1991 Mercedes-Benz 190 E review from UK and Ireland

The joint where the pipe from the mid box goes into the back box rots faster than any other part of the exhaust. The back box is hooked onto the car body by 2 thick rubber bands. When the pipe breaks the front of the back box falls, hits the grounds and goes behind. The back box eventually comes loose, but has twice taken the bumper with it. On the good side, the bumper has suvived bouncing down the road with little damage to show.

I bought this car at 3 years and having been stung once by the Mercedes servicing charges and a few times by 'independant Mercedes specialists'. I now use a good independant garage and the servicing for this car is now no more expensive than for any other car. Pattern exhausts etc are just as cheap as for any other European type.

Yes, Mercedes are wonderfully built, silent engine, turns on a sixpence, no squeaks or rattles, etc. To some extent I suspect the high original price makes this an inevitability though. The people who buy it are also more likely to have a garage and to be able to keep up the 6,000 mile service period.

The car is very relaxing to drive, and the auto gearbox has a 'standard' and an 'economy' setting, which makes it more resistant to gear changes. This works well. The seats could have more lower back support.

Fantastic for long journeys and when you hit 85 the car seems to breathe a sigh and relax.

Make sure you buy with electric windows and sunroof, auto gearbox, 2 litre, air con, and keep up the services. The car will keep its value much better.

One last point: It's worth it just for the single wiper - hypnotic! And you get a gunsight too.