Quote:
Originally Posted by giff
The "problem" I see with the Japanese cars, is that they lack soul. If you don't like your car transmitting road conditions to you or putting a smile on your face, then get the reliable Japanese whatever.
If you like the cool factor (and safety factor for that matter), if you appreciate the engineering and understand the difference it makes in the driving experience....go with the Benz.
Read & learn (here on PP) what needs to be done for routine maintenance....pay for things you don't want to DIY in the driveway.
Just my .02
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Well, this is kind-of like those heated Chevy vs Ford or FWD vs RWD discussions.
I've been around long enough to be able to see some redeeming value in most any car (though maybe not in a '74 Ford Gran-Torino or '80s Yugo)
Yes, Japanese vehicles like my Camry are accused of being boring and soul-less. But having reliable AC, and being able to commute comfortably to Virginia Beach once a month without drama, while getting 35 MPG still puts a smile on my face. Besides, with new Michelins, the driving feel isn't bad. Certainly not as numb as a typical '80s or '90s FWD Buick or Oldsmobile.
My diesels have had (and suffered from) their day as daily drivers and commuter cars. Better to subject my Camry to the ravages of road-salt and other drivers testing their ice-driving skills.
And with it's crumple-zones, dual airbags and other safety technolgy (much of which probably trickled down from cars like Mercedes) I don't consider my '96 Camry significantly less safe than my '82 240D.
Happy Motoring, Mark