I am currently looking to buy either a 1982ish VW or Mercedes diesel car. I have always had gas vehicles and I was wondering if anybody could tell me which one would be better in terms of reliability, maintenance, repair, fuel economy, and drive-ability. I have about 2000 dollars to spend and have common knowledge of how to work on engines and maintain vehicles.

Thank you

 

Hello I went through the very same situation myself 8 months ago and did some homework which was quite fun and interesting.
I was in no hurry and just
searched local classifieds and C/L listings and in 3 months found more than one hundred 300d's with or w/o turbos 1980-1985 priced at 1000.00 - 2500.00. from private sellers.
As far as VW less than 10 Jettas or Rabbit cars or PU ttrucks under 2500.00. I made appointments to see three VW's test drove all three (1 rabbit car, 1 PU truck, 1 Jetta) what I found in all three was the least comfortable driving cars I had ever been in, rattles,vibration,dashboard ready to fall off etc.etc.
I had also made appointments to to see 4 MB's all started and ran well some shifted better than others all had similar rust issues (midwest snowbelt area) 3 really decent interiors, all drove pretty well.

In my case i purchased a 1985 300d turbo < 1500.00 320k, Changed all fluids myself along with glow plugs and the rest looks pretty straightforward
with plenty of help in communities like this.
so IMHO MB far exceeds VW in reliability, maint,repair, drivability, VW I
understand gets 40/45 mpg compared to MB@ 25/30 (40% lighter vehicle in the VW) so unless you are only looking for mpg if you do some home work I think you will go MB.

P.S. When I drove a Ford Ranger to work no one asked hows your Ford doing
or gave it a nickname the MB has several nicknames.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Just sold a 2 litre Peugeot 406 diesel manual estate (French car) which made an average of 47mpg over a 50,000 mile period. Chopped it in for a MB C220 diesel estate which is 20% smaller, does 30mpg around town and once managed 40mpg. What a mistake. My pal has a 3 year old VW passat estate which turns 55mpg, time after time after time. When it costs the equivalent of $160 to fill the tank every week...... my next car will definately NOT be a fuel gulping MB.

 

I am looking at the Mercedes diesels as well. I have a 01 VW beetle diesel and my dad had a 83 Rabbit diesel years ago. There is no comparison in the two VW has come along way with there diesels. The old rabbit was loud, slow, and shook like crazy. Great fuel milage and reliable. My 01 beetle on avg 10mpg less but has some zip to it. I generally get 45mpg once got 54mpg and lowest was 38mpg (pulling trailer). I purchased the Beetle with 90,000 miles and now have 250,000 and it has been a great car. you Have to buy the 100,000 mile timing belt and change it every 90,000 miles along with the water pump and tensioners pulleys. The Beetle for a small car is very safe, but sits very low and rides like a sports car. I'm looking at the mercedes because I'm getting tired of climbing in and out of that little, low car, and would like a nicer ride.