New guy... what to buy?

I'm totally new to the forum and to Mercedes.  The closest I ever had to a Mercedes was a BMW E30 and I loved it.  I'm a classic American iron kinda guy and (until now) my wife has been a Toyota gal.

I had been looking at a VW TDI to replace my wife's totalled car, but for the reliability it doesn't seem like you get much for your money, so I started looking at Mercedes Diesels.  At first I was looking at the typical W124s, but so many of them (at least in CA) are so beat.

So anyway, I found a 1999 E300TD with 179k on the ticker.  I carfaxed it and its a one-owner with meticulous maintenance at a Mercedes dealer, always a Nevada car.  The pictures show it to be super clean.  I worked the owner down to $12,000.  Good deal?  Anything to look out for?  Too many miles?  Good price?  I have to admit that because I'm an American car guy, I'm not used to cars that last 179k so I'm a little like a fish out of water.

Any other suggestions for which diesel to get for her?  She's a lover of smaller cars which is why I'm looking at the E-class.  I'd get her an older 300SDL but I think she'd hate the bigger car.  Are the 190s a good bet?

Thanks to all in advance

stay away from 190s but the 99 300 is a good car.

i would never buy a car with that many miles but thats me. i want 2 be the one 2 put the miles on it.