The W201 series, collectively named 190E, was Mercedes-Benz’s first real attempt at a compact executive sedan and probably, the best looking one to date.

Introduced in 1982, it featured a modern yet timeless linear design and was considered “massively over-engineered” boasting technologies such as available airbags, ABS brakes, seatbelt pretensioners and Mercedes’ first production car application of its patented multilink rear suspension setup supported by five independent links.

Even though it was presented the same year as BMW‘s E30 3-Series, in many aspects, the 190E was one-generation ahead of its Bavarian rival. It was also built to last; you could see, feel and even hear the quality everywhere, which isn’t something you could say for its W202 C-Class replacement that followed in 1993…

We’re not going to lie; the 190E we’d love to have would be one of the 2.5-16 Evolution II, 2.5-16 Evolution 1, 2.5-16 and 2.3-16 (in that order), but if you’re searching for a regular version of a nicely maintained, low mileage 190E, this one we found on eBay could fit the bill, especially if you could get it at under $10k.

The two-owner 1993 Mercedes 190E is from the last year of production for the US and sports a beautiful Emerald Green metallic shade and a light beige interior that looks to be in better shape than many 3-year old used cars we’ve seen around.

It’s a Limited Edition model, one of only 700 made that year for the USA, and has a 2.3-liter inline-four gasoline engine paired to a 4-speed automatic with 42,200 miles (67,900 kilometers).

We discovered a previous ad where the car was listed for $16,995, but the asking price on eBay now stands at $12,950, which is still way more than what we’d give for it, though, the seller is accepting offers.

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