Here's my Andy Rooney segment:
I've been reading this thread for awhile and I feel the need to insert my $.02. If I get the gist of it, the Benz is expensive to maintain and sometimes tempermental, but those who love them (brand loyalists) would take no other car in its place. Many who want dependable transportation keep a "justincase" vehicle, and the older Benzes, in general, are simpler, more dependable and more suitable for DIY's. Some have said that Benzes are higher quality automobiles that hold value longer and that somehow justifies paying higher maintenance costs than Honda-Acura, Toyota-Lexus, or Jag (2000-later) owners pay. Here's a philosophical question. What is the definition of a high quality car? Isn't this subjective? Is there no automobile costing less than a Benz, that, while generally out performing a Benz on the road, can faithfully and consistently out perform Benzes mechanically? I've heard that Japanese cars, while dependable, have no soul or personality. How do you quantify that? Acceleration? Exhaust note? Interior appointments? Most Benzes have pretty spartan interiors. Shouldn't the ultimate purpose of any car be to go from A to B, and isn't the purpose of a performance to get there ASAP and as safely as possible? Who's to say that a Lex, Acura or late model Jag can't do that as well or better than a Benz can? Isn't this simply a case of stubborn brand loyalty? How do you quantify the mental wellbeing that is derived from knowing that you're probably not about to be handed a catastrophic repair invoice?

BTW, I've had four 126's over the past 15 years. They drive and handle nicely and feel like thay are carved from a solid granite!! The downside -vacuum issues, brake issues and electrical issues. I just got a quote $2K to replace an intake manifold gasket on my 1991 560SEL. This is the second 560SEL that I've had that has needed this.

On the other hand, my 1989 Towncar, while not as stable handling nor as fast nor as prestigious, has 181K miles on its original engine (no smoking), while still idling baby butt smooth, has never had caliper issues nor any electrical issues. Clearly the Benz has kept more of its value, but objectively speaking, which should be considered the better car?

I still love my Benz, but I also love the piece of mind that my old Towncar gives. That's worth more to me than the difference in value.

I love this thread - keep it going!

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1991 560SEL (254K miles)
1980 Lincoln Mark VI - Givenchy
1979 Lincoln Mark V Collector's Series
1979 Lincoln Town Car Collector's Series
1979 Ford "Effie" Pickup (in gradual transformation to a show/street truck)
1969 Lincoln Mark III (waiting for "Overhaulin" to call)
1989 Lincoln Towncar
2001 Lexus GS300 (spousal unit's daily driver)