OK, I agree with the general idea but I share the opinion of John Wrizley (who buys/fixes/sells quality used mercedes autuomobiles and has his own web-site) that the life of any car is greatly impacted by the manner in which it is driven. Going fast on the interstate may be a good thing....for sure once in awhile.... but city driving is another matter. Hard, short accelleration followed by hard stops just punishes machinery.

I try to not get in peoples way but I also try to treat my car gently. Sometimes I have to push it but that is the exception, not the rule. I don't stand on the brakes and I don't max out shift points without a good reason. I do wind the engine up in smooth accelerations runs regularly (like on-ramps) but never go to the redline.

I apply this theory to all my many machines (boats, lawnmowers, motorcycles, etc.) and it works for me.

Nic
'85 300CD @ 145k miles