I need to get my 17 year old a car and I want to buy her something safe and not to big. She won't drive my 300SE because it's to slow! and too big. She's only 5' 4" and 90 pounds but needs a car for all her activities.

I've been looking at 190s but know nothing about them. My mechanic likes diesels and suggest a 87 turbo diesel 190. Is this a good car? how about the 2.3 motors and I know the 2.6 is a good motor since I have one in the 300SE, although I remember problems with the earlier ones.

My bottom line question is what would you recommend in the under $6,000 range?

All advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

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FL Ken
89 300SE, 157,212 miles
new addition, an 86 300E, 188,900 miles for 17 yr old daughter
97 Expedition 4X4, 114,230 miles
98 Honda Valkyrie, 48,987 miles

Past Mercedes:
82 300SD, 168,350 sold
78 300CD, 118,600 sold(wish I still had)