What's it worth? 190D 2.2 with problems
 

I just found a 190D (2.2) at a local shop that the guy said he would sell me. Since I have two other cars right now that I need to get rid of, I didn't even bother asking about a price or anything. He said it "is missing the transmission", but I can assure you that the tranny was in fact there.

The interior is clean and in good shape, body is good overall. Didn't notice any dents or mispainted panels. I just glanced at the whole car, including the engine which seemed intact and unmolested.

So knowing what little information I have, what would you say is a fair price to offer the guy. Obviously assume the transmission is there, but needs to be rebuilt/replaced. It is an auto.

I'm thinking $400.

does it run? maybe he meant the tranny is not working. used trannies should be available. how is the bod and interior. if it runs start it up and check out as much as you can. before offering let him say a price. he may say 300. i always make the other guy say a price first.

tom w

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.

Since he only mentioned the tranny, I'm assuming it was running before it was parked. Of course I'm going to see if it will run before talking about offers, but if it doesn't start up I can't exactly check/replace the glow plugs just to see if it runs so I can make him an offer. I'd just use the fact that it's not running as more leverage to make a lower offer.

As I said before, the body and interior are in great shape. The body is that weird tan/yellow-ish color. It even has the 200,000km badge on the grill, so somebody must've cared for it at one time.

Thanks for reminding me about letting him name the price first, sometimes I get so excited that I forget to do that ;)

Uh, if a mechanic is saying the car is missing a tranny, believe him. it won't be there when you go to pick up the car...
perhaps the tranny is a fresh rebuild that he has plans for. or it may be a core he needs, but not the car.
John

I guess I should've mentioned that this wasn't a Mercedes shop and this 190 was stuck way in the back. I just caught a glimpse of it when driving by one day. He doesn't speak very good english, so I'm thinking he just said "missing" as in "not working".

Mostly American cars hanging around the shop, I'm thinking somebody brought it to him, he doesn't know Mercedes and declared the transmission shot, so the PO owner sold it to him on the cheap.

Perfect scenario for a good deal :)