I've created a monster !
 

Last week I needed someone to pick up the 240D from the hospital. Unfortunately I found out how pissed off an appendix can get !! It was cold so I figured the only one that could start it and drive it would be my step dad. He's A truck driver and used to the old IDI systems and what I thought was slow take off.

He vowed he would never drive a small 4 wheeler when I bought it so having him drive was as stretch. The first comment was how fast it picked up. Then how well the steering felt. On the highway we were doing seventy and hes telling me the car is rock solid and how large the cabin feels . The best part was when he asked how Mercedes incorporated the air ride seats into the car and how they worked !! :D

Well a week later hes told every one family friends and fellow drivers that this was the best car hes ever driven . His friend had found a 80's model for 150.00 from an elderly neighbor but was hesitant on buying it . Needless to say he bought it after all the praising. All it needed was a battery !!!

Well if your in Texas and see a Mercedes drive by with a big boy in coveralls / overalls big beard and trucker hat I fear I might have started this trend !! :eek: :D

I keep picturing a Mercedes with mud flap girls , Peterbilt stickers , chicken lights all over it and cigar duck hood ornament !!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Well a 240d is an interesting car to drive around in. If in fair condition there may no longer be a current car that feels simular. With the limited horsepower you are fully cognizant of being in an unusual car.

You do have to drive the car as well. Most modern cars have excess power and almost get from point a-b all by themselves. The 300d is somewhat less charming from that perspective and the additional front end weight changes the drive somewhat. These are just my viewpoints of course.

The fact that they are also the only low powered car with a reasonably full suspension really makes a lot of the difference obvious. All of our current oriental lower end four bangers have limited suspension in comparison. The american lower end new cars seem simular in general as well. They inform you well of this when you hit a good bump.

Good work my man. Converted another one!

Back not long after I got my first 300D in 1982, I let my now late uncle have a drive. He had been a diesel mech all his life, working on all sorts of heavy haul etc. He spent 3 hrs driving around going past all his old friends waving to them. Not long after he had his license taken off him because of ill health. My aunt said afterward that he never stopped talking about the drive, it was the happiest day he had for years. I dont think we realize just how attached some old diesel guys become to anything that reminds them of their past. Your step dad is probably one of those "good guys" !!

Excellent. Is it too late for him to adopt me?

$150 for the 240D?!

A couple of older truck drivers have offered to my my sdl for fairly substantial sums... I have always refused...