One of the big differences for me is the fact that I really like my MB, more than anything I've had since my first car.
Mercedes parts can be ridiculously expensive. Sometimes all the fancy high tech stuff guarantess less reliability. Which do you think will be more troublesome - an electric window or one you roll down?
But the big difference is that I feel my MB is worthy of my attention, time, and money when necessary. With other cars I've owned, I frankly just didn't care; it was just a car.
When I drive my mercedes, I just love the solid, dependable, steady sense I get. I'm not just getting there; I'm enjoying the drive.

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Love driving my '77 450 SEL!
124,000 miles