[khan_sultan]

Dear All,

I 'WILL' buy a used Merc for sure. I have shortlisted these 2 mercs:

- 190 D
- W124

I don't like the new Mercs [no offense meant -- this is just a matter of personal taste]

Need advise on which one to go for. 190 D or W124. I am based in Bangalore.

here is more info:

- This will be my daily/primary driving car.
- I will self drive [with possibility of having a driver later on]
- daily driving of 60 KMS/day city + 1000 KMS/quarter highway
- I intend to keep the car for 5+ years.
- FE is important BUT not at cost of performance/ride quality etc.
- A>S>S/Maintainence is important. [I want to be driving and not spending time in the garage ]

Help me out here.. What timefarme car to go for, what price to pay, what to watch out for etc..

[ajmat]

190 D is a slug unless you find a 190D 2.5

If you are getting a driver, then consider the w124. Getting a good diesel is difficult though

[GTO]

If only for the reason of getting a much newer model and ease of service / parts, get the W124. Its wicked in comparison to the 190 whose time has gone.

Do search through our forums...there are several tips on buying a used W124.

[scooby05]

I Totally agree with GTO. I have used a 1993 190D-2.5 for 5 years, and am now using a 124-250D for 4 years. and the 250D is far better in all respects in todays times. She is a workhorse! Not that the 190D was bad, it was also very good, but still!! and you will end up paying a couple of lacs only extra for the more modern and stronger built car. The clutch and pressure plates are just replaced and cost just 10500 including labour!!

[BUSA]

No second thoughts go for the W124, its much better built and is faster then the 190D

[JayD]

124 anyday, the 190 is past its prime and the one's available would have already run their life, thus increased headaches and less fun!

[alankarm@sancha]

Originally Posted by JayD

124 anyday, the 190 is past its prime and the one's available would have already run their life, thus increased headaches and less fun!

How do I go about trying to get a W124 Diesel? Maintenance/service issues? PRICE?

[iraghava]

I would prefer the 124 primarily for the fact that it's a more recent product & a bulletproof one at that. Haven't heard of problems with them like the current C-class (W203) or the W210 E-Classes.

Plus, I think a good car should be quite affordable with good 250D's being in the 5.5-7.5L range with reasonable maintenance.

[V-16]

Sultan, welcome to the club of people who consider buying a 124 instead of a santro. so many wise men have showed you the way, I'll second it. The 124 is the way to go.

Originally Posted by alankarm@sancha

How do I go about trying to get a W124 Diesel? Maintenance/service issues? PRICE?

Look for cars in the classifieds or if a friend wants to sell one (preferably his own)
The price can wary between 4.5-6 max depending on the condition.

[aah78]

Originally Posted by khan_sulta

I have shortlisted these 2 mercs:
- 190 D
- W124

....or you can look for a late model ('92/'93) 190E 2.6.

[V-16]

Originally Posted by aah78

....or you can look for a late model ('92/'93) 190E 2.6.

Those V-6s are rare in India man. Thats gonna be real difficult to find as will the cosworth.

[khan_sultan]

Thanks folks.. the W124 it will be.. Thanks for all the suggestions..