190 or W124

[nine6four]

Hello chaps

About to start a 40 mile a day all round commute up and down the A4 into Hammersmith. I don't really want to put this wear and tear on my 911 and to be honest it isn't the right sort of car for the job.

I am drawn to a 4cyl 190 or W124 Auto around the £1k - £2k mark, as hoping for 30mpg and a solid comfortable car.

Which one would you advise and are there any obvious tips that I should take onboard when looking?

All the best,
James

[rubystone]

190E 2 litre late as possible with some nice toys (esp aircon and ABS). You should get 30 mpg and a reliable car built like a "proper" 911 (oops...you may own a 996....!) You could even luck into an run-out LE. I wouldn't recommend a 1.8 though or the doggy diesel. Don't forget they facelifted the car in 1989 and don't be conned into think that a low mileage car will be a "future classic"...especially a pre facelift car which are nowhere near as cohesive as the facelifted cars.

[nine6four]

Excellent, thanks. No I have a 964 and I really want to keep that made out of granite feel with the Merc. What should I be looking to pay for a solid runner? And can you point me in the direction of any good buying tips, plenty for the W124 but not much on the 190.

Cheers

[Ecurie Ecosse]

I have a particular affinity towards the 124s as my Dad owned three over a period of 19 years (1986 - 2005). Nothing major went wrong in that time.

I think they look better proportioned than the W201 and there is more room inside.