I'd like to hear from the people that own a 210. From what I've read so far, it doesn't look like I'd be much better off than with a rod bender, at least I would have the nice amenities.

What other choices do I have? I want a newer Benz diesel. Can't buy a 140 can't buy a 210, can't afford anything newer. Where do I go, the new Honda diesel ? Or I suppose I could go with an early 90's 124 but that is essentially what I have now. I guess I am just stuck. Any suggestions?

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Muleears
'07 E320 Bluetec 133K my DD
'04 Jaguar XJ8 VDP, 34K
'10 Hyundai Accent 60K Grocery Getter
'02 VW Golf soon to be on the road again
'97 E300 Diesel Son's DD
'61 VERY tolerant wife

Hampton Roads, VA USA

Gone but not forgotten:
'67 250S 95K
'86 300SDL
'87 300D Turbo, 364K! R.I.P.
'98 E300 Turbodiesel, 213K
'02 S420, 164K
'01 Prius 138K

"Where do I go, the new Honda diesel"

After owning and driving Mercedes for about 32 years, the last 28 were diesel MB, the time has come for me to move on to something else, I would definitely consider Honda diesel. MB really has nothing attractive for me and what they have are too expensive to buy and maintain. The main difference between the older 123/126 diesels and the new models is the practical side of the life expectancy, with the older cars you can go for a looooong time, with the newer cars you must get rid of them when the warranty expires.

Vahe
240D 77

Have you considered a VW TDI? It may not be a Benz (ok, it's not), but it has many of the features that I was looking for and that MBUSA hasn't provided me with: a modestly priced car with high fuel economy, good reliability, good performance, manual transmission, and no fancy gadgets that break down.

BTW my W210 was on Ebay for sale a month ago or so, but I was totally repulsed by people's lack of appreciation for all the work and fixes that I've done to the car so I decided to take it off the market. It seems that most people just want to have a free lunch and they don't give a damn.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL

Just curious, why do you "want" a newer model? What is the advantage over what you have now?

"Have you considered a VW TDI? It may not be a Benz (ok, it's not), but it has many of the features that I was looking for and that MBUSA hasn't provided me with: a modestly priced car with high fuel economy, good reliability, good performance, manual transmission, and no fancy gadgets that break down."

I had a real nasty experience with VW dealerships and specifically their service department. Some years ago I bought a brand new VW Jetta for my daughter who started college, the car from day one was consuming too much oil, we live in Houston and she had to drive 200 miles to San Antonio where the college was located, after each 200 miles trip the car needed a quart or even more. We complained but the dealership went out of their way not to do anything about the problem or be helpful in any way. After much arguing they did gave in and did a complete ring job on the nearly new engine, it did not help.
After that experience I am not about to do business with VW again.

Vahe
240D 77 350K

That's terrible. I guess I've been lucky with my VW, but then again I've never taken it to a VW dealership. I bought it used and I do all my work. The Jetta does have some cheapness to it, namely interior rattles, but overall it's been a reliable vehicle so far. Other than routine maintenance I just had to replace the brake light switch which totally drained my battery one night. Good thing it happened in my garage.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL