Our 190E has had two expensive problems for which I had to seek help elsewhere - trans failed and head gasket oiled up the cooling system. Our Honda has had no such problems - i.e. nothing I can't handle inexpensively myself or live with.

Still, in most conditions, the Merc is MUCH nicer to drive than the Honda. I cured a vibration/noise problem with about $125 of motor and tranny mounts. For the Honda, a similar problem would take $400 worth of parts - I live with it. Although the Honda tranny hasn't failed, it shifts with a mighty jerk that WILL need repair eventually. Other parts HAVE needed replacement on the Honda too, such as a front axle and speed sensor.

Time will tell which is cheaper to keep running down the road, but if my old Integra was any measure, my money is on the Honda. Still, every car I have worked on over the years has been on a learning curve - that is just the nature of DIY. If inefficiency at the job is balanced against knowledge and confidence gained, it is well worth the trials and time spent. The more I understand the car, the better I'll be able to handle situations that will occur on the road, regardless which one I'm driving at the time.

Steve

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'91 MB 190E 2.3
'08 RAV4 Ltd 3.5
'83 Lazy Daze m'home 5.7