My first Benz is a 1984 307d motorhome in the UK. I live in the US but wanted to buy a motorhome in Europe via the Internet to tour for a couple of summers. The main choices were Ford, Fiat or Mercedes. I had to buy without driving or seeing the vehicle in person. How difficult was that choice? I knew nothing of European Ford trucks. I knew far too much about Fiats. I knew about Mercedes' reputation for reliability-particularly their diesels. Perhaps prestige factors into that.
I bought that about 9 months ago and have since bought a 77 300d and 85 300td here at home. I was so impressed with the quality and handling of that Mercedes truck that I decided their cars must be good also.
I view the choice of a Mercedes as an expression of awareness of quality in engineering and design. (I'm ignoring the issue of climate control) It's like appreciating a fine work of art. It's too bad that the only automobile in the Museum of Modern Art is a Jaguar XKE and not a Mercedes.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13