I went to Carmax the other day and test drove a bunch of cars.

I drove a 2nd generation Acura TL (up to 2003), and didn't like it. I'm 39, and it's like they designed it for a different demographic. The center console stack was solid black plastic and ugly. Looked like the kind of cars college kids graduated to after they abused their Integra's.

I got behind the wheel of a 2002 VW Passatt V6 4 Motion and liked it, but it felt slightly underpowered, even with the V6. It felt really nicely put together, though.

I then drove a 2000-ish Saab 9-5, and that was the biggest POS I have ever driven. Underpowered, noisy, dash was creaky. The only thing good about it were the front seats were comfortable and the cabin was roomy.

The salesman then persuaded me to try a 2004 Accord EX V6, and I absolutely loved it. Surprised the heck out of me. It was more solidly built than the Passat, the V6 had a lot of power, the front seats were comfortable (more so than my E430), and the back seat had even more legroom than the W210's. It is true what people say about the Honda's. They make great cars. They don't do anything particularly great, but they do everything really well.

Yesterday I went to a Volvo dealer and drove a 2004 S80 T6. That thing is a rocket. Had 95% of the power of the E430. I loved it. Sat in an S60, and the backseat was incredibly small. I still need to drive the normally aspirated S80 2.9 (inline 6) to see what the power is like. I don't expect it to be fast, but hoping it to be at least more than adequate.

I still need to drive a Subaru Outback and an Acura RL.

I knew you guys would suggest another E430, but I'm not sure. This whole experience has ripped my heart out, and I'm not sure if I could do it again. I retro-fitted a Euro version of Command navigation in my car, and loved it. It is rarer than hen's teeth to find another W210 with navi, and I'm reluctant to buy another one and spend $2,000 to have one retrofitted.

I also didn't care for the seats that much. I'm 6'1", and the backrest is too damned short. The Volvo seats put the Mercedes seats to shame. Even my W124 seats were far superior to the W210 seats. The backrest is much taller.

I'll post a little bit more later. We've got company coming over in about 2 and 1/2 hours, and my wife is nagging me to mow the lawn and help cleaning the house. Shoooooot.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".