A Grand Monday: Mercedes-Benz 190

If you’re after some solid classic family transport, then we think the Mercedes 190 is a fine choice. Reliable, well built, comfortable with enough performance to keep up with modern traffic – these German saloons are a smart buy right now with good examples still available for under a grand.

Like this this 1989 Mercedes 190E two-litre, for sale at £995 and with an MoT until March 2017. Finished in pine green, it comes with a fully-stamped service history, which for a car that’s covered 203k miles is exactly what you want. There’s also a chunky history file, with recent bills from Mercedes dealers and specialists for more than a grand.

So it sounds like the car is in good mechanical condition. Indeed, the seller says it is ‘highly reliable and never fails.’ And according to the advert, the structure of the car is good with no rust on the jacking points, inner wings, underneath the rear screen, or around the drainage channels.

If that’s not enough to tempt you, then how about the spec? ABS, electric windows, electric sunroof, factory audio system, and recently refurbished air-con. It even comes with matching Mercedes carpet over mats.

Even the paintwork looks like it’s in good condition and unfaded – although there are some age-related marks on the car. The interior looks good, though, with no sign of wear on the seats. Even the headlining is still attached, although the door cars have dilapidated.

If that’s the worst bit about this car, then we reckon you can’t go far wrong for £995.

• Read our Mercedes 190 review and buyer's guide
• How many Mercedes 190s survived? Find out
• Find a Mercedes 190 for sale