I know this is probably a stupid question and I'm going to kick myself for not buying this car, but...

I have the opportunity to buy an '85 190D 2.2 with 103k miles from an auction. I have bought cars from this auction before and they've turned out pretty good. Of course since it's from an auction, I have no idea of the maint. history (I do know the car is from TX) or owner history..

On the other hand, the good does seem to outweigh the bad: I know it is a one owner car. It has been repainted but from what I can tell it was not painted due to an accident. The car is reasonably clean and the interior is in excellent condition (no cracked wood, seats, etc.). The interior is MB-Tex (light grey) and everything seems to work (haven't tried the A/C or sunroof but will tomorrow..)

The auction started at $4500 (ridiculously high in my opinion...) then $3500, then $2500. Nobody bid on it at all once they heard it was a diesel (many of the bidders were dealers buying it for resale and I assume a diesel has no value to them..) I'm planning to go back tomorrow and see if I can get it for $1000-1500 (no more than $1500). Does this sound reasonable? It runs quite well although I didn't have a chance to drive it. I figure for $1500 I can't go wrong.. so what if the A/C and sunroof don't work: I can attempt to fix them and if not, leave them broken. If I'm not concerned about the accessories and just a good running car, doesn't this sound like a bargain? A 190D with only 103k miles? I'm not concerned that it's a diesel 2.2 because I already have a 300SD (1983) so I know what slow is like..

You wouldn't believe the people that will bid $2,500 on the ugliest and worst running '85 ford pickup or escort but will not consider a 190D. Ah well.. If their Mercury Lynx makes them happy it leaves more 190's for us, right? Guess who puts a motor/transmission in their car first??

Neal
(bhatt@ic.net)

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Neal Bhatt - bhatt@ic.net
'83 300SD 193k