- #4 cylinder has very low compression (evident at idle); possible burnt valve, estimate $2,200 (car runs fine at speed, hence no hiway problems on trip back).

- upper control arms ($477); rear shocks ($276); front brake pads ($135); rear pads ($110); rear stabilizer link ($93); valve adjustment ($115).

Car was represented as a two-owner creampuff with under 150k on the odometer. NONE of this work was indicated as needing to be done, although I would expect to have to invest a few hundred no matter what the condition to correct small problems and pass inspections. Nor did I haggle over the price, which would have been fair had the car been as represented.

So, the "creampuff" has $2200 worth of engine work, plus another $1200+ miscelaneous mechanical before I can get it on the road. And this is from independent Benz mechanics who have worked for eight years on my cars and who cut me every possible bit of slack.

So, Brothers, how would you proceed?