I agree on a couple of points. See it run, and let him name his asking price. Don't worry about hurting his feelings with a low counter offer if he asks over 1K.
Auto trannies on 190's go out very often. A used one that is good might be a pretty good hunt.

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John