Good day! I am new here on this site, and I would like to ask for an opinion about a car I am about to purchase. I've never owned a Benz before, although my Dad went through two, and I guess, growing up, there's this desire in me to own one too.

I'm currently reviewing for the boards at the moment, and looking for a car to drive within the city, not that much on the freeway. Budget is pretty low, I mean really low, and I came across this car in Craigslist, and I told myself, if I'm going to buy a car, might as well by a Benz! It's been a childhood dream of mine!

I've been surfing the site for so long, then I came across this car:

http://www.craigslist.org/eby/car/160796464.html

It's a 1984 190E with an AMG kit. The owner said that it runs fine and that it only has cosmetic problems.

I just wanted to ask people here if there are things I should look at or ask questions about, regarding the year of this 190E. I've asked a couple of mechanics, they said that the first thing I should test is too see if the transmission is any good. Would you guys have any advice on the "usual problems" I should know of, for this year and model? He's selling it for a great price (meaning within my budget) but I'm afraid of the possible repairs I may have to face down the road, that I might not be able to have fixed (supposedly, a new transmission for this model would cost close to $2000-3000 - which is already my budget for used car alone!) I read through the article in one of the threads below (honestly, I don't think I can do half of the things that the person advised, I guess I better find a mechanic who can come along and help me inspect the car) I guess what I'd like to ask more of, is the possible monetary effects it might have on me in the next couple of months or years. Will I be facing huge expenses for repairs and the usual maintenance stuff? The owner actually said it's easier to maintain older cars since there are a lot more of these in used shops that you can scavenge for, unlike newer models where you really have limited options to find parts. Is he pulling my leg or that actually true?

Can someone give me any tips? I really appreciate you taking time to read this. I hope someone there can help me out.

Thanks!

Jay

 

Check your PM

 

It's a 22 year old car.

There's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes.

The '84 190E has some unique features compared to the 85-93's:

Most have hoods, windshields, wipers and wiper assembly that are unique

The engine, unlike the newer models, does not have hydraulic lifters, valve adjustment is done via solid lifters

The engine is lower compression and lower HP than 85+ models.

At this age an mileage, you should have a Mercedes mechanic do a Pre Purchase Inspection. Care should be taken to examine the metal/rubber joints of the very expensive suspension system. Rust points are in the corners of the car, along the lower body/jack points (covered by the sideskirts) and the bottom of the doors.

 

Not always true - seeing that my 84 has the hydraulic lifters (May production)