Few things in life are as unflaggingly reliable as an old Mercedes diesel. Today’s 190D adds five-speed fun to that dependability. Let’s determine whether its price tag is also in it for the long haul.

Speaking of long, the ad for yesterday’s has been up for an entire month — a very long time in Craigslist years. That may be attributable to the $17,000 asking price the ad promotes. In fact, based on the 95 percent No Dice loss you handed the Falcon, that price tag is the most likely reason for the ad still being needed.

I’m betting that the vote on today’s will be much more of a challenge. After all, the car is far more practical a purchase and is appreciably cheaper than yesterday’s Falcon.

When Mercedes introduced the W201 190 series in 1982, the model resurrected both an earlier nameplate and a long un-served size class. In the case of the W201, the model line was slotted as the entry-level Benz, slightly down-market from, and noticeably smaller than, the mid-sized W124 that would join the team two years later.

The “D” designation is, of course, for Diesel, and this being a 1987 model that could mean a 2.5 liter naturally aspirated five-cylinder oil burner or its turbocharged cousin. The lack of vents on the right-side fender identifies this as a non-turbo car, meaning it manages a modest 93 horsepower and 116 lb-ft of torque.

That may not seem like enough of either number, but note that while wildly over-engineered and likely heavier than needed, the little Benz weighs in at just around 2,700 pounds. Another factor in this car’s favor is that it sports the standard but uber-rare five-speed stick behind its OM602 five-pot.

According to the ad, this 190 has done an amazing 377,000 miles over the course of its life. Not all of it has made it that far, as the ad notes extensive maintenance and repairs, including a head rebuild and refreshed timing chain setup. Other work includes fuel system cleanup, new shocks all around, a new battery, and the replacement of the driveshaft bushings.

Other plusses include new Michelin tires on handsome later-model alloy wheels, European flush headlamps, and a clean title. Being a diesel, there’s no need to do a smog test when transferring that title, if in California where the car presently calls home.

On the downside, the A/C is not working, and the seller pulls out that old chestnut that it “just needs a charge.” It’s also a bit worn from all the years and miles it’s seen. The gold paint is tired in a number of places, and the black plastic caps on the bumpers show a good bit of weather fade. In the cabin, the stalwart MBTex upholstery has raised a white flag, showing an uncharacteristic wear-through on the driver’s seat. Lastly, the dashboard has been capped with a carpet toupee, and those never are a good look.

Despite that, the seller claims the car to be a solid driver and to have been well taken care of. And while old, this Benz should be capable — and frugal — enough to make either a decent and somewhat eclectic daily driver or a fun weekend cruiser. Could that make it worth the seller’s $8,750 asking?

What do you think? Is this high-mileage trooper of a Benz worth that kind of cash in its present condition? Or is it just too war-worn to ask that much?

You decide!

San Francisco Bay Area, California, , or go if the ad disappears.

H/T to Don R. for the hookup!

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