Regarding the typical mid '80s Mercedes, particularly the S-class, even those relatively simple cars suffer when second or third owners, are reluctant to pay what a repair shop charges to maintain them. The problems will multiply as today's computer-chip infested wondercars age and make repairing an '80s S-class seem like child's-play. I believe that much of today's high-tech gadgetry isn't really necessary, but just the result of manufacturers trying to 'out-tech' each other. Are those thousand-dollar-plus suspension units really 5 or more times better than a Camry's shocks? Is the second or third owner going to pay for the repairs when one breaks? I know people that have junked perfectly good 15 year old cars because they couldn't afford the repair of a defective anti-lock brake system.
Now we have the latest Lexus ads bragging that their car actually parallel-parks itself! Despite Lexus excellent reliability reputation, when it's time to replace whatever I'm driving in 2016, I won't be shopping for a 10 year old Lexus. I prefer to not risk a 'parking malfunction'.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW