for me. I'm going back out on the road, travelling Texas,driving 30-35K per year.

I was ready to buy an '86 420 SEL,then several tech's told me, "for high miles, a diesel is the best way to go".

My search has narrowed to the following: Condition rated on a scale of 1-5. 1=poor, 5=excellent

'86 420 SEL rating 4.5, 120K records, everything replaced $6500

'87 300D rating 4.0 170K records, solid $5500

'85 380SE rating 4.0 120K no records, nice $4500

'85 300SD rating 3.5 150K some records, everything works, techs own car $4000

'93 300E rating 4.8 120K records, Really nice $9000

The 420 is a limo. The 380 is too but not as nice as the 420. The 300D is a solid car, but I'm used to an "S" Class.

The 300SD is a good example of a 16 year old car, but still a "Tank". The '93 is a stretch financially, I;d have to sell my '85 300D.

My comfort zone is around $5K. The prolem is, my '90 300SE is REALLY nice and only the 420 & 300E comes close. But the 300SE has over 240K on it. I'm planning on giving it to my wife for short range duty and giving my 16 year old the '85 300D.

I'd really appreciate some input.





[Edited by Mr. BILL on 04-12-2001 at 12:33 AM]