Thought I'd post an update to this original query.

I made the purchase on Aug. 5, 2004. As of Feb 1, 2005 the car crossed the 100,000 mile mark. That's 20K miles in just under 6 months.

Here's the extent of the work so far:

Radiator reservoir tank replaced by me - Original had broken overflow nipple(this is the overflow that directs fluid to the ground). I noticed the replacement tank no longer has the curved nipple, so the overflow hose is prone to kinking. Not a serious problem, just a stupid design. I think the tank (dealer part) was about $90 - ouch!

Car was running hot shortly after I bought it. My indy mechanic thought it was just the low speed fan fuse, but he also said the fan clutch was not 100% and he recommended replacing the thermostat. I had him replace thermo, fan clutch and fuse, as well as replace tranny fluid/filter and oil fluid/filter - cost about $550.

One more oil/filter change + tire rotation. Approx $100.

Oh yeah, the 6 disc cd changer (Alpine) crapped out. $125 to repair.

Tire chains - $90.

I'm a real estate appraiser and this car is my daily work car. Lots of stop and go, neighborhood driving. Lots of turn arounds, shifting car from forward to reverse and back. Constant up and down of driver's window. I also own property 550 miles from my primary residence, so I do a round-trip there about every 3 weeks. Car seems to be holding up very well. The only down side is that although the car looked new when I bought it, I don't have a garage and since it sits outside year round, I know the sun will take its toll on the finish. I've also had it on gravel/dirt roads several times, and had tire chains on it for a weekend in the No. California snow over New Year's weekend. This car gets driven hard!

And I love it!

Granted, it's no Diesel station wagon, but still a great car.

__________________
Dave
1995 C280
1999 Triumph Daytona 955I - my speed fix.
1982 300TD - Gone, but not forgotten.