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Culture shock: I'm new here...; Self-introduction and request for buying advice
Topic Started: Sat Jan 1, 2011 4:03 pm (1,419 Views)
asquared
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Greeting and Happy New Year to this forum and its members.

I just requested to join and, thankfully, nobody has so far refused. I say thankfully because this is the most fascinating car forum I have visited in a long, long time. Hence the culture shock. I see so many genuine offers between members to help each other - as well as the half-expected level of wit and repartee. It's entertaining and slightly humbling too, to see so many gracious people with such a compendium of knowledge, made freely available. In fact, it's impressive.

I have joined because I want to acquire a 'pleasure use' car to put some fun back into the driving. My current car (W.211 diesel estate) is capable, but boring and soul-less. By the end of this month I'll not really be needing its load hauling capability any more, so I can look for something smaller and more satisfying. W.201 is at the top of my shopping list.

I've studied the 190 Buyers Guide - and most helpful it is too. Quite reasonably, it doesn't tell me what model of W.201 I should buy. My first thoughts are to go for a 2.6 with automatic transmission - relaxing to drive, but with enough torque to make it entertaining. But I'm conscious of running costs - so should I be looking to a 2.0 and revert to a manual gearbox to make up for the lost of 40+ HP from the 2.6? Or will I find the 2.0 too slow?

I'm discounting the Cosworth engined options at this time because, mostly, I am of the opinion that any that I can afford will have mega miles, 5 or more owners, will have been severely thrashed and poorly maintained by all except the first 2 owners. Having thus shown the extent of my open-mindedness on this topic, is there some advice of what I should look for?

I am surprised to find myself wondering about colour too. The combination that appeals to me most is Almandine with Mushroom (leather or cloth). Is this reasonably common combination? I have seen photos of a 190 with a rich blue check-cloth interior. That looks appealing to me too. But it is the only one I have ever seen. Was it a rare colour option?

Finally, what chance is there that I can get a car with Air Con., for use in visits to hotter places of Europe?

[That's enough; shut up and give your a..e a chance. Ed.]
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Mike wantza Merc
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B)

Welcome to the forum. Why not take a moment to create your profile, and include where you live?

You never know, you may be just around the corner from other members...

if you're in Wales, take a look at the 190 currently for sale in the 'For Sale' section. Cheers!





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asquared
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Mike wantza Merc
Sat Jan 1, 2011 4:25 pm
Why not take a moment to create your profile, and include where you live?





It's a good suggestion - in fact I thought I had. I when I edit it, I see that my memory serves me correctly. But, obviously, you and others can't see it. I have no idea why.

Having said that, thanks for the pointer to the Wales car for sale. I'll have a look - it's a 2 to 3 hour drive from Winchester, these days.
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asquared
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Mike wantza Merc
Sat Jan 1, 2011 4:25 pm
if you're in Wales, take a look at the 190 currently for sale in the 'For Sale' section. Cheers!


Unfortunately age, infirmity and the stupidity accumulated over a life-time prevent me from figuring out exactly which car you mean - even after a lengthy trawl through the 'For Sale' section. I'm afraid I have to ask for another clue!
Edited by asquared, Sat Jan 1, 2011 6:37 pm.
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RobertE
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Welcome and thank you for your kind comments. We are a broad church and stuff goes off topic quite quickly. If you are in the market for a valver, there's one for sale in Hampshire on Pistonheads. But I can't do the link for some reason....
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asquared
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RobertE
Sat Jan 1, 2011 6:36 pm
If you are in the market for a valver, there's one for sale in Hampshire on Pistonheads.
Thanks for the pointer.

I've allocated a somewhat larger budget on the basis that I don't have the facilities or physical prowess/fitness (resulting from a youthful addiction to speed far in excess of my ability to handle it) to spend a long time under a car or diving into the engine bay. I'm more time poor than cash poor now. So I'll have to pass on the Hampshire opportunity.
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Mohammad
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hello and welcome,man.

B)
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stwat
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Hello and welcome :)

And thanks for the kind words about the forum :)


Stu
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Richy190E
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Welcome along.
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p1RATE
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asquared
Sat Jan 1, 2011 4:03 pm
I am surprised to find myself wondering about colour too. The combination that appeals to me most is Almandine with Mushroom (leather or cloth). Is this reasonably common combination? I have seen photos of a 190 with a rich blue check-cloth interior. That looks appealing to me too. But it is the only one I have ever seen. Was it a rare colour option?
im actually about to sell my Almandine 190 and tomorrow im putting in a blue check-cloth interior :P although its a 1.8 auto. once ive done the work ill give you a pm see if it tickles your fancy.

And welcome to the forums! :driver:
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Rich27
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asquared
Sat Jan 1, 2011 4:03 pm
Or will I find the 2.0 too slow?
No you wont find the 2.0 too slow.

Mine was very entertaining to drive and the plonker that bought it is `scared` of it so watch out for G200 VYM coming up for sale in The South Wales Area

http://cardiff.gumtree.com/cardiff/13/70784413.html

My old one and the cheeky Twat has just copyed and pasted my old advert, and I slod it for a good few quid less ;)
Edited by Rich27, Sat Jan 1, 2011 9:09 pm.
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Gaz2N
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Hi there and welcome along.

This forum is an excellent place to be. I can honestly say that being a member on here has improved my enjoyment of my car substantially!

If you are intending the car to only be a second car then why not opt for the 2.6 Auto. That way the fuel economy won't have much bearing. I have owned a 2.6 Auto (Sportline) and you can get the fuel economy to 28mpg with normal use. However because it sounds nice and asks to be revved, you soon find that figure dropping alarmingly :P

I personally really like the lower torque of the 2.0. After years of driving more modern 'free revving' cars I initially found my 2.0 hard to get used to but I soon began to enjoy it and would not wish to go back. I drive much more sedately now and always arrive at my destination in a relaxed and happy mood. That said the 2.0 is more than capable of keeping up with all of the modern stuff. I certainly don't find it slow. Adequate would be a fair word.

It sounds to me as if a Rosso Red 2.0 LE such as mine (not that I'm selling it) may suit you as it is quite close in colour to Almandine and they all had a cream cloth interior. Also they were only produced in 1993/4 so are just about the newest models and should therefore be easier to find one in good nick. The only thing is they were not available with A/C. Mine is unusual as it does have A/C but this was fitted by the supplying dealer. If you do find a 190 with A/C be sure to make sure that it's a factory fitted system (listed under the VIN checker) as mine has caused no end of problems when ordering parts. Although it does work I use it so rarely that I'm considering removing it.

There is one for sale below but probably a bit steep on the price:

Tri-Star LE

When I first got my 190 I had no experience whatsoever mechanically but it's very easy to work on and everything is screwed together so nicely that you don't mind doing the simpler things myself. I also think doing little jobs makes you appreciate the build quality and over-engineering.

Hope that you find a car to your liking.

Don't hesitate should you want any further info and hope that the above helps?

Gary
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asquared
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Thanks for these helpful comments.

I concur with the view about fuel consumption not being so much of an issue when doing very low mileage. Having a free bus pass now as well as the necessity to keep walking as much as possible has seen my average mileage drop from 35K a year 8 years ago to 6K a year in the last 2 years and the average fuel economy of my car rise from 25 mpg to 45 mpg (previous car). This has almost kept pace with the increase in taxes the government needs to finance the invasion of other countries on my behalf, to support the anti-terror infra-structure that such action makes necessary, to give money to rich bankers for un-warranted bonuses. to pay inflated legions of hospital managers equally inflated wages and to buy itself out of yet another IT fiasco delivered by a US company under the terms of a fatally flawed contract. By the way, I've got a few pot-holes in my road; how about yours?

However, I've still got this congenital defect with my right foot and the addiction to seeing car tail lights flash towards me (on the near-side only, thank you very much), so I may have to consider a 2 litre car.

I am aware of the cars that John Knight (Tri-Star/Auto Investors Ltd) has on offer, at somewhat robust valuations. I've promised him I will go and look soonest; he has offered to let me try both a 2.6 and a 2.0 and that's really the only way to decide. I must say the Rosso red car he has looks attractive.

I'm not averse to tinkering around with the car; the knowledge and experience is there, having rebuilt a string of TR6s and a Stag in the 80s; it's just that time is precious. But I'm quite certain, irrespective of how well engineered these W.201 cars are, no matter what I buy it will be about 20 years old and will inevitably need some fettling at some stage. And now I know, with considerable confidence, where to seek good advice when I have a problem.
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gibpetrolhead
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Hello and welcome to the forum, there are both a 2.6 and 2.0 on Nick Froomes site to look at W124.co.uk. :D
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Bedaida
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Rich27
Sat Jan 1, 2011 9:03 pm
asquared
Sat Jan 1, 2011 4:03 pm
Or will I find the 2.0 too slow?
No you wont find the 2.0 too slow.

Mine was very entertaining to drive and the plonker that bought it is `scared` of it so watch out for G200 VYM coming up for sale in The South Wales Area

http://cardiff.gumtree.com/cardiff/13/70784413.html

My old one and the cheeky **insert swear word here** has just copyed and pasted my old advert, and I slod it for a good few quid less ;)
Hi Rich, Its sad to see you calling me plonker and t.w.a.t on this forum.
I sent you an email, explaining that I did try to talk to you and ask you for your permission to use your pictures, but every time I spoke to your wife she said you weren't there or you were in the shower.
and I apologized to you on the email, and said to you that I was going to remove them. (not that I cannot do better pictures or anything, just the weather was not good enough, or else I wouldn't have used yours)
I am not going to lower myself to your level and insult you however, cuz my parents did a cracking job in parenting me and educating me.
Note: I am not scared of the car.
Note 2: You said previously on this forum that you scared us at 90 Miles on the drive test!! I drove at 140 mate..
I just felt sorry for the car (as you were doing 80 on third gear, and made a rather retarded comment like "as long as it doesn't hit the red..."
Anyway, you just showed me who you really are, and I am quite disappointed. I believe I treated you with all the respect, which apparently you do not deserve.
All the best Rich
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marcus.hopkins
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Bedaida
Tue Jan 4, 2011 12:12 am
Rich27
Sat Jan 1, 2011 9:03 pm
asquared
Sat Jan 1, 2011 4:03 pm
Or will I find the 2.0 too slow?
No you wont find the 2.0 too slow.

Mine was very entertaining to drive and the plonker that bought it is `scared` of it so watch out for G200 VYM coming up for sale in The South Wales Area

http://cardiff.gumtree.com/cardiff/13/70784413.html

My old one and the cheeky **insert swear word here** has just copyed and pasted my old advert, and I slod it for a good few quid less ;)
Hi Rich, Its sad to see you calling me plonker and t.w.a.t on this forum.
I sent you an email, explaining that I did try to talk to you and ask you for your permission to use your pictures, but every time I spoke to your wife she said you weren't there or you were in the shower.
and I apologized to you on the email, and said to you that I was going to remove them. (not that I cannot do better pictures or anything, just the weather was not good enough, or else I wouldn't have used yours)
I am not going to lower myself to your level and insult you however, cuz my parents did a cracking job in parenting me and educating me.
Note: I am not scared of the car.
Note 2: You said previously on this forum that you scared us at 90 Miles on the drive test!! I drove at 140 mate..
I just felt sorry for the car (as you were doing 80 on third gear, and made a rather retarded comment like "as long as it doesn't hit the red..."
Anyway, you just showed me who you really are, and I am quite disappointed. I believe I treated you with all the respect, which apparently you do not deserve.
All the best Rich
Oh dear :(
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inlinesix
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Had my 2.6 for coming upto 10 years now, love it!!!!!! B) B) :driver:
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PARI
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welcome to the forum

you have come to the right place if you are in the look out for a 190.
If you are london based then maybe you can come for a spin in my 2.6 and you see how she moves on the tarmac.
If you like it so much i may let you buy it lol.
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asquared
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PARI
Tue Jan 4, 2011 7:35 pm
welcome to the forum

you have come to the right place if you are in the look out for a 190.
If you are london based then maybe you can come for a spin in my 2.6 and you see how she moves on the tarmac.
If you like it so much i may let you buy it lol.
Thanks for this very generous offer; sadly I'm based in the deep south of Hampshire. I don't think I can get a visa for Essex at my age, can I?

Any idea what mileage you get from your 2.6 (auto ?) in the urban jungle?
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asquared
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inlinesix
Tue Jan 4, 2011 11:15 am
Had my 2.6 for coming upto 10 years now, love it!!!!!! B) B) :driver:
I hope I will be able to say the same thing one day!
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-V-
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Asquared - welcome to the forum! Already I like your sense of humour and have no doubt that you'll find this a great place!

In regards to finding a 2.0 slow - I would have to say no, but then it does depend on what you're looking for and what you're used to.
You will definitely feel the difference between a 2.0 and a 2.6 and then again compared to other models. I've always driven 2.0 models and have been more than happy with the output.

Many members describe the 2.6 as being a smooth and very drivable model (which i'm sure it is). I've always found my 2.0 to be a great driver's car that is very comfortable with a manual gearbox that works great. Sure there is more 'grunt' available in other models, but for me the 2.0 works well.

I would definitely recommend taking a 2.0 and perhaps a 2.6 out for a test drive and see which one works best for you.

Good luck in your search!
B)


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Benzsc1
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Welcome to the forum what a grand first post makes me feel all warm for anything 201 you are in the right place a very good bunch of guys bar myself :lol:

No but seriously good luck and once again welcome ;)
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