I drive and maintain my 240D as a "hobby", and as a "passion". I can't imagine ever selling it (unless the wife puts her foot down with garage space and too many diesels...)

I drive my VW TDI for economy and performance. I'm fortunate to own a nice 240D and a nice TDI.

If you want an economical diesel AND performance, I'd go for the VW TDI over the 190D.

- Patrick

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1982 240D. 198k, Marine Blue/Blue, 4 Speed, Crank Windows, No Sunroof, No Rust, No Oil Leaks
2001 TDI. 197k, Lagoon Blue/Black, 5 speed, Chip, G60/VR6

As much as I hate to say it, the 240D isnt that great a car compared to what is out there.
If you compare cars by size/hp and fuel economy, the 240D is an overall loser...
yes, if you go by the numbers, the 240D sucks. I dont go buy numbers so I LOVE my 240D. If you dont love driving the thing (a W123) forget about it. 240D's are relatively easy to find with a stick though...
The 190D's smaller size has a LOT going for it. I assume that a VW TDI is out of your price range (otherwise, I'd get one too)
I would reconsider a vw diesel though.
Bads-
smaller
Front wheel drive
"refinement"
no auto trans

Plus
-35mpg no matter how hard you stomp it
-easier to park

The internet support for both vehicles is about the same. Lots of local VW boards along with vwvortex.com (good stuff in there, but you need to find it)

I'd seriously consider trading my 240D for a 80's vw diesel (of equal value). (if you dont miss the interior room). Parts cost and aftermarket/junkyard support are about equal.

Maybe I just want to swap an OM617 into my 240D, maybe then I'll be happy =)

To each his own
-John

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2009 Kia Sedona
2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L
12006 Jetta Pumpe Duse
(insert Mercedes here)

Husband, Father, sometimes friend =)

Same here. I've been a VW diesel guy for years till the 300D, and I'd probibly go back for the *right* VW. I'll tell you something though, it's damn near impossible to talk a serious VW diesel driver out of ther ride though. After a number of years you learn, they have no equal in a lot of important ways.

I'd like to drive a 190 sometime, but from looking them over in salvage yards, it's more of the same stuff that makes me miss my VW's...

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One more Radar Lover gone...
1982 VW Caddy diesel 406K 1.9L AAZ
1994 E320 195K