and I'm not saying that just because I started it. We are such a diverse and often strange bunch. The intent of this topic was to see how others felt about preserving the old Benz versus staying current.

I never meant to imply that I am satisfied with driving a beater (see the pix). I Just prefer the solidity and basic goodness of the 80's Mercedes. We recently took a 2500+ mile trip and chose to use the 260k miles 300CD instead of the E320. It used no oil and got an average of 28.9mpg over ten fill-ups with ac all the way and cruise control whenever possible. Suspension and handling was rock solid and my $120 Garmin showed the way much easier than the E320's high dollar built-in nav system. It was a great driving experience whereas in the E320, I may have been more fascinated with messing with gadgets. I can't imagine driving a new S-class and letting the car do all the thinking.

Over the past two years some repair money went into the ac and the undercar rubber bits as well as other small stuff but far less than car payments and "scheduled maintenance" would have. The old car also got more attention than the much more common E320 would have.

I have no illusions about future expenses but I will drive this car until I die and right now I feel as though I will live forever.

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