Let's see, we've had our '88 560SL (123k at purchase) since Christmas and in 10 months and 7k miles I've replaced:
-Oil and filter (twice)
-Sunvisor tabs
-front brake caliper (knew was bad when I bought car) & pads
-Spark plugs
-Air filter
-floor mats (old ones looked ratty)
-power antenna mast (backed under something)
-license plate light bulb
-windshield wiper blades
That's it! Truely sorry to hear that you had a bad experience with your car. I hope your next one gives you many years of ultra-reliable service. As to a 20 year old Ford, I suspect most 20 year old Fords are running fine...as two year old Chevys. By now they have been recycled at least once. I think if an accurate count was made of the percent of 1981 cars still on road, MB would be near the top.