I like my '87, but it has NOT been cheap to own despite relatively low mileage. I've got a post somewhere that lists everything I've done to it over about four years of ownership. I do all the work myself and it still has cost a small fortune. I've rebuilt the auto transmission, replaced the head, hydraulic lifters, starter, alternator, A/C compressor, heater core, vacuum pump, front suspension overhaul incl. springs (one broke), plus the normal stuff... glow plugs, filters, belts, etc. Currently awaiting replacement of one of the heater flap vacuum motors, sunroof inoperative (mechanically jammed, not the cable), rear suspension needs work, waiting on new injector nozzles, etc. etc. etc. etc.

If you do buy the car, find out if the vacuum pump has been replaced. The original pump is a ticking time bomb that can easily destroy your engine. I replaced mine (~$300!) as preventive maintenance.

I get about 28 MPG in mixed driving that includes many very short trips (about 1 mile from home to work) as well as a decent amount of highway. I'm hoping rebuilding my injectors will bump the MPG up a bit as well as making it start and idle a little better.

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1987 W201 190D