Mercedes-Benz 190 Saloon (1983-)
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    I brought Feb 2002 from a friend with a garage for £2500. Worth every penny.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    I think the petrol is good considering it's a 2.5 16v Cosworth. It's only a 4-cylinder, too. Need to check oil on a regular.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Unusual dogleg gear change at first, but now used to it. (brought car without test driving so did not know about dogleg gears).

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Big fast car. 190+bhp. Cosworth tuned. Leaves newer and more modern cars behind. I prefer the power in this car's rear wheels in the wet than my previous 1990 BMW 325i. (The girlfriend hates speedy pulloffs!)

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Starts every time. This particular model has been fine so far.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    I like it. Friends say they like it. I think older people tend drive the 1.8s, 2.0s and 2.6s, but younger people drive the 2.5 16v model as more sporty along with a fitted bodykit etc.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Comfortable fronts seats. Half leather and cloth. Rear seats comfortable, but slightly cramped in.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Alarm and immobiliser.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    No not anymore. Main dealers hourly rate is to high. Some independant garages charge much less and actually do a better job.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Rev counter idled, causing car to stall and jerk. Needed new micra chip. (Related problem). Excellent apart from that.

    Other

    Leak in rear suspension pipe. In-car temperature guage stopped working.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes