Update on car search: I got a 2008 ML320 CDI

I decided against the dodge ram I posted about earlier this week and picked up this thing for $3500. It has 194,000 miles, but was immaculately maintained by someone who owned three other vehicles with these engines in it.

It has maintenance records going back to when it was brand new. The previous owner just had the transmission fluid and filter changed. I also confirmed that it was done at the regular recommend intervals for this car. In general, the car is in immaculate shape. With proper maintenance, I’m certain I can get another 100k out of this thing, if not more.

I’m aware that these engines have some issues. I’m planning on deleting the swirl flaps and EGR, giving it a very mild tune (mainly for fuel efficiency) and using this thing as my daily driver. It’s about the best balance of fun and reasonably economical I could find for the money. Plus I didn’t have to finance anything and still have $2,000 to put away in case anything goes wrong. How did I do?