I agree with this 100% and in fact I find it really does apply to most of todays cars. I have a 1993 Ford Taurus that runs just about like any Taurus with 50K miles. The secret is keepinmg the car 100% at all times so that it doesent get discouraging. My wife complaines that I fix even the stuff that is not absolutly required like the air conditioner. Now you have to question how much you spend on a car that really is only worth $600.00 due to its milage but it runs great and gets reasonable milage so until I can replace it I will keep it 100% in shap at all times.

My 77 Chevette on the otherhand there was no hope for. It just did not have the reliability to do the high miolage. I used to call it the piece of Chevette. Had I purchased the Ford with a 3.8 liter engine instead of the 3.0, I might be in the same boat as I was with the piece of Chevette But I thank the Japenese for getting the American car manufactures in line.

For an MB justification of good maintenance is never hard to come by.

John Roncallo