While not one of my Benz cars, my lovely daughter blew a light while in Tucson, AZ at college, and totaled the minty 98 Buick Century I bought for her 6 months ago.

Now I have a problem.

I'm 2K+ miles away, Already paid for the upcoming semester, she is now missing work (YMCA lifeguard), and I've got to find another 'puff. At a price point I can afford (which is relative).

My brother is in Tucson, one of his friends is the head mech at a GM dealership (comp PPI), and I'd like to get another car like the wreck, so I can pull a lot of parts off the car before selling it for scrap. Plus it was a decent car, ran well, and stood up well to a broadside hit. And my daughter liked it. Not a Benz, but for an out of state college car I cannot oversee or work on, it's a good alternative.

My brother is a busy guy, makes a hell of a lot more money than I, and I'm using up favors by cycling him and his friend to look at cars. And I've got a short timeframe to pull the trigger, or I start renting a car for my daughter.

Am I willing to pay a premuim for a car that checks out, has a good carfax, low miles, Nice color and option selection, and looks like new? Or am I going to continue spending my brother's time and favors, looking for another than might be a bit better? Hell yes, I'm going to pay the premuim!

I found a 1 owner 99 Century that checked out, looks great, original paint, and now have my fingers crossed that she has learned an expensive lesson.

Now, if I'm looking for a car for me, I'm not in a hurry, and I'll only pull the trigger on a good deal. But it's MY time, and I don't have an immediate need. I can afford to walk away and/or be super picky.

What I'm saying is, in some situations, paying a premuim for the right car can be a resonable thing to do. Time has value.

Perhaps the same situations occurr when premium prices are paid for cartain cars. Also, when you're rich, things cost less!

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles