I have decided that I want to buy a Mercedes diesel. I need a daily driver that will transport myself and my family with reasonable safety and economy - an older Mercedes diesel seems to be a good compromise. I have done a lot of research and I like the sound of the following models:

90-92 300D
87 300D
190D (except 2.2 auto)
Any grey market stick-shift car

The W123's don't get good enough mileage - I want a minimum of 25 city, 30 hwy. 240D's are too slow. Late models are too expensive.

I looked at a 190D today. 2.5 non-turbo, automatic, $2,500. Drove nicely, plenty of power. It did have a few problems however:

Dark blue paint was badly faded on hood and roof
Sunroof inoperative
heat/AC inoperative (fan worked)
odometer inoperative (showed 160,000), tach inoperative
The motor was very clean-looking and did not overheat.
Interior was decent, the usual cracking of the leather in the drivers seat and the bezel around the shifter.

I think the car has too many problems for me to be interested in it - even if I could get it for, say $2000. Comments?

-Dave

The paint alone would make me stay AWAY. But the sunroof can be a minor adjustment. The heater and AC not working are likely expensive problems almost hinting at underlying vacuum issues.

__________________
1984 190D 2.2 Auto 220k
2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 70K
2004 Lexus RX-330 ??K
2005 Chrylser Crossfire LTD 6K

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I sold a 190D 8 months ago--it had issues from the prior owner so I got rid of it. That said-it was a 5 speed and got some Dynamite gas mileage--in the high 30s on the interstate. No mileage complaints-it was a 1984. In comparison to the 240 and 300s'(pre 87) day and night in the quality.

Thanks for the replies. The owner doesn't seem to be interested in negotiating on the price, so I guess I will let this one go.

-Dave