I'm new to the forum so if this has already been answered, please let me know where.

I'm interested in buying a used MB C-class, sedan only, but any class trim level. My budget is low ($5,000) because of other commitments but I'm not looking for a recent model anyhow. 1996-2000 would be fine for me, at least based on the body styling, which I consider to be almost perfect for a small sedan even against today's sleeker styles.

So my question is, are there any good values out there for such a car at $5,000 or less? Would any of you bother with an MB at such a low price given what I hear are MB's expensive repair costs? The mileage I've seen advertised for less than $5,000 is usually around 140,000-190,000 miles... would anyone consider it worthwhile to buy an MB at that high a mileage? If it helps, I'm in Florida and so are the cars I've been looking up.

I'm entirely new to MB cars, but have decided that I really want to start owning them. Nicer ones, of course, if and when I can afford them, but used and cheap to start!

Thanks in advance for your advice.