My 1986 300SDL is getting old. 350,000 miles and a few dents, clear coat is burning off. I"m thinking of getting something else in better cosmetic shape.

I'm on my sixth diesel car, my third Mercedes. Had a 240D that was totally gutless. This 300SDL is the best car I've ever owned. I get consistent 24mpg (mixed driving). My only complaint is it's kind of heavy and wears out tires quickly. I have had the front end aligned four times in three years.

My choices:

A: find another 300SDL with under 200k miles.

B: find an 82-85 300D W123 body. Is this body a little lighter? Would it get even better mileage? I liked the body of my old W123 240D.

C: Get my car a little body work and a paint job ($4000) and go for 500,000 miles.

Would an 82-85 SD have an air conditioning system that needs VERY expensive refrigerant (I seem to recall that with my 82 240D)

Many Thanks for your advice.