Do you work for Mercedes? I don't want to sound snippy, but it is a fair question. I also didn't intend to open a can of worms.

The court said it was true and Mercedes paid $34 million over this. But there other things of note. Mercedes used to carry every part for every car they ever made, and they no longer do that. They now charge $550 for the door latch box inside my door. They want you and me to give up on our old cars, so they can sell us a new one.

What isn't understood is how cheaply many of the manufacturers are able to build their cars. They are a business and getting more sophisticated, and they have changed course on us. The car companies have pushed the environmental stuff, not the government, so the manufacturers can sell you a more expensive item, and get to repair it more often. If Mercedes car lists for $50,000, their cost is probably half that or less. In years gone by most people bought their Mercedes, and today, over 70% now lease. The manufacturers push this, because they know they have gotten their money out of the deal in four or five years. It is fast becoming a disposable car, and we will see the resale drop even faster as time goes on. They are addiing and changing the technology so fast and so often, they know that mechanics won't be able to keep up. In the alternative, if a $1200 computer board (have you seen how many computers are in the cars today?) goes bad, it is bad for the consumer. They don't add to the reliability, they only add to profit. Manufacturers have very limited exposure, and they are controlling the deal more than ever. Believe me when I say they are doing everything necessary to raise their profit, and at our expense.

I should also add that I called my local dealer, and asked parts and service what oils I should use. They are still pushing the same outdated oil technology as in my user manual. Why are they doing that?

I also ask this question. Why can I not buy a 1.4 liter Mercedes diesel engine auto in this country for less than $20,000 that gets 50+ MPG? The answer: the profit is much smaller....... same for all car manufacturers. That seems environmentally more responsible than a gas guzzler.

Another question. The government and the car manufacturers tell you and me to be environmentally responsible, yet they want to turn over more cars for profit. That doesn't seem environmentally responsible. Or McDonalds using plastic cups. These guys could give a hoot about green, because like you and me, they know that Al Gore is the biggest liar on earth.