PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Hand-me down w124

JCE · #9 06-30-2005, 06:28 PM

"I could be tempted to say, get a Honda, but then again, perhaps not "

Well, my daughter just got a used 98 Honda Accord in very clean shape with 120k miles. (didn't believe our rotten and very expensive experiences with Hondas and Acuras in the past would apply to her!) Fortunately it had a 3 month warranty: Aside from what she read on the Honda forums AFTER buying the car about brake and trans problems in Accords, she discovered something apparently known to the Honda mechanics, but not talked about much in forums or long term tests. She noticed a loud ticking sound from the engine, and took it back - where they discovered a crack in the block below the exhaust manifold. The techs commented - " Gee we see a lot of this on the 92-97 models, but this is the first 98 where this is happening. Honda has a standardized repair kit for the block, lets check and see if it will work on the 98". Well, the 'kit' worked, and the block is repaired, so now she just has to go gentle on the trans and brakes.

My point is, a used car is always a potential money sink, no matter what records and care have been taken in maintaining the car, or how good the reputation of the manufacturer. (For that matter, it seems that even a NEW car imay be a crap shoot these days, but at least involves a warranty).

Drive it, maintain it, mod it, enjoy it, and don't worry about it not being a Honda - my 87 MB has averaged about 1/2 the maintenance expense of our Acura Legend coupe, and about 3/4 the year to year costs of our civic. If your MB gets too expensive to maintain, then worry about finding something else.