Mercedes Benz is a prestige make and therefore everything about it will be expensive. Unfortunately for a lot of us, the car will be quite a few years old before we can finally afford it and this usually coincides with when the various parts are ready for replacement. So the poor old sods with stars in his eyes are faced with having to spend $$$ on their "new" pride and joy. Only enthusists like us will pay $4000 for repairs because we love our cars so much. If you are not one, you wouldn't have bothered and would have bought a japanese car instead.

So for those like Yoshimura, my question will be...how much do you love a Merc? If you do, money should be no object. If it is, buy a new or near new Japanese car and you will be very happy financially. A Merc is not perfect nor as reliable as a Japanese car.

As for me, I have an understanding bank (I think) and a large overdraft.....but I'm happy......most times, until something else needs fixing!