Do yourself a favor and buy a cheap to run small car, like a Toyota or Nissan for instance. The job market is tight and Mercedes can be very expensive to own, repair costs and insurance. I've been there and done that.

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Nothing wrong with the mercedes brand, but the 140 s classes are very very complex cars. Thats why you can buy a relatively nice one cheaply....they are very very expensive to maintain and repair.

I suggest a nice simple mercedes such as a 1983 240d stick. ONe of the highest quality cars ever built, easy to work on and nigh onto indestructible if taken care of.

Nice driving handling and stopping too.

I have owned 30 older mercedes and am not without means but I am not interested in buying a 140 s class.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Since this is your first MB, you should definitely have someone who knows the brand look at the car. Pre purchase inspections can be relatively cheap (under $200) and should be considered a requirement for this model and these years.

If you are dead set on this model, you should find an example in the best possible mechanical condition because repairs can be very expensive. AC repairs are quite common and can run over $2,000. Check the maintenance records to see if the AC has been worked on already by a reputable technician.

Remember that they don't make cars like this anymore and you might be "disappointed" when you step up to a newer MB later on in life. Little things like the power INSIDE rear view mirror in this car will just amaze you but MB doesn't don't do that anymore. My '03 S430 has more base content than my '06 S430 had...go figure!

If I were you and wanted to get into the brand on the cheap but wanted something contemporary with a lower cost of ownership, then look for a good used E320 1992-1995. Classic MB body, strudy, readily available, easier to fix and maybe one of the best gas-powered vehicle series MB has ever made. I had two and loved both of them.

Good luck on your search!

Do your due diligence. To modify an axiom from the Rolls Royce owner's forum: "There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes".

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300SD ('81), 190E ('89), 420SEL ('86?), Jaguar XJ6 VDP ('96), E320 ('95), Jaguar XJ6 ('97), E320 [S210] 4matic wagon ('98), Nissan Maxima SE ('02), DeVille ('93), BMW 325 ('03), LS430 Ultra ('01), Avalon Limited ('05), S430 ('06), MINI Cooper ('05), Toyota Camry ('07), Hyundai Azera Limited ('07), E350 ('06), LS430 ('05)
Current rides:
Nissan Versa ('08), S430 ('03)

i would say do it IF you like to work on them yourself, or have a good mechanic that does not charge like a dealer. I have both. I however spend most of my weekends doing something new to it and the list of things to be done never ends. it actually grows. During the week I constantly consider giving up on it and buying a Honda. this happened yesterday as a matter of fact. As soon as I take a look at my car though, I change my mind. This is a constant thing with me.

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1984 300SD Orient Red/ Palomino
1989 560SEC
2016 Mazda 6 6 speed manual
1995 Ford F-150 reg cab 4.9 5speed manual

I don't think it's a bad idea if, and only if, you're going to work on it yourself. I would stick with 320 (I6 not a V6) and stay away from 97-99 with 722.6 transmission though.

This is the best unemotional advice so far....

Get the job, save some money, get situated, then go out and buy a toy.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles