What is the most trouble free 90's model I can buy?
 

I am looking for advice on the best; most trouble free Mercedes model I can buy for under $10k. (Newer models please)
I am looking in the 1990's decade unless you can really convince me otherwise.
Thanks!:D

I think you'll get a lot of votes for the 190.

I just saw a big gasser that tempted me though.
SEL

You seem to have 4 criteria:

1. Under $10K
2. 90s Models
3. Trouble Free
4. Best

Criteria 1 & 2 are pretty clear, but 3 & 4 a pretty subjective. You may want to let people know what type of car you prefer (large/small, luxury/simple, dealer maintenance/DIY, etc.). The predictable results of these types of questions are that everyone will tell you how great their particular model is.;)

for AT or under $10K you can find a very nice early W202- 1994-96 C230 or C280 sedan. The same goes for the W201 190 series cars. The W202 C-class series cars are far more advanced, but youll spend less on a nicely cared for w201 190 series car.

As far as items to look for, you should hold out until you find a car with a documented history of maintenance. With the W202 series C-class, 2 items are of importance to being happy with the reliability of the car;
The original head gasket and wiring harness are trouble prone on these cars, the head gasket can be replaced with a redisgned one that should be more durable. The wiring harness is the same. Many of the C-class cars avail. on thhe market have these items adressed, others have not. Thats another reason why records are important.

With the wiring harness and head gasket items adresed, you should be very happy with the car.. they are both robust durable engines, with relatively minimal electronic systems compared to e and s class cars of the same era.

i would put in a
 

vote for a 126 car with any gas engine.

tom w

C220 or C280. Pretty much any newer C class.

A C230k with a stick would be a fun little car to drive.

I did not know there was one. Just get a good one that is in good shape and learn to work on it.

That 420 looked awesome, wow, that would definatley have tempted me too if I had the $$ for it. When I eventually do have $$, and look for a gasser MB to add to my collection, I'll be torn between a massive 420 or 560sel, and a 300E or 500E. Decisions decisions.........long ways away though. My SD makes sure of that by sucking up my $$ whenever I am able to save some up. :D ;)

I did an oil change on my first gasser today! Our van....put in 5w30 Valvoline Dino and a Bosh Filter. Runs nice and smooth with the new oil. I was amazed that the crankcase capacity of the V6 3.0 liter on the van is only 4 quarts! :eek: wow....so a routine change on that engine only costs us about $14 between oil and filter....crazyness.

Since this is a diesel forum, I'll put in a plug for the 300D 2.5T. Just drove from Calif. to Ariz. and back and got 35 mpg on each leg. Try that in an S-Class hog.

I also drove my cherry MB offroad through 10 miles of desert washes and popped a three-inch hole in my air dam. :eek: Am going to invest in sand sonar for my next trip. :D

I'm pretty sure if I was crusing along in a 420SEL or 560SEL getting 10-12mpg, I wouldn't be complaining....they never claimed to get good mileage. :D Having all that power would keep me happy..... :D ;)

The diesel S-classes can come close, we've gotten 29 and 30mpg freeway crusing in our SD's....not bad all considering the size and weight compared to a 2.5, only 5-6 mpg's less.

I agree: S-class diesels hum at much higher mileage. Unfortunately, big Benzes are a waste unless: a) you have a fat ass; or b) you carry passengers in the back seat. Otherwise, front seats of a w124 slide back far enough to accomodate any driver in comfort.

Yep. Thing is, once you're used to that giant sedan, you never want to go back. I've gotten as high as 32 mpg, and earlier this summer I was consistently getting 31 + mpg between fillups. First year this decade I have gotten that kind of mileage out of that car. I usually net 28 - 29 mpg in the summer.

I am large boned, and broad shouldered. Just a pinch short of 6' with my shoes off. Anything smaller than the S, I would have issues with.

Lets have him get a big ole' 350SDL :D :D

Thats problem free...right? :silly:

the question was
 

what would be the most trouble free, i think.

so economy is not part of the equation.

if you put economy in there then it is a different question.

i am not tall but am a wide body. and i think that seating position wise all of the models are about the same. being old and stiff, the 190 is a little trickier and the e class too, as far as getting in and out of, though.

tom w

Thanks for all the advice.
I forgot to add....Economy is definatly part of the equation. I hate paying for fuel. & We do like smaller vehicles.
I found a 1986 300sdl with a new transmission but had other issues. (Like it's Too big.)

I don't know anything about the 'C' series; are they the replacement for the 190? :confused:
Also, is there a reliable, economical E series car?
By the way; I do my own repairs. I hate paying mechanics for screwing up my car.:greedy: