Sorry to hear that you had to trade your CDI but I can't really fault you with your replacement choice. We fought it for as long as we could but we couldn't live without our minivan (Hondy Odyssey), in fact it's almost too small for us if traveling. Nothing can match the combination of utility, space, seating capacity, ride comfort, value, etc. Any of the SUVs or Crossovers with third row seating (except a Suburban) have zero storage space behind the third seat. While we don't have enough, it's still more than any other option (Suburban or Excursion excluded). Fuel mileage isn't great but is usually better than the other alternatives.

I've all but lost hope of ever seeing a diesel Odyssey (which has been rumored for almost a decade). I could live with the restrictions if they were available. But since they won't, I might break down and buy an older diesel Sub or Excursion since we're rapidly outgrowing the van. I'd like to be able to tow with it as well and that can be an issue with the minivans, especially if you're nearing capacity with people + their stuff.

I've never had an issue driving it either. But I guess I can see how some less confident folks could.

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1980 300TD-China Blue/Blue MBTex-2nd Owner, 107K (Alt Blau) OBK #15
'06 Chevy Tahoe Z71 (for the wife & 4 kids, current mule) '03 Honda Odyssey (son #1's ride, reluctantly) '99 GMC Suburban (255K+ miles, semi-retired mule) 21' SeaRay Seville (summer escape pod)

We borrowed a fully loaded t&c last year very nice van. My mom could get in and out which is nice because shes in. A wheel chair and the scooter was easy to put in there

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hum.....
1987 300TD 311,000M Stolen. Presumed destroyed

For me, a ML and a minivan are sort of a toss-up... I'd have trouble owning either. They're both the epitome of "soccer mom" -- just in different tax brackets. GL 350 CDI is more my taste. When the day comes that I have to buy a car from the current millennium, that's on the "save up for" list if it's still running by then.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

Interesting discussion, and in the interest of trying to be helpful for the original purpose of the original post, I'd suggest maybe re-posting the unneeded parts in the Parts forum.

I had figured that some one would give me an idea of their value so I could sell them, but will probably get hold of friend who came to one or two GTG's here and just send them to him.

He's also a VW TDI owner, and was here for 9th annual GTG this past October. He seemed like a really good guy even if he was from Texas.

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'10 Chrysler T&C Stow-N-Go White. Grandpa's ride.

'13 Chrysler 200 Touring Candy Red. Grandma's ride.

Age and cunning will always over come youth and vigor.