Used 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190-Class Consumer Reviews
The Baby Benz
What a pleasure to drive. Easy to maintain. Affordable on a small budget. So comfortable, so peppy, good gas mileage, light yet solid door construction, supreme steering, turning and acceleration. Removable flooring for easy cleaning, ultra soft plush leather seats, first aid kit in rear window of every model car, affordable tires and so much more. Good single person or family car as long as kids are younger. Not much leg room in back. I'm 6'3" tall and I swear I'm serious when I say I can stretch my left leg out completely as the driver. Owned Cadillac and Lincoln my entire life and will only buy Mercedes from here out. Their design, craftsmanship and quality are simply amazingly smart!
RELIABLE. AFFORDABLE. GREAT GAS MILEAGE TOO!
If you are seeking a reliable car, this would be a great choice. I always owned Cadillacs, Lincolns and others but this was my first Mercedes~Benz and I can't tell you how pleasing it is to drive daily in all weather conditions. Period! I am 369 lbs, 6'2" tall and a large man yet I have ample leg room, comfortable seating, ample engine power out of this amazing 4 cylinder engine. This car glides down back roads, freeways and darts around town. Parking is easy, gas mileage is about 20+ in town and a bit higher highway miles.
One of the last real Mercedes
As Mercedes began to replace models through the '90's, cost-constraints turned the replacement models into mere mortal cars (or sub-mortal, judging the severely tarnished reputation for quality in recent years). The W201s (190 series) are among the last true Mercedes -- built to a money-is-no object standard. The car is constructed with a tremendous and obvious overcapacity; it performs flawlessly and, after more than a dozen years, is hardly distinguishable from new. Don't kid yourself that this quality means a 190 is a cheap ride. They're relatively inexpensive to buy, but the maintenance and occasional repairs are very costly. Don't think about skimping on maintenance either.
My First Love (and car)
This was my first car when I got my license at 16. It was previously my father's car, which he bought brand new from the dealership. This car was solid, I always felt safe, and it was great to learn how to drive on. The fixes on this car were a bit expensive, but the time and money spent were totally worth it. Unfortunately, we donated the car to charity after it accumulated approximately 205,000 miles. Even then it was still up and running. I hear that someone bought it at an auction and it is still going strong.
1st Time Mercedes Owner
Solid vehicle, runs like a charm. Had to replace the back window motor (very common according to Benz mechanics) If you're handy, go to a junkyard and save a ton of dough. I am the 3rd owner, and all maintanance is kept up. Only drawback is finding oil/lube places to carry an oil filter, call ahead and problem solved. Make sure you have the correct tire iron also, not all Benz tire irons will fit the 190e. We use it as our everyday car and love it!
One That I Can Count On
I love this car. Quality Mercedes model year starts from the 80's into this early 90's model. Solid ride and beautiful handling like mentioned in many other owners. The other dissatisfied owners must remind themselves whether they just got a lack-of-maintenance one. How can you find something you hate about this car? It's worth every dollar I pay for to maintain properly. A properly taken care of car can go a long way (e.g. 200+ K to 300+K miles on this car is easily found). That's how one can count on.
The "Baby Benz" (190E)
I bought my 190E just recently, and with 185,000 km. on it, the car still drives almost like new... The 190 is 1 of the last of the true Benz's built in Germany, and it is quite a dependable little car... If you're looking for a 190E, then the 2.6 would be your best bet...
Best of the Best
I've had this car for a short time, but through the worst of temperatures she has started up everytime and heats up quickly. She's heavy and just feels safe. I love this car - I feel so lucky that she is over 10 years old and everything is like new!
very reliable
when purchased it had lots of power, no rust and 296 000kms on it. i got it for 1000 cnd. dollars, it is now 2009 and it has 691000 kms on it and all i have done are guide seals, eha and i have yet to do rear power window regulators, but thats all !! keeps on producing power too, i'm wondering when this thing is gonna blow up and die, i'm starting to think it wont!
Bring It Back!
Spending $1100-1800/year on maintenance/repairs (it is 16 years old, 132k miles)but well worth the expense. So solid, hugs the road like an Abrams tank. I'm getting ~24mpg on average in combined highway and gridlock, hot, southern city driving.I'm satisfied with that. Finally replaced the original radio (tape) w mp3/CD/satelite update and replaced the factory paint job, wow! Not a break anywhere in the interior, not a spot of rust on the body. I plan to drive another 130k miles then hand it down to my granddaughter.
E-Bay Find
Just purchased a 93 190E 2.3 with 54K miles from e-bay sight unseen. Few minor problems like the central locking system, alarm, and the dash lights just went out. Other than that I love the car. It runs like a champ and cant complain for a 5G purchase. Body and paint is mint and the interior comes very close to the same. Plan on running it into the ground so it will probably outlast me.
Solid Car
This is a good, reliable, solid car. Ours has lasted many years with lots of miles, regular oil changes, and not so frequent (but not non-existent) maintenance. Driving the car isn't particularly "fun" but it feels very solid and safe. It has a great classic look that looks good even today. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable luxury auto at a good value.
W201
Good car overall but very BAD performance in slippery condidtions
Great 190e
The only down side to the 93 190e 2.6 is that it is not very simple to work on yourself. The undercarage is put together very well, however, tends to be annoying at times. I drive this car 300+ miles a day as a courier of my own buisness, and believe me, this car holds up very, very well. Even on the back roads of central Maine!
The mighty MBenz 190E
Durable, reliable, with lots of power for its engine size. One of those "working mules" you never have to be scared of what costly maintenance and repair you are up to. Just drive!
My Favorite Car, No Joke
This car is fantastic! I love it. I bought this after having a Handa accord with a V6 and got amazing gas mileage, to this V4 with the typicall luxury car MPG. But this car doesn't dissapoint. Its handling it amazing, it has the smoothest quietist ride. I think it's quite attractive, and the interior is dreadfully comfortable.
awesome car
This has been a greAT CAR NOW HAS 255000 miles on it and still does 140mph+ my uncle bought it new in 1993 and its been well taken care of since I'm a mechanic so maintainance and part replacement is no problem for me however if you're a diy person this car could cost some serious money to repair overall though it is and has been an excellent car by the way do not roll the window down at 140 it will rip the leather off the rear interior panel over the back seat the car handles incredibly well when a suspension upgrade has been performed my car drifts very well and does well in races planning to drop a five speed in it because it needs a fifth gear to be race ready plus i have plans for turbo
My Mercedes
This car was purchased from a man 89 years old who bought it brand new in 1993. There were only 36,000 miles on it when I got it. I now have 53,000 miles on it. It runs well and I love it.
Affordable Insurance
Its been an absolute pleasure this is my second one,, and my friend has had his for 2 years now,,,, It really is an amazing vehicle. Incredible power from the 2.6 liter. Its an allstar on the highway, and has incredible traction for a rear wheel drive in the snow with the right snow tires. A compact car with the handling of a fullsize
Fun but beware
Just got this car with 75k on it. Was sitting for 7.5yrs on non-op. Fixed the ASD light. Topped off the half tank of 5yr. old gas and passed smog no problem. Minor electrical issues with a loose ground on the back right tail light assembly. Also the switch that moves the pass. seat front/back has a dirty contact and is intermittent. Hate the stock anti-theft system. Don't like the vacuum operated door locks or heater box as anything vacuum operated is always prone to leaks. Just need a new fuel filter and to fix that switch on the pass. seat. Well balanced on power, handling and braking. The synchros on the manual gearbox are silky smooth and shifting is a breeze. Very quiet while driving.
190e 2.6 what agreat car
WHAT A GREAT CAR.I HAVE HAD ONLY MINOR PROBLEMS,MOST WERE FROM THE PROIR OWNER.CAR HANDLES AND DRIVES GREAT.VERY DEPENDABLE.
Family keeper
This has been an amazing baby Benz for my entire family. My mother originally purchased the car in 1991. I got it from her in 1994, gave it to my brother in 1997, then got it back in 2004. The car has received regular maintenance since new and unlike other Mercedes Benz vehicles our family has owned over the years this one has never required an exhorbitantly expensive repair (personally, my worst problems were with a C280 my wife once owned). I currently keep this car perfectly tuned and use it as my daily driver. I am gentle on the throttle and easily squeeze 24 to 27 MPG on a weekly basis to and from work. Bottom line, if you find a well maintained 190 and you like it, then buy it.
The190e 2.6 1992
This is my first Mercedes Benz and for its age, plus 203 thousand miles this car hasn't even hinted at stranding me. The straight 6 cylinder engine is a little bit underpowered but otherwise it is a little tank. Everything is in working order. Sunroof electric windows all function great. Since the last update the heater core has gone out. Very expensive to get fixed,and too much for me to take on my self. Probably will eventually get it fixed though,as the car is such a joy to drive. Well since my last review the heater core failed and the whole dashboard has to be removed from the car in order to get to the heater core. The parts are relatively inexpensive but the labor is out of this world. So it sits in my garage, covered up and waiting for someone to come and buy it. 2000.00$ firm.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
I drive a Mercedes
Even a 10 year old 190E looks and feels like a Mercedes. I bought it with around 40M miles, and now it has 125M. Has really been no problem at all, and it feels rock solid even today. I think I'll drive it till it croaks and that could be years from now.
A great commuter or first car!
Bought this car for $17.5k w/ about 37k miles on it 5 years ago. It's now 10 years old and runs like a top. Technology is old-school, but it runs hard, it runs clean, it's safe and aside from annual maintenance (averaging $1300/yr at 13,000 miles for all services, replacements) it has cost me nothing.
Starter Benz
Instead of buying one of the two makes of cars that I know to be reliable I decided to go the fun route. I got my 2.6 for a song since I leveraged the fact that I'd need to put some money into it right from the start. The car runs great and feels very solid. She needed a laundry list of things which I take care of a little at a time. Mileage is at 156,000 right now, and I expect her to run and run some more with regular oil changes and maintenance. The car is built to last and was loaded (by '92 standards). You couldn't even get close to buying a car this well made now - especially for the asking price.
All about ANGEL
Diane names her cars and has a personalized affection for it (her) She has always taken very good care of this " off lease " car which she bought from a Mercedes dealer.
tough baby
Use my 190 everyday, bought this car very cheap. Have replaced master cylinder, alternator, belts, water pump, and fuel filter etc. Needs paint job and must fix a/c. Car was not well maintained by previous owner, but in spite of this the car is fun to drive. Not the quickest but can reach high speeds easily on freeways. Not bad for odometer reading two hundred and seventeen miles and counting.
The best compact 4 door for its time!
I love my little 190e! It's so cute and it's power amazes my friends! I would definatly get one if considering buying one!
i don't know
I bought this car from a second owner who put 90% of the miles that is has now on it. I wish I could give it a better score, hearing about the power the 2.6 engine has. I'm wondering, what power? There must be something wrong with mine because we did a compression test on it and the specs were below normal on all cylinders. It's so sluggish especially uphill and it feels like there's no power in the higher gears. I really like this car, but the cost to maintain it has turned me off.
great little benz
I purchased this car from the original owner 2 years ago and it had less than 45k miles. Outside of some deferred maintenance and things that have to be repalced after 10 years (water pump amd fuel pump), I have been very please with the performance and reliability of this little tank.
Great car
I bought this car used and had great time with it. 100 000 mile later runs great with very little problems.
2nd 190e; Fantastic Car, again
I gave my first one to my niece. It had 230k miles. She will get 300k, if she takes care of it. I am mostly a Jag man, so I know alot about reliability or the lack of it. I am so impressed by these cars that I keep one around for blasting around town, when I want to go old school. Easy driving, sporty demeanor, classic looks, pre-"we will no longer over- engineer our cars". Great value for the money. If I had kids, it would be their first car. It has not been that expensive to repair. Makes me feel good to have different driver's experience, from my beloved jags. With just 130k on this one, I will be driving it for some time.
A Great Small Car Alternative
A small car, about the size of a Carolla, but with the ride and amenities of a larger Mercedes Benz. You need to plan on spending around $500-$800 per year in the shop on routine replacements, tune ups, etc. but it is worth it for the ride and reliability the rest of the year. Not the greatest gas mileage, but again, the trade off is more than worth it when you find yourself cruising at 90 mph on the freeway without even noticing.
good car
this is a very fun car to drive. feels very solid, and when you need to it goes. excellent highway car. very good highway power. a little sluggish downshifting. very good upshifting when floored. handling very good, could use a anti sway bar. (around $75) very very good braking. bits hard when braking very hard. feels like your in control and safe. very smooth engine. not much power below 3k RPMs. but once you hit that point you get pined in your seat. and never goes below that point as long as your foot is down. goes up to redline to shift. so no delayed shifting.
Restart the Line! Bring it back!
I've had this car since "amost new. 10K miles on it at purchase. It has been the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever owned. Reliable, handling like a dream, 13 years now and it still looks and handles like new. Now and then I get the urge to buy something new but I just can't part with it. A neighbor has its identical twin and says same about his.
much ado about nothing
I bought this vehicle with the promise of a luxury drive and prestige. Sadly, neither was afforded me. The ride is average at best. The mileage was poor, I got 250 miles to a tank or about 19 mpg average. In a straight run to L.A. I only got 20 mpg. Having owned a BMW previous to this I expected comparable mileage and ride charactaristics but it failed. This vehicle has higher than average maintenance costs and the cost of oil changes doubles when you mention the name. Since money is not an object to me I felt I was buying a quality car with a great pedigree but found only an average car with no papers to speak of.
Olden but a Gooden
I got my 190E as a first car. It had been my mom's, who drove it a few times a week(just 80,439mi). Even though it is 12 years old now, soon to be 13, my friends are somewhere between jealous and amazed that I drive a Mercedes. I was challenged to a race by a friend in a near stock early 90s Honda Accord, but luckily I was able to win. Some people have said that the 2.6 doesn't have much power(158 hp), but when it is floored in 2nd gear at 40mph I can easily feel the acceleration in my face going up to about 65 or so. The gas mileage is terrible, the best I have gotten is 20mpg on the highway, but I average about 14 on the streets. It goes to the shop a lot, but when it is working it's great
Good Conditions
very easy to drive