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.

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-justin

1987 300TD, 1987 300TD
2008 R32, 2000 Passat Wagon

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

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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.

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

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

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-justin

1987 300TD, 1987 300TD
2008 R32, 2000 Passat Wagon

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

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

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

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-justin

1987 300TD, 1987 300TD
2008 R32, 2000 Passat Wagon