Well, I never thought I would own a Benz and now I own 2. The first Benz I bought was a 94 E320, I originally was going to buy a Toyota Camry but saw a pristine E320 and after taking it for a test drive I was hooked. 3 years later I finally bought a car I once only dreamed of owning, an SL500. With both cars I have been very pleased and I have learned that luxury does come at a price. Like everything else in the world you get what you pay for and anything mechanical must be maintained. (Kinda like the proverbial high maintenance woman) I also own a 1998 Ford Ranger that has performed flawlessly for more than 190,000 miles, but does it compare to the smooth, comfortable and quiet ride of a Mercedes......not at all, a workhorse is all it is. I have read a lot here in this forum, a lot of good things and bashing as well of the Benz. After reading all this I have come to the conclusion that either you love your Benz or you don't. As for me obviously I love owning a 2 Benz's and nothing else I have ever driven compares. I am not saying that a Benz is the most reliable, just the best riding and well built automobile I think I have ever driven. Not for everyone, but those of us who truly appreciate the quality of a nice, well built machine.
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1999 SL500 87K
1994 E320 112K
1998 Ford Ranger - the daily driver 274K and no major repairs (an indestructible truck)
1978 Pontiac Trans Am 110K
1977 Pontiac Trans Am 130K
1999 SL500 87K (the garage queen, only out in the summer)