190e or 280e

[irish2]

Hello friends,I am looking for a cheap used MB.There are quite a few out there.I like the 190E and the 280E.I found two that fit my budget.They are both in the low 2 grand range.The '93 190E has 170K mi.The'96 280E has less than 120K mi.Both 6 cyl.Both have everything in working order.Logic would dictate to buy the lower mi.one.I really have no preference .Either one would do. .I'm new to this site and I;m 77 yrs young.What do you suggest?Thanks,Art

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[Sean S]

Hi Art,

both are really great cars. My guess is that the 96 280E was a typo and you meant 86. 86 was the last production year for the 280E and 93 was for the 190E, so that's good.

I can only say from personal experience that you wont be disappointed with the 190E 2.6 as long as you keep up with the maintenance. The engine likes to eat gas pretty fast if you're a fast driver. So if gas cost is important to you, I would recommend the 2.3L version instead.

Between the two cars, I would pick the 190E even though it has higher mileage for the following reasons: newer car, engine has more power than the 280E, and I have owned one myself for 4 years and would definitely buy another one if a need ever comes up.

Also make sure you ask some questions regarding maintenance for the 190E, such as,
-when the head gasket was last replaced
-whether the water pump and water pump assembly is new
-when you test drive the car, listen for any transmission hesitation when going from 3rd to 4th gear.

good luck.

[irish2]

Thanks Sean ,excellent advice.You're right it was a typo,a double typo.Did I say 77 yrs young?The other MB is a '95 C280 w/ under 120K.Now what do you think?Art

[Sean S]

No problem Art,

C280s are also nice as well. Between 190E and C280 I would pick the C280 since it has more HP and better gas mileage. The V6 runs a bit smoother than the 190E cause it's a bit of a newer engine. It also has a bit of a larger interior space than the 190E.

The only problems I've heard from the C280 is the engine wiring harness and the transmission. But the 190E has almost the same problems if you don't keep up with maintenance.

Again both are good cars, just have to test drive and check them out.

I would ask the C280 owner when was the last time he did any work on the transmission and the wiring harness.

[irish2]

Thanks again for good advice Sean.This will help on my test drive & insp.Art

[Sean S]

no problem Art, good luck.