Will buy a car this fall...suggestions?

justin syder

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2003
Messages
4,096
Location
New York, USA
Car(s)
1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E
Well lets start off by saying this isnt really going to sway me as Im fixed on a Merc from late 80s to mid 90s under $6,000 (US). However if there is something I should know or should really really consider then Ill greatly appreciate it.

I have seen some 190 2.6s and wonder if they would be cool to have over a 300E. I dont want to buy something new and as I said Im pretty fixated on what I want but would like some feedback as to what to look for, avoid or something totally diff I should consider.

hello forum!!
 
So your finally ditching public transport huh :mrgreen:

Well yeah, you obviously seem fixated on a rather narrow search which is good. If your budget can do it - get a 300E as they are seriously classy/reliable cars. 190E is tempting given its lighter weight and good engine but I like the bulkiness of the E-Class.

Oh and welcome back again old friend! :)
 
Well lets start off by saying this isnt really going to sway me as Im fixed on a Merc from late 80s to mid 90s under $6,000 (US). However if there is something I should know or should really really consider then Ill greatly appreciate it.

I have seen some 190 2.6s and wonder if they would be cool to have over a 300E. I dont want to buy something new and as I said Im pretty fixated on what I want but would like some feedback as to what to look for, avoid or something totally diff I should consider.

hello forum!!

The 190E 2.6 is a fairly nice beast - but if you're looking at that era of 190E or E, there's two things you need to consider.

The 400E, which is rare enough.... and the 500E.

Both are stupidly quick for their era, still reasonably fast today - and the 500E was known as "The Sledgehammer Benz" for it's viciously brutal acceleration. It also had the best suspension ever fitted to an E-class of the W124 generation.
 
all i can say is, don't buy a car just for the sake of buying a car, buy one when it makes sense and a car you whole-heartedly want is for sale
 
I say go for the Money Pit #2, because the Money Pit #1 was only available during the Economic Crisis period.

:mrgreen:
 
Simple answer, don't buy a 190e unless it is the cosworth or evo version.
 
Who the hell is this noob? :tease:

Get a diesel...or a bike. ;) Seriously, I don't know much about old Mercs other than the fact that they're indestructible, but I do know the 500Es were the shit. Might be over your $6k range, though, but I say it's worth it. Gotta look gangsta in NYC!
 
16 vavles 190e, the 2.3 - 16v or if youre lucky 2.5 - 16v, havent driven one but have seen a few, Its really beautiful. Wouldve gotten one if only parts were cheap, compared to japanese cars.
 
Just remember that condition is EVERYTHING. In the US, where Mercs are premium vehicles only, the maintenance costs will still be that of an expensive car, even though older ones don't cost much.

Unless you have a large maintenance budget, I'd seriously consider something a bit more modern and less expensive to maintain, like a Civic Si or something.

Steve
 
Just remember that condition is EVERYTHING. In the US, where Mercs are premium vehicles only, the maintenance costs will still be that of an expensive car, even though older ones don't cost much.

Unless you have a large maintenance budget, I'd seriously consider something a bit more modern and less expensive to maintain, like a Civic Si or something.

Steve
I agree with this completely. Purchasing costs of a old 80s car is not expensive but maintaining one is expensive. I drive a Toyota my dad bought brand new, I know the entire history of it and the driver's behaviour you're not going to have 100% of your car's history. I'm just fortunate that Toyota's charges a reasonable price for new parts that I only need to worry in the distant future. From my cousin's experience with Mercedes, maintenance costs are extremely expensive even excluding the fact it was when Mercedes was not building quality cars adding that its old and parts do wear out be prepared. Mercedes are not for people with little money.
 
Old MERCs sound buy - take care with condition as has been said. 2.6 Engine is really good too from what I hear. Have you got an independent MERC specialist near you? The dealers are horribly expensive for parts and Labour here, so probably in NA too.
 
Just remember that condition is EVERYTHING. In the US, where Mercs are premium vehicles only, the maintenance costs will still be that of an expensive car, even though older ones don't cost much.

Unless you have a large maintenance budget, I'd seriously consider something a bit more modern and less expensive to maintain, like a Civic Si or something.

Steve
I agree with this completely. Purchasing costs of a old 80s car is not expensive but maintaining one is expensive. I drive a Toyota my dad bought brand new, I know the entire history of it and the driver's behaviour you're not going to have 100% of your car's history. I'm just fortunate that Toyota's charges a reasonable price for new parts that I only need to worry in the distant future. From my cousin's experience with Mercedes, maintenance costs are extremely expensive even excluding the fact it was when Mercedes was not building quality cars adding that its old and parts do wear out be prepared. Mercedes are not for people with little money.

what they said
 
THE HELL WITH PUBLIC TRANSIT!!!

Now that I can afford a car I'm ditching the metro headache.


I considered many makes before selecting Benz, It came down to Benz or BMW and my personal preference for Benz put them on top.

I did look for Evo's and WRX's but they are nowhere near even $6-8,000 which is out of my range. Same goes for an old Vette or Camaro or something sports like. I think those old sports cars would cost a bit more in insurance though so the Benz looks to be a better choice.

Honda's or certain Jap cars (Civic, Accords) are on the top 10 stolen car lists yearly in NYC and I would drive/park in neighborhoods where it would make it a prime target to get stolen for its parts.

I haven't found a single 500 or 400E so it will have to be a 300/260 or 190 2.3/2.6.

Ottobon, your comment,

all i can say is, don't buy a car just for the sake of buying a car, buy one when it makes sense and a car you whole-heartedly want is for sale

makes me think about saving my money and going for the SLK63 AMG...well almost but I couldnt afford that just yet.

Simple answer, don't buy a 190e unless it is the cosworth or evo version.

LeMans GTR or anyone know how could I tell if it is the cosworth or evo version??

I'll be in a position to seriously hunt after I come back from vacation in August. But for now I found two cars that look nice, would be in the lead if they were still around when I will buy this fall, what do you think?


1992 Mercedes-Benz 190 E Sedan, $3900

http://www.michaelsmotorcarsinc.com/detail-1992-mercedes~benz-190-e-1309444.html

1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3, $3500

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...ransmission=&doors=&max_price=6000&cardist=34


Good to be back SL65! I'll try to drop by when I can! This ol' newb's gotta catch up.


This fall I'll keep you guys posted about the hunt and when I land my car with pics and a vid of it. I'm 4-5 months away from my first car, I can't wait!
 
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The 190 is without a doubt a good choice, almost indestructable and with the right engine (which you've already chosen) a car worth considering. I'd prefer the 92' oder the 88', it has a nice colour combination and looks rather well for a car that age, it is also the after facelift model e.g. it should be nicer equipped. Maybe those headlights needs to be replaced with europeen ones like on the 88'
 
So the Cosworth engine is the 2.6? The 2.3 isn't?

Should I focus on 190's only or are 300E/260E just as good. I do want something that has some power. Ill look for performance or HP numbers for these cars.
 
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The Cosworth engine is the 2.3 16V 4-cylinder, and the 2.5 16V 4-cylinder. Although I doubt the 2.5 was sold in America. The 2.6 is a 6-cylinder. The 6-cylinder is smooth, but the 4-cylinder is sporty. Also, a limited slip differential was standard on the 2.3 16V models.

2.6 is luxury, and the 2.3 is sporty, that's how I would look at it.
 
i assume you live and work in NYC, ive learned from my friends who lived there that while purchasing a car itself is not cost prohibitive, paying for the reglar parking space and insurance can be very prohibitive, plus i hear theft rates are notorious in neighboring north jersey raisng those insurance rates even further. i assume youve factored all that into your budget and decision making.

then again i dont really know you and you could be like my friend who works on wall st, makes over 200K a year and saves money living in a tiny studio and doesnt own a car. you might have an excess of money to play with, andif thats the case, ignore what i said.
 
So the Cosworth engine is the 2.6? The 2.3 isn't?

Should I focus on 190's only or are 300E/260E just as good. I do want something that has some power. Ill look for performance or HP numbers for these cars.

The Cosworth engine is the 2.3 16V 4-cylinder, and the 2.5 16V 4-cylinder. Although I doubt the 2.5 was sold in America. The 2.6 is a 6-cylinder. The 6-cylinder is smooth, but the 4-cylinder is sporty. Also, a limited slip differential was standard on the 2.3 16V models.

2.6 is luxury, and the 2.3 is sporty, that's how I would look at it.

There's two 2.3L I4's sold in the US. There's the 2.3L 8-valve, and the 2.3 16 valve. The latter is the Cosworth-head engine and is designated by a "2.3-16" badge on the back.

We did get the 2.5L (enlarged 2.3-16) here in the States, but it was only a couple of years. The 2.6L is an inline six and is not related to any of the four cylinders. The 2.6L does sound good, though, and is probably the most common US variant. The six is no slouch for power.
 
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