I think a lot of the "problem" is perceived (read false) economy. People would rather buy a new $13,000 "car" that gets 30 mpg instead of an older Benz for $4000 that gets 20 mpg. They are saving gas but not money. At 2000 miles per month and $3 gas they are saving $100 per month. There's a 90 month break even point there on the initial cost alone! That doesn't include interest on the loan, insurance, depreciation or the unquantifiable things like safety and comfort. Also, for $13K you are getting manufactured obsolescence that will probably never see 90 months of use.
In short, I'm with you.

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1983 M-B 240D-Gone too.
1976 M-B 300D-Departed.

"Good" is the worst enemy of "Great".