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People's ideals concerning cars has changed as John has pointed out. However, it's not the dramatic shift we might think. Heck, most cars have been junk by 100K-miles in the past. We're the only nut-cases that knew cars could be made to last decades instead of months.
My neighbour is a perfect example. She had a series of Dodge products, and each was complete junk by just over 100K-miles. But, she kept buying them, one after another. Then she bought her current 1997 BMW 528i from us. It's been "unreliable" by MB standards, but so much better than her out-going Dodges that she can't believe it. She drives lots, and the BMW is close to 100K-miles (about 155K-km's) now, and it's like new. She is just shocked that a seven year old car with 100K-miles would be in such condition. Typical "Domestic" long term product owner.
I think that MB customers have migrated over to Subaru. I meet no end of Subaru owners that don't hesitate to pile miles on their cars. They love the things and swear by them. Our own Subaru is a truly great car, but not old enough (years or miles) to truly gauge it's long term prospects.
Don't think the market demands reliable cars? Wonder why Toyota is stomping the living crap out of everyone?
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