First, you need to review your expectations.

If you are coming from a lifelong habit of purchasing domestic cars, MBs are a different breed.

US cars seem to thrive on neglect, and can remain operational after long periods of deferred maintenance.

MB cars can be very reliable, but (and a BIG but), you must always be sensitive to the maintenance schedule, and of any signs of potential failure.

Many of us on this list drive old cars with great reliability, but as a rule, we're constantly fiddling and listening to our cars.

MBs are great if you are a tinkerer, but if you do not know, or care, to work on your car, be prepared to spend some money to keep the car in top shape. MBs can be quite reliable, and live extremely long lives, but not without a lot of care.

It's really a very different philosophy than the typical Detroit car.

If you're comfortable with this routine, the cars are very rewarding. If you expect to treat a MB as you would a Japanese or American car, it can lead down the path of frustration.

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