PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

Cal Learner · #9 02-25-2009, 11:14 AM

Sorry it didn't work out for you. At only 125K on the odo, I have to believe that its previous owners were pretty abusive to the poor thing. I've owned my 1988 W124 since new, so I know that it was treated right every day of its life. And it's rewarded me with outstanding service, never marooned me alongside the highway, given me a sure-footed, smooth and stable ride. To this day, I still look forward to getting into it and going somewhere, anywhere! The 103 engine is a true delight, even with its head gasket reputation, and runs silky smooth most of the time, after which I know that it's time for new plugs or rotor, or other routine maintenance needs.

My wife's car is a 1990 Maxima, also owned and pampered from new, with nearly 140K on the clock. It, too, has been a real gem. Its transverse 3.0L V6 is about as reliable a motor as exists on this planet. It's fun to drive (they don't call it a 4-Door Sports Car for nothing) in a way that the Merc isn't, but there's never any question which car to take when it comes time to make a longer trip. The Merc wins every time, even with 50,000 more miles.

So there's one family's comparative test between German and Japanese cars: they can both be wonderful and give decades of good, reliable service when properly cared for, but the Mercedes is the one that we take when all-around driving pleasure and comfort are required.