Hello,
I'm considering buying myself a Mercedes 190. At the moment, I run a Lotus Elise for weekend use all year round. Weekdays, I drive a 21 year old VW Scirocco that I've owned for close to 8 years.
I love the Scirocco dearly but, I don't feel I have the time to keep it tip top (it's just about concours) anymore and would like it to receive the happy retirement it fully deserves at the hands of someone else!
Why a 190? Well, I appreciate the extra thought that seems to have gone into all 80's and upto mid 90's German iron. I've discounted the 3 series as there's no afforable diesel option. The Audi 80 seems to be hard to get hold of in decent condition.
I managed to get a drive in a 190 2.5 diesel that may be for sale in the near future.
It's a 1992 J reg, non turbo manual. 270k on the clock.
Positives:
Bodywork immaculate in light metallic blue. Owned by one family since it was a demo when new. Engine starts easily and has that nice Audi like 5 pot throb. Clean oil and coolant. Spotless interior with all windows, roof etc working spot on. Looking for £900.
Downsides:
Loads of shunt when on and off the throttle at low speeds (propshaft, rear axle?) Gearbox is imprecise (all old Merc manuals I've driven are the same though!). ABS not working with light disconnected at the dash! Done a few miles - how many more are left in it?
This morning, I've looked at and driven another.
1993 K reg 2.5d Auto. 133k on the clock.
Positives:
Low miles, FSH until two years ago, 2 previous keepers, all electrics working, nice interior, drives well. Looking for £700.
Downsides:
Not serviced in two years though ATF is clean enough (done about 10k in this time), one rear door is an odd shade, not sure about long term prospects of the Auto box?
So...
what sort of mileage will the engine do if warmed up gently and treated to 5k mile oil changes?
What's the fuel economy like, manual and auto? For reference, I'd like it to at least equal the Scirocco. 32mpg urban and 40mpg at a very steady 80mph.
What are the 190 weakpoints that could case an expensive MOT failure? ABS pump worries me, as does the vast number of suspension bushes evident! Do they suffer structural rot underneath?
Anything else I should know?
Thanks for reading this, and thanks in advance for any replies
I'm considering buying myself a Mercedes 190. At the moment, I run a Lotus Elise for weekend use all year round. Weekdays, I drive a 21 year old VW Scirocco that I've owned for close to 8 years.
I love the Scirocco dearly but, I don't feel I have the time to keep it tip top (it's just about concours) anymore and would like it to receive the happy retirement it fully deserves at the hands of someone else!
Why a 190? Well, I appreciate the extra thought that seems to have gone into all 80's and upto mid 90's German iron. I've discounted the 3 series as there's no afforable diesel option. The Audi 80 seems to be hard to get hold of in decent condition.
I managed to get a drive in a 190 2.5 diesel that may be for sale in the near future.
It's a 1992 J reg, non turbo manual. 270k on the clock.
Positives:
Bodywork immaculate in light metallic blue. Owned by one family since it was a demo when new. Engine starts easily and has that nice Audi like 5 pot throb. Clean oil and coolant. Spotless interior with all windows, roof etc working spot on. Looking for £900.
Downsides:
Loads of shunt when on and off the throttle at low speeds (propshaft, rear axle?) Gearbox is imprecise (all old Merc manuals I've driven are the same though!). ABS not working with light disconnected at the dash! Done a few miles - how many more are left in it?
This morning, I've looked at and driven another.
1993 K reg 2.5d Auto. 133k on the clock.
Positives:
Low miles, FSH until two years ago, 2 previous keepers, all electrics working, nice interior, drives well. Looking for £700.
Downsides:
Not serviced in two years though ATF is clean enough (done about 10k in this time), one rear door is an odd shade, not sure about long term prospects of the Auto box?
So...
what sort of mileage will the engine do if warmed up gently and treated to 5k mile oil changes?
What's the fuel economy like, manual and auto? For reference, I'd like it to at least equal the Scirocco. 32mpg urban and 40mpg at a very steady 80mph.
What are the 190 weakpoints that could case an expensive MOT failure? ABS pump worries me, as does the vast number of suspension bushes evident! Do they suffer structural rot underneath?
Anything else I should know?
Thanks for reading this, and thanks in advance for any replies
