I'm an avid German car fan, and have always respected Mercedes-Benz for their combination of svelte luxury, dynamic power and top-notch quality.
I'm curious to know what the community's opinion is on the reliability of older Mercedes? My girlfriend is shortly going to start looking for her first car, and I've always heard that older (like pre-90s) Mercedes have impeccable build quality and reliability, and can be had for fairly reasonable prices. I'd like some advice on which model types are good and which I should avoid. She'd probably like something in a sedan, of course a coupe at a good price would be welcome as well. I 've heard that old MB V6s and V8s are good engines, how about their 4 cylinder engines?
Where do you live?
4-cylinders on CA grades and traffic don't have much respect, but are still good commuters.
The best commuter I ever owned was 93 300D with 2.5l diesel. The sedan was easily making 35 MPG and regardless 300,000 miles still looks great. Sold it for $6000, because I need wagon. Love my 99 E320 wagon, but economy of gasoline engine isn't that great.
4-cylinders on CA grades and traffic don't have much respect, but are still good commuters.
The best commuter I ever owned was 93 300D with 2.5l diesel. The sedan was easily making 35 MPG and regardless 300,000 miles still looks great. Sold it for $6000, because I need wagon. Love my 99 E320 wagon, but economy of gasoline engine isn't that great.
That's good news. Economy is definitely a factor, but I'm not sure how widespread diesel is in my city. (and of course not always so easy to sell the idea of a diesel car
As far as the gasoline engines go, do the 4-cylinder models need premium fuel like the rest of the bunch?
Add this to your calculations. Although the older Benzes are vey reliable in terms of engines, transmission, interior work, no "old" car is reliable about rubber parts - steering components, bushings, hoses, gaskets, etc.
All those items will take from your pocket about $1000 a year. If you buy correctly, you can get a good MB that'll last as long as you want it to, and you'll probably be able to sell it with only minimal depreciation.
I'd look for an early 90s w124 diesel that's been well-cared for. If it looks like a good car, it probably is, but still get it inspected prior to purchase. Very important.
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1987 Charcoal 300E 3.2 AMG - 66,000 miles - FOR SALE, see my page 1987 300E 3.2 AMG
1983 Black 500SL AMG with 5-spd manual - 44,000 miles 1982 Blue-grey 300D - 64,000 miles
I bought couple of MB cars in central states very cheap, only because local mechanics were ripping the owners off, while doing bad jobs.
The mentioned 93 300D was very well carried cosmetically, but had several oil leaks under the hood.
The 30,000 miles I drove it cost me slightly over $200 in parts like serpentine belt, breather tube ($35 for piece of plastic) and gaskets. Front bliker lights deteriorated in TX sun, but I've got replacement free from my friend.
You better be handy on older cars, or mechanics will eat you with no salt.
As far as I know all MB gassers run on premium.
Oh BTW. With 600-800 mile range on the tank the lower spread of diesel stations is not a big issue.
Looking for advice on old Benzes 
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