Thomaspin,

Thank you for the link to that beautiful essay. My own experience is really just begining but I look forward to the day that I can look back with confidence and take a certain pride in the fact that I made the right choice. I know I feel like I already have.

In a time when everything is designed to be as trendy and disposable as possible, its a testiment to the quality of these automobiles that they are so carefully maintained. When you hear how avidly and excitedly the folks on this board and others like it discuss their ownership experience you can't help but realize there is something really special about these cars that they engender such loyalty and respect.


Thank you for your reply!

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1988 420SEL 170K

Hatterasguy

Regarding owning a W126, whichever model, I think the benifits far outweigh the cost as long as you find the 'right' car. My insurence dropped over $800 a year from my Saab, my property taxes also dropped significantly. The 420 is a pleasure to work on and as long as its is maintained at its current level it will never devalue though I don't intend to sell it.

Best of all, it loves to be driven. When I bought my first car out of school I made the typical young guys mistake, got a convertible sportscar and paid heavily for it. It was horribly expensive to maintain, miserable to work on, not to mention noisy and unsafe on the highway. I have a longish 45min-1 hour commute each way and now that is a silent restful experience. After a grueling 14 hour day I didn't want to zip and weave in traffic, I just want to cruise and unwind. I used to dread my commute and now I cherish it. How strange is that??

Don't worry too much, whichever choice you make, you've already made the right one.

Best of luck,

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1988 420SEL 170K