His car was a early 80's Stick with 261,000. Mine is a 85 auto with 249,800 miles. You cant go wrong with the 190D.

Far as i know the 190's does not have the bent rods issues.

What type of fuel mileage does your 190 and 240 D's get? Craigslist San Francisco advertises 30-35 mpg by the seller(in Oakland) 1985 190 D.
Seems exagerrated to me!

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Frankie
It never ends!
1985 300D Turbo 181K Anthracite grey, "SOPHIA"
1984 300 SD Turbo(sold)
2004 Subaru Forester XT,Cayenne red.

On the 240 he gets around 35mpg. On my 190d I get anywhere from 32 to 37mpg depending on where i fill up and if i go into the Mountains. (Colorado based)

Thanks!
If you want to look at the 1985 190 D auto trans on Sf Bay area Craigslist, it was posted on 11/28 titled Mercedes Benz 1985 190D- $3500 Oakland-piedmont.
Does it sound like reasonable price, it had a lot parts replaced! The owner sent me pics, looks like in good cosmetic shape.

I'll test drive it on Fri. and maybe take it to my indy MBZ mech for a presale inspection.
Thanks again for first hand input.

Frankie

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Frankie
It never ends!
1985 300D Turbo 181K Anthracite grey, "SOPHIA"
1984 300 SD Turbo(sold)
2004 Subaru Forester XT,Cayenne red.

Frankie,

3500 is about right.

The seller I bought my car from wanted 3800.00. I talked him down to 2700 and then on the bill of sale he put 1700.00. If the Shop says nothing is wrong i would offer him 3000 to 3300. If there are some things wrong then I would offer anywhere from 2000 up to 3g's depending on what's wrong.

I think you can grab the car for 2500 to 3300.

Let us know how it goes.

One more thing. Make sure you get all the Maintaince Records. If he does not have any to provide then you should be able to get him to lower the price some due to no Maintaince Records.

Yeah-
I did the same when I sold my car two weeks ago. On the Bill of Sale I put $2500 but I sold it for $4200. I think that spreads very good KARMA or
CAR-MA,
I'll let you know how it goes! Thanks for the price range. I agree.
Frankie
Cold cold cold!

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Frankie
It never ends!
1985 300D Turbo 181K Anthracite grey, "SOPHIA"
1984 300 SD Turbo(sold)
2004 Subaru Forester XT,Cayenne red.

When in good condition, *any* 190D is faster than *any* 240D. Stock vs. stock, that is, and that is based on driving several of each. the 190 is lighter and has a more modern engine design.

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1985 300TD
1984 380SL
1983 280SE (full Euro, trunk triangle and all!)

Formerly owned:
1986 420SEL
1984 300D
1983 300D
1981 300SD
1976 300D

Rob the Mod
But you seem to prefer 300 D's. Is there a big difference in fuel economy? That is always the trade off I think about when thinking about buying the turbo instead. I'm having no luck finding the later 80's 190D turbo model for sale in northern cal but I also need to expand my search.

I thought about going back to buying a stick shift again, they are fun but I am one of those people who sometimes "need" to answer my cell phone while driving and then I am suddenly on autopilot. Not good. No stick=less one less distraction.
Frankie

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Frankie
It never ends!
1985 300D Turbo 181K Anthracite grey, "SOPHIA"
1984 300 SD Turbo(sold)
2004 Subaru Forester XT,Cayenne red.

The 190D Turbo ('87) was a 49-state car, no CA.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Said the man who owns one. Thanks babymog. You saved me a lot of work searching!
Frankie

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Frankie
It never ends!
1985 300D Turbo 181K Anthracite grey, "SOPHIA"
1984 300 SD Turbo(sold)
2004 Subaru Forester XT,Cayenne red.

...is ANY car slower than a 240...?

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1989 300E 144K

My mother-in-law had a Ford Escort station wagon. Yes there are slower cars than a 240D.

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No matter how many times you explain it to me, I'm still right.....Surf-n-Turf

I've got to say, faster or slower, they are two COMPLETELY different cars.

I'm guessing that most people who buy nice 240s are buying them somewhat for the economy, but more for the mistique and classic good looks. A used Escort is cheaper to buy and run, so the 240D is a choice that takes some consideration.

The 190D on the other hand is much more refined, runs smoother, starts cold, quieter and much more responsive to drive with the tighter suspension and seats that don't tip on the center. It is certainly not (in my opinion) a classic Mercedes autombile however, ... the 240 with its fender lines, the round gauge pods and vents, chrome, ...

Don't get me wrong, I love my little baby-benz. Hated them when they were new, not a "real" Mercedes I would say, especially the little gassers. But then the diesels, I gained respect for them. Still don't look like the 240D though.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

That's what I was thinking, too. It doesn't make any sense to compare them, because they are completely different things. They both are slow and not very economical by current standards. The 190D has more modern goodies and the 240D is probably more solid. Personally, I don't like the looks of the 190D very much, but that's just personal preference. From a purely economic/performance point of view, just buy a used civic. If you want a 190D or a 240D, buy the one you like better.