Subarus may be safer than most other Japanese cars, but that isn't saying much, and they don't come close to that of Mercedes and most other European car manufacturers. Not since the 1960's would you be able to find a Mercedes-Benz that didn't have four-wheel disc brakes. Who was the first to incorperate airbags? Mercedes-Benz. I don't think it is fair to compare Mercedes or BMW to Japanese cars because they both thave their stengths and weaknesses. The many things that Mercedes and BMW do well, Japanese cars do poorly in. The few areas that Mercedes and BMW do not do so hot in, Japanese cars do well. That said, I have a problem with a company like Lexus, who tries to imitate and compete with Mercedes and BMW. They are just nicer Toyotas that cost a lot more. An IS 300 is just a pampered Toyota Camry with more attention to detail. It is NOT a car that should be compared to a Mercedes or BMW. It is a good imitation. I tip my hat to the man who drives a loaded Toyota Avalon. He parks the same car in his garage for $10,000 less than the man who buys the LS430.

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Pete

1986 Euro Black Metallic 190E 2.3 16V