Merc V-class question

[Paul02]

Hello Paul here new member I have a few 70s/80s bmws but my question is regarding buying a used V-class people carrier.
I am about to buy either the V-230 or the V-280 petrol model on about a 98/99.
I only need the thing for sundays with the kids and the occasional fishing/camping trip to France or the west country. Now really I would go for the V220 diesel but I can't afford it as I have two many other cars ( daily driver,wife's car, old beemers ,work van etc)
So whats the best for reliability and fixing when they go wrong and is the V6 a good engine and would it be much quicker and much worse on fuel than the four pot bearing in mind the occasional use and mainly motorway driving.
Obviously I would try to find a low mileage looked after one in either model.
I have e-mailed "Ben" on here to see what he thinks but any other input welcome.
Thanks Paul

[Parrot of Doom]

I've never heard anyone say anything good about that age of V-class. They're a van with seats and not well built.

I'd be looking at VW Caravelles tbh.