Volvo?? I have a very clear reason why I am not able to own Volvo. Emotionally, If I have something Swedish, and it goes south, I will inevitably think Meatball Engineering and be dissatisfied.

I have innate trust (probably overly simplistic, but I can't help it) of German engineering and when something German of mine breaks I am satisfied it was either ready to break or my fault. And let's be serious for a minute. Germans are required by law to design to Autobahn and TUV standards. Swedish standards are not the same.

__________________
David
1986 300E Anthracite + ECodes + MB Mileage Award

Hood Star?? I always thought it was a gun sight....JUST KIDDING.

I have always liked a large car for the safety factor. Dependability reputation is another reason for buying mine as well as getting an excellent deal with it, not to mention the comfortable ride and road gripping handling. But boy howdy did I get a shot in the arm today. I went to pick up my daughter from a friend of hers house, her friends brother saw the Benz and said "You must be rich".

__________________
1991 300SE (my ride, 279,000 miles, looks almost new
1954 Cadillac (21 yo son's car, he bought when age 15)
1972 SeaBird 19 ft runabout (old but solid, slant six, Volvo sterndrive perfect condition, undergoing complete overhaul and refit)
1998 Toyota Rav4 (my sons daily driver when he is in the Continental US, PROUDLY serving in US Navy)

I wanted a diesel car. After killing a VW diesel literally the same day that I got it home (damned infernal timing belt), I wanted a GOOD one. While that cherry cheap MB diesel has largely eluded me, I'm hooked. I love how they feel. I now have an awesome conversation piece in the driveway, and an ugly beater to pound into the ground with my commute. I'm happy.

One thing I've noticed, I do miss seeing the hood ornament when I've parked the MB's for one reason or another.

If I wanted prestige, I would've bought newer, fancier, nicer, and more expensive MB's.

Bought a Mercedes to make a dream come true.

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In order:

1. Reliability-I am a sixteen year old. I don't want to be stranded all over the place. Simple enough
2. Economy- I wanted a car that didn't eat tons of fuel. Paying for a car that gets 20MPG sucks. And most cars that get 30+ MPG and are in the same price bracket are much less safe.
3. Cache- I wanted a cool car. Something different. Lets just say my other choices were a 1986 Toyota Van and a Peugeot 505 Turbodiesel Station Wagon (SW8 please) Well it seemed the 240D was cheaper (free) more reliable, and cheaper to run than the other two choices, as well as being safer. I still like those Toyota Vans though.....as well as the Peugeots. I think my choice of the MB was best of the three. My mom uses the 240D as a side car...the Honda Accord V6 has been dorment since August. She admitted she wouldnt be using the Toyota Van as a side car...
4. Prestige- It is cool to own a Benz. Its more fun, you feel different while driving it. I myself think I am Helmut Kohl or someone like that. Its just more fun.

I grow up around these cars since I was six and my dad brought home a one year old '59 180a. Back then it was regarded as an ugly little car by my friends. So much for prestige at that time. I fell in love with the star and the quality that it represented and the love has never died. I have countless stories and fond memories of these cars.

I do wish they would place the star higher on the new C classes. It makes me sad not to be able to see the whole thing. But at least they still drive like a Benz. I guess I'll have to get another ponton

Paul,

Could I get a copy of the graphic you inserted to use as a screen saver?


My email is flygdchman@fuse.net

Thanks,



Fred

You know that I will be getting that movie now. Thanks