New to me 1985 190D
 

Just purchased my 3rd 1985 190d after the last two rusted out.

Both the last two failed on the shakedown drive to Vermont for the same reason: transmission failures!

This beauty is a true one owner car with 81,000 documented miles and a long small town ownership; since 2000 it has had 12,000 miles; the current owner is 90 years old and seems to have loved his car.

I have to bring it from Lancaster Pa to my home in Vermont, which is 500 miles.
I'm taking the train to Pa and jumping in the car and heading out.

Someone tell me I'm not crazy, or conversely, that I am crazy.... but I feel like with that low mileage it ought to be good for at least one more road trip-- check the fluids and throttle down!

You're not crazy....sounds like a great adventure!

Congratulations and good luck. It sounds wonderful. I hope it all is as good as you imagine it is.;)

Don't worry. 500 miles is nothing. I flew to Virginia in October 2012, bought an 87 190DT sight unseen for 85 ounces of silver, and drove it 2300 miles to Idaho. Its odo was broken, the heater didn't work, a front turn signal lens fell off, I ran out of fuel in Kansas because the fuel gauge was stuck; but all-in-all, it was a good, 3-day drive home.

Mine is one owner (me) and has 144K miles on it. Wouldn't even think twice about being concerned. Daughter lives 215 miles from me and I drive it all the time to visit.

Recently drove my '85 from Tn to FL and back on its original tranny. I don't think you're at any more of a risk for failure than any other car you don't have history with. If the PO appears trust worthy and tells you the tranny is shifting properly, then I'd be very comfortable. Make sure you have AAA for their 250 mile towing for insurance if your worried.

There's something very satisfying about coming down out of the mountains, raiding the hen house, and heading back with a sack of chickens....

the current owner is in a rest home and keeps calling the lot where his car is to see if its ok-- I think he's forgotten he sold it. It goes to a good home.

if it's been sitting for long, I'd get the tires inspected for dryrot... have money available to change all the tires before you leave town....

New tires :D

talked to the dealership-- the tech who serviced it is a MB diesel fan and considered buying it so thats a good sign. I think Im good to go. WCGW?