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!

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

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

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'87 300SDL

dieselbenz

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.

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Nate

1995 E420
1992 BMW 525i
1984 300D Turbo sold
1993 Volvo 244 sold
1995 Volvo 944T R.I.P!


"The details are not details. They make the product."
-Charles Eames

www.cbs.nu

vote for a 126 car with any gas engine.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

C220 or C280. Pretty much any newer C class.

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

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

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

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair