1992 Mercedes-Benz W124 TE review from UK and Ireland

The car was purchased with a short MOT which has since run out. I have just taken it up to the garage and been told that the care requires a new exhaust, two new rear tyres and finally a couple of the brake pipes re-terminated. The brakes have now been done for £20 at a local garage who is very good. I have a quote for £160+VAT for the exhaust and finally £47 each inc VAT for two Goodyear tyres.

Only faults electrically are that the passenger side window doesn't work. The drivers seat is grubby and has a hole on the bolster from entering and exiting the car.

This is the seventh W124 I have owned and all are so well made. This is my first 4 cylinder estate version though although I did have a 200e for a time which ran like dream at 200k miles and was as quiet as a mouse on the move. The 300's and 320's were really very nice, but quite juicy for someone on low funds like myself.

I am hoping that the 230 will be a bit better on the juice, but only time will tell. It is a manual version which doesn't always bode well with Mercs, but to be honest I like a manual and with the car already having travelled 420k miles the gearbox and clutch seem okay.

On the move it is still very quiet and refined, it cruises very well and is massive for picking up large bulky items. Parts are plentiful from specialist afterparts outfits and also breakers. These cars really were so well engineered. I have been in cars with under half the miles and been less impressed. This car is a not a statement and if you want a car with flash status I would suggest maybe a new model! For me though I will always have a soft spot for the W124. if you can live with the fuel costs and slightly dated appearance you can have luxury solid drive for Fiesta money!