just my 2 dollars and 50 cents worth... i don't think it really matters what type of car you have or are planning to buy. there are going to be a fair share of problems and plenty of money to go to waste in them. are the hondas more reliable than the benzes? hard to say, depends on the driver i would guess. but i can guarentee both will run an american p.o.s. deep into the ground. i've had an 83 300sd 500K no major problems just quirks. no a/c, no cruise , door locks, didnt want to shut off till i replaced the shut off valve. had a 78 420sel 248k only problem with that car was too many blind spots and the lake on the rear floor. hated the rear head rests and did you know these cars refuse to run without oil? then I had a 89 nissan something or another which burst into flames going down the road. seems the fuel injectors are made out of plastic with a metal jet in it and these sit on top of the mantelfold "genius" needless to say one day they got too hot, melted and "cool check out the flames" lucky i got it put out b4 any major damage could happen. then two weeks later my rear wheel cylinder popped and i lost all my brake fluid instantly. good thing my 62 220 was inside of my garage to stop me from hitting the concrete wall after i took out the garage door
at least benzes have 2 seperate brake chambers.
Fords "Fix Or Repair Daily"
Cheverolet " Cracked Heads Every Valve Erratically Rattles Oil Leaks Every Time"
had several of them and they live up to the old sayings.
I always say with the benzes if they'll start they will get you to where your going. I've never been left stranded on the road with one (blowing the engine cause my dumba$$ forgot to check the oil don't count), perhaps i was just lucky
boy am I long winded lol
cheers
j