At the cost of owning and driving an 'entry level' Mercedes.
c300 is a very reliable car, not too complicated enough to work on yourself. its a little on the smaller side though, so if your hauling your boys or girls around it can get uncomfy quick. the v6 has decent passing power.
The most important thing here in the German Gang though, is that your really paying for safety and your life. No matter what kind of accident you get into with this type of car, you'll probably be able to walk away from the scene. these cars are built like a womb.