Need advice, VW or Benz.

[FrenchFry]

Go with the Benz. Easy to wrench on and I still admire the engineering that went into these 20+ year old cars.

1985 was the last of the W123 series and I think the best. I bought the wagon, my wife has taken it as her car and everytime I bring up selling it she gives me that look - "Over my dead body". Seats 7 in a little wagon. Handy for carting the kids around, shopping, Home Depot, etc. 4 wheel disc brakes. DIY articles online at several sites. Parts, insurance, vehicle registration is cheap. She gets looks and comments all the time in that car.

I have the '87 300SDL. You can tune them up and they are easily maintained. Easy to convert to veggie. Fairly fast once you work on them.

Don't buy a Benz w/o a turbo.

Personally, I like the early 1970's vintage and I'd buy one in a heartbeat if it were properly maintained. The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Convertible is my wife's favorite styling.

http://www.sportscarmarket.com/car-r...-5-convertible

If I found a basket case I'd restore it and drop in Diesel.

Finally, the Benz is the one car where the previously owner can not take very good care of it. You buy it, do all the required maintenance and cleaning and you can bring it back to life.

A VW, on the other hand?? I can't comment, I've never owned one.

Owing a Chevy Suburban and two Mercedes and being able to compare the two manufactures....

Let's just say for my next SUV I'm either going with a MB G-Wagen or a Toyota Landcruiser.

My .02.

[stratman42]

stumbled upon a 5 speed 1990 300d? any thoughts?