Hmmm- maybe in North America. Other parts of the world appear to be quite different. When you see news footage from the Middle East, North Africa, Greece, even Eastern Europe- take note of all of the MB's driving by the camera- granted they are older ones mostly. It may be that MB's are bought worldwide because they "go forever", whereas in our hemisphere, they are a status symbol. It would make sense in the developing world that if one can afford a car at all, it is best to get one that you will hand down to your children and grandchildren.

I get remarks since I got my '76 Mercedes like "you're moving up in the world eh?" I always reply "no- it's a 29 year old car that I paid $3500 for and if I look after it well, it'll never be worth less than that- can you say the same about your brand new Oldsmobile?".

"Give me something built to last" (from a song by the Grateful Dead)

Dave from the North Country