You ought to get rid of those Mercedes . . . - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tankowner · #1 08-11-2009, 01:16 AM

. . . and buy a Toyota Camry!

No joke, that's what a guy told me at work today. We were talking about what we did over the weekend and I mentioned that I spent the better part of the weekend working on the newly acquired 240D. That prompted the question of why I even bought it in the first place. I explained that I really wanted one and that I also thought it would be a good idea to get second car just in case I need to take the 300D off the road for a few days to do some repairs. Apparently all he heard was "repairs" and figured my cars are junk because I spend a lot of time working on them. And then it happened . . . he paused for a moment and then proceeded to utter the following: "You know, you ought to just sell both of those Mercedes and take the money you can got out of them and buy a decent used Toyota Camry . . . they're dependable."

I couldn't believe it; I just stood there stunned for a minute. Eventually I came to, looked at him and said, "Don't ever say Toyota Camry to me again." and then changed the subject.

So far as I can tell, Camry owners (hate to generalize here, but I will anyway) have two emotional states when it comes to their cars. The first is elation over how wonderful their precious Camry is. The second is disgust that their CAMRY (said in a tone of utter disbelief) has a problem and the shop wants $300 or $400 to fix it.

Sorry if this post has no real merit; I just needed to vent to an understanding audience.

Fulcrum525 · #2 08-11-2009, 01:18 AM

Camry Owners-Generally know little about cars and in turn don't care about them.

When was the last time you saw a freshly cleaned Camry?

I rest my case.

pawoSD · #3 08-11-2009, 01:21 AM

Yep, typical "appliance car owner" syndrome. They've probably never even held a wrench. But hey, people that do can make a lot of $$ off those people.

matthias08 · #4 08-11-2009, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

When was the last time you saw a freshly cleaned Camry?

the ONLY Camry I've ever detailed.....

but it had bald tires

Sev · #5 08-11-2009, 05:22 AM

corolla owners however, especially ae82 and ae86 owners, do know a thing or two about cars. count me as one of them

#6 08-11-2009, 07:08 AM

Well I suppose that I would have to ask you what Toyota you had that gave you so much trouble that causes you to disbelieve the guy. By the same token I would ask this other fellow what kind of MB he owned that gave him so much trouble that he now thinks that MB's are no good.

It is QUITE common for people to think that their favorite brand is the only brand that's worth buying. If I were a young Psychology student working on a graduate degree I would do a paper on this phenomenon.

Toyota's are indeed very good and reliable cars as are MB's. Parts and service for both are expensive if you go to the dealer.

My wife had a 98 Toyota 4 Runner. She drove it 180,000 miles. During that time I replaced the timing belt twice for preventive maintenance reasons and at about 150,000 miles I had to put a starter on it. Other than that, the only other work I did to it was normal maintenance. It was clearly the most trouble free vehicle we've ever owned and I've owned some pretty darn good ones including 240D's that are way at the top of the list.

For it's time period, IMHO the 123 MB, particularly the 240D (and yes I've owned five cylinder versions as well) is the best car ever built. Again, FOR IT'S TIME. That said, the 123 MB DARN SURE SHOULD be a good car given its original price tag.

Don't let this guy get you riled. He is VERY typical of the average persons prejudices and biases.

When people show me such automotive narrow mindedness in the form of "I wouldn't let a Brand X vehicle in my driveway" or something like that, the best defense is to ask in a serious manner "Wow, what year and model Brand X did you own that gave you so much trouble?" In almost every case you will find that they've never owned one of the brand X cars that they are proclaiming to be junk. Once you call them out on that and get them to admit that they've never owned one, just leave it at that and let them figure out that they are a biased brand bigot.

Shorebilly · #7 08-11-2009, 07:11 AM

Folks,
Toyota does, in fact, make very reliable cars and trucks.....I had an '84 SR5 Pickup, carbureted R-22 engine.....got well over 300,000 miles out of it....but as it got older, you could hear it rust at night!!! Engine never quit tho....

When was the last time you saw any Toyota with over 500,000 miles that was trouble free.......how many are running??? There are many W123's running with over 500,000 miles, worldwide.....

I'll keep maintaining my old Benzes, thank you.....

SB

snookwhaler · #8 08-11-2009, 07:34 AM

Have you looked at an older Camry? Any of them. The interiors fade to weird colors and the cars generally just fall apart. This includes the pick ups (I have had a few). Very utilitarian. Even the Camry of 10 years ago looks completely dated and you wonder why they ever went with "that particular look".

My Mercedes is pushing 25 years old and it is "all still there". The car is a timeless classic. The Camry will always be "just a Camry".

I wouldn't worry too much about that particular persons statement. He obviously just "does not get it".

#9 08-11-2009, 07:53 AM

I have gotten this as well and to be honest I was very insulted. Now don't get me wrong my moms Corolla is a great car but its not classic luxury car. I hate how when somethings old no one thinks it has any real value left. Money wise it may not be worth much but it is still a classic and a great piece of Mercedes!

Oracle12345 · #10 08-11-2009, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

Camry Owners-Generally know little about cars and in turn don't care about them.

When was the last time you saw a freshly cleaned Camry?

I rest my case.

thats because you rarely ever have to work on toyota camry or corolla. I drive a toyota and own a MB and I like both. My toyota is very reliable and I dont have to wrench on it much except for maintaince items such as timing belts, change oil. However the toyota isnt aging well, body is falling apart. The MB has aged very well and almost as reliable the toyota. I have gotten it a few times and it doesnt bother me.

dieseldan44 · #11 08-11-2009, 09:28 AM

I have owned three camry's prior to becoming interested in diesel benzes. My extended family owns several toyotas. Before i got interested in the benzes, all the work I did the cars was oil and spark plugs, and never washed or waxed them. So I guess that stereotype was true for me.

They are no fun, they have no personality, they age fast, they do not clean up well, they rust like ice cubes in the sun. Toyota's design intent was to make a 200k mile appliance car, and thats what they did (and do) very well.

BUT they are very reliable, and much, much cheaper to fix at a shop than the 123. The difference is every $65/hr gas station mechanic knows how to fix a camry, not so many know what to do on an 80's W123/126.

Let's face it guys and gals, owning and maintaing an old imported luxury diesel automobile is a hobby/lifestyle most do not, and will not ever, understand. I get way more people who thinks its cool than who think I should just return to Camry's.

dd

pawoSD · #12 08-11-2009, 09:29 AM

My Rav4 that came into the family with my wife....was a horrific machine. It had virtually no comfort whatsoever.....it was loud, whiny, the gearbox was far from smooth and refined (manual).....clutch was dumb.....it sounded like, felt like, and looked like a big go-cart....and had suspension quality to match....like a brick. Yuck. Not to mention I don't even want to think of the limited protection it would offer in a serious accident. The whole thing only weighed 2700lbs

It used very expensive huge tires.....the doors would freeze solidly shut in the winter. (Could not open from outside OR inside)....it consumed a fair quantity of oil despite only 148k on it.....it used timing belts, and was way overdue for one.....didn't want to deal with that. Not a good car. The 300E is way better.

Pavka007 · #13 08-11-2009, 09:46 AM

Just look here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160354083917&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fmotors.shop.ebay.com%3A80%2F__%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm39%26_nkw%3D160354083917%2 6_sacat%3D%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1

So what was the Toyota model that can bring this money and look like this after 53 years???

I rest my case

pawoSD · #14 08-11-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pavka007

Just look here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160354083917&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fmotors.shop.ebay.com%3A80%2F__%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm39%26_nkw%3D160354083917%2 6_sacat%3D%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1

So what was the Toyota model that can bring this money and look like this after 53 years???

I rest my case

Wow....sweet ride! What were they doing parking it on a boat launch like that while taking pics!?

I'd be way too paranoid to do that.

Hip001 · #15 08-11-2009, 10:28 AM

You guys crack me up!!
I'm very proud to be a Mercedes owner as I am still a very proud Toyota owner. I think you are generalizing which to some extent I tend to agree somewhat, but you may as well throw in the Accords, Maximas, Jettas too. The Camry and Accord are the nations top selling and rated cars. I buy and sell as a hobby and I've owned 8 Camrys, 3 Accords, 7 Civics, 1 Corolla, 2 Toyota trucks, 2 Nissan trucks, 1 Avalon, 1 Maxima, 1 Sentra, 1 Jetta, And still own a 2001 Toyota Sienna Van. Every one of them I would not hessitate to drive past the 200k mark and did almost 300k on a few. Most of these owners buy them as point A to point B transportation and could not give a crap that it still has love bugs on the grill fron last season or a 1/2 inch of beach sand in it. I (like most of you guys I think) have a passion and appreciation for cars and quality. I would not think twice about pulling up my 1993 Accord EX anywhere you guys were at due to the fact that the car looked like it just rolled off the showroom floor! Inside, outside, trunk, engine, door jams, EVERY inch of that car was clean & polished! I had a job back then where I covered a portion of 4 states and was on the road!

ok fast forward to the present....
IF I KNEW then what I know now I would of prob found a 4speed 240D and still been driving it prob in the upper 6 digits on the dial for sure. I did own a 190 2.3-16v during that time which I enjoyed VERY much!

MAybe the point we are over looking is that people today are generally more lazy. In our microwave, minute wax, pay on demand, online now society people usually(a generalization) will not take the time to wash a car properly much less detail one inside and out. I use to own a detailing business(yes I was younger) but I admit I lack the enthusiasm I once had about spending a Saturday morning detailing my car/cars. BUT I gotta admit seeing a Beautiful car out in the driveway and seeing a garage full of junk still boggles my mind.

It is inspiring to see the kids (EErrr, I mean, young men) like 79mercy, theDon, Pierre, & others have such a passion for these Mercedes cars! All of them great guys who I've been lucky enough to meet and always look forward to seeing them again at another Mercedes function. Any one of them you could call if you ever had questions or needed help!

Bottom line is the Camrys, Accords , and such are still on the road, some older & tired, and some new. The perception of that type car is as a point A to point B low maintenance relaible cheap tool. I don't hate on anybody for what they drive or don't drive but I do appreciate when someone cares about thier car.

Our Mercedes on the other hand are:
Timeless classic peices of rolling freaking artwork that to this very day still rival current engineering, exceed in safety, and move your heart mind & soul!!!!! Can I get a Amen!?!?!?!

Working/cleaning on my car is a form of therapy which is relaxing(most of the time) and stress relieving! Looking at a clean mechanically sound Benz is a deep pride and satisfaction that most people will never understand!

Stepping down off my soap box now.....
See you guys Saturday!
Hip