Well, I haven't abandoned the Dark Side of Stuttgart.

The C230 is still performing admirably; I haven't had a transmission glitch in more than two weeks. And I just invested in the June oil change, a new battery (old one: flat) and a new tire (old one: 4 years worn, and leaking thanks to a nail in the tread).

The little gold car is coming up on its 11th birthday and 88,500 miles, and is still great. Every time I look at something newer and think, "Gee, that'd be fun to drive," I get back in mine and realize what a good deal I have, and how much hassle it'll be to buy something newer. . . .

Not to mention the C230 is within a hair of being paid for!
.

__________________
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-- Paul W. (The Benzadmiral)
('03 Buick Park Avenue, charcoal/cream)
Formerly:
'97 C230, smoke silver/parchment; '86 420SEL, anthracite/light grey; '84 280CE (W123), dark blue/palomino