It's all about perspective.
An S600 owner complaining about repair costs? If you can truly afford an S600, you shouldn't be worrying about the repair bills. A friend of mine has an S600 V-12 (sigh) and he just drops it off to the dealer for every maintenance scheduled and ponies up. Never heard him complain about the cost. That car is in a league of its own.
I've yet to see a
15-year old car that looks like my 300E. Still rust free, 300,000 Kms and looks new. People still ohh and ahh over my car (looks exactly like JCE's car).
I've never seen a Toyota, Honda, Ford or any other car look like that here in Canada. PERIOD. End of story. I've seen some Toyotas that have held up well in terms of chassis condition, etc. but they look like what they are - dated Toyotas. A friend recently mentioned how my car still looks "modern" given its age. It's part of Mercedes' classic styling. How many other car makers can claim this?
As far as the C-class, I don't think they're as good as other cars mentioned in that category but to me the C-class have never been "real Mercedes". They're an obvious attempt by a manufacturer to lower standards to enter a certain market niche.
The new E320s are gorgeous cars and IMO, worth the expense. Got a drive in my uncle's new E320 and it rocks!!! Everything about it is fantastic. How will it hold up? I don't know.
The G35s that everyone is raving about are pretty new. Yes, they're loaded with nice options and they're fast but I'd like to see what they look like and feel like in 15 years time and then I'll form my opinion.
Again, I think it comes down to perspective. Don't buy a 10-year old car and expect to never need maintenance. Don't buy a flagship Mercedes and expect repairs to come as cheap as a Ford Taurus.
P.S. I'll repeat my father's experience with his 1992 Ford Tarus GL wagon. 3 engine rebuilds - 3! - a tranny rebuild, AC toast, etc. And the clincher - paint actually FLAKED off the chassis. I've only seen this phenomenon on US cars. Paint FLAKING off. You could see bright chassis metal underneath - not even primer. Pathetic quality.
I'm loving my ever-faithful 300E. Think I'll give her a wash today.
