Originally Posted by Graham (Post 3671595)

Funny how some hate the W210. We bought our 98 in 2001 as a low mileage used car when it was 3 1/2 years old and had done about 28k miles. Still have it 16 years later and it looks as good as it did when we bought it. Now getting near to 150k miles.

We have had no drivetrain problems. Our A/C failed and we have not bothered to have it repaired. I replaced the ABS pump with one from a junk yard and that avoided a sizeable expense. Nothing much else mechanical. Always repaired any small rust spots. Known defects like trunk lid, perches, door seals were all done under warranty. Car has (almost) original paint. It's been one of the best and nicest riding cars we have owned. Almost trouble free and friends and neighbors still think of it as our expensive car! (Worth about $3k by now?)

Originally Posted by iuecon99 (Post 3668059)

These cars are not for people who can't fix most things- otherwise they will bleed you dry. Been problem after problem, few months back had a ton of work done on it. Wouldn't start 6 weeks ago, had AAA replace the battery when they came out and did their diagnostics. On the way home tonight "battery charge" red warning comes on while driving on the interstate, lights start fading, radio goes off, ABS warning, no turn signals, car goes into limp mode. Luckily only a couple miles from home, made it off the highway after nearly being killed by a guy going 80 who didn't see me because the lights weren't working- and there was nowhere to pull off (I was in the far right lane, no shoulder there, got off at first exit obviously).

Looks like either AAA put the battery in wrong (seems unlikely since it worked fine for 6 weeks) or the alternator is bad, but anyway this is the end. After putting $1300 in it 3 months ago and told it was in great shape, 2500 miles later it goes to the junkyard tomorrow.

Originally Posted by ah-kay (Post 3668556)

There is nothing more expensive than an old Mbz if you can't do you own repair or diagnosis. OTOH, there is nothing cheaper than owning a Mbz if you are handy. I love all my old diesel. Cheap to insure, easy to work on, load of helping hands/info from this forum, cheap spares, availability of cars in jy. It has been good experience for me since I changed my car brand to Mbz.

Originally Posted by benhogan (Post 3672383)

These donate-a-car outfits are ripoffs because the 'winner' of the so called 'auction' is the same entity (most times, the junkman).

Originally Posted by benhogan (Post 3672383)

I had a similar experience with an identical car. So reading this thread was very Dejavu-like. I paid $3000 for the car. Two weeks later, I donated it to charity where I got a $300 deduction. These donate-a-car outfits are ripoffs because the 'winner' of the so called 'auction' is the same entity (most times, the junkman).