What do people think of us clunking along in our clunkety clunkers... - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vahe · #31 08-18-2005, 05:30 PM

And speaking of these old clunkers, I was reading the Houston Chronicle the other day, big article on "Diesels in Mercedes' US future". This is the company that is bragging about their older diesels still on the road after 20/30 yeras, in their advertisments. Here is what their R&D chief had to say while promoting their new CDI diesels: "We have customers who remember the image of dirty, slow diesels, we can correct that quickly".
Slow, yes they are, dirty, mine is as clean as it gets after 350K, no smoke, no smell and no oil leaks where I park, wonder what will happen to CDI's after 350K miles.

Vahe
240D 77/350K

Larry Delor · #32 08-18-2005, 06:26 PM

Smoke? There are times that I wish I could make it smoke just a little...mostly to give some payback for the slowpoke in the left lane.
As far as what people think... who knows what they think... judging by the way some of them drive, it is debatable if they think at all. Those that can think are probably thinking "woah....look at the old Benz...WOAH...he has his windows rolled up!... his A/C must still be working!!...I shoulda bought one of them instead of this pos 4 years ago"

whunter · #33 08-18-2005, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carrameow

What do people think of us clunking along in our clunkety clunkers?.
I know many of you will say, "Who cares what other people think, just make yourself happy!" I think thats true to a point ,but consider this. If you needed Heart Surgery, and you saw your surgeon pull up in a '89 Plymouth Minivan with dead paint, no AC and balding tires, wouldn't you switch to the first surgeon you encountered with a 2005 Lexus!

Regardless of what we think, cars are an important social statement today.
My final solution? I will drive the 85 300D..the SAAB is going for my kid's tuition---.but I do realize the ramifications of my driving it. I am sure as heck going to paint it! (myself)

That is every bit as bad as judging people by skin color.
Cars are transportation to get from location A to location B, not a social statement.
When others buy my car, pay the repair and fuel bills, I will care what they think...
(Rolls - Royce and Bentley are IMHO not cars; they are sinful luxury art work).
If anyone is so shallow as to judge me by the car I drive, they are not worth knowing.

I know many surgeons, several do drive 1950, 60 or 70's tanks; because they are safer than the current production trash, they are all ER = trauma surgeons, their attitude is; DAMN what people think, I will survive the accident...

Are you a nice person = I want to know you, regardless of what you drive.

Hatterasguy · #34 08-18-2005, 09:57 PM

The dentist I bought my beater 300SD from drove it for years. Take Plymouth Minivan out of your description and that would about describe the SD. But the paint isn't to bad. The former owner is probably one of the best dentists around and I would guess makes $1mill+ a year. Don't judge a book by its cover. I know a few people that drive junk cars; if they wanted to I bet they could write a check for any car on a MB dealers lot.

kirk240 · #35 08-20-2005, 11:03 PM

even if it is slow saying you drive a mercedes gets a great reply. like "who did you steal that from?"

87tdwagen · #36 08-21-2005, 12:49 AM

Respect waddid I tell ya, respect...

Actually, like many have stated, as a car guy, who wrenches, (alot 2 Jags the 124 is my reliable car) I appreciate and respect a properly maintained and cared for vehicle any day over a new car.

Benz's denote conservatism, value, and if you got an old one on the road this long, looking that good, even if you were the original purchaser, your sure got your money's worth!

I often get compliments and jealous looks from many a driver on my evolving hammer wagon. The 603 really does the job nicely and I have shamed many a sporting car, to their dismay, a wagon no less, the shame of it all...

I have also noticed an intense respect for the front facia of these cars, their amazing ability to occupy fully the rearview mirror of the lollygag driver puttsing along 15 mph below the traffic flow in the left lane. It has served well as a warning indicator, warning this car means business! People move long before you're tailing them...respect I tell ya respect...

#37 08-21-2005, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87tdwagen

I have also noticed an intense respect for the front facia of these cars, their amazing ability to occupy fully the rearview mirror of the lollygag driver puttsing along 15 mph below the traffic flow in the left lane. It has served well as a warning indicator, warning this car means business! People move long before you're tailing them...respect I tell ya respect...

The w126 body does a good job of that too

The front end just screams personality...the square cut headlights mean buisness

pawoSD · #38 08-21-2005, 02:33 AM

I like the wide variety of looks I get when I am prowling around school campus (15mph narrow roads in the woods)....people get to see and hear it a little more up close and personal....

I assume some might wonder what the heck I am burning too, since on B20 I have that interesting soy-smell.

Overall I could care less about what people think of me and my car. The best part is usually when I tell people the year and mileage........sometimes they won't believe it.

#39 08-21-2005, 02:54 AM

My 68' 220D isn't finnished they way I want it yet for the road.So for now I'm mostly driving an 86' Chev Nova(Toyota Tercell) that's rusted,ugly and very dependable.Got about $700. into the car total.Purchase price,repairs and three years of maintance.Including new brakes,rotors,ball joints,rear struts and Mobile 1 oil changes.Plus we get 40-51 mpg depending on the weather and where we're driving.I've never much cared what most think of my cars.And I like it when people try laughing at my beater.I get to tell them how little money I have into it and the mpg's I'm getting after minor mods done.I love those stunned expressions.Some who have seen my old Mercedes have asked why I'd want something that old,even if it is clean.And especially why a diesel.I tell them the old Benz's have class that new cars can't touch.Plus they seem to run forever,especially the diesels.Shuts em up every time.

PagodaLover · #40 08-21-2005, 10:20 PM

Why should we care? We enjoy them, we take care of them, and they just keep running. Here's mine in the driveway. Any new fancy car is worth more than both put together, but these two will only appreciate in value, I believe. I enjoy them and they feel safe and solid. The 300TD just keeps tapping along with A/C that works, the 230SL flies and corners really well and is very reliable for a sportscar gasser. Enjoy your cars!!!

DslBnz · #41 08-21-2005, 11:11 PM

When I come from a stop behind someone going 35 mph, and I drop the hammer, I occasionally have people panick and pull over to the side of the road as they see me charge. Either it's a "He's going to hit me" or "Crud, it's a cop!" type of mentality. What the heck, at least I don't have to get stuck behind someone going under the speed limit.

Once two vehicles pulled over consecutively, when I was not in a hurry. I don't tailgate. Must be something about a W126 that looks similar to a C-Vic..

We're talking New England here. People do NOT pull over for courtesy.

Make way for the Kaiser of automobiles, the W126. Make way for his Majesty!

#42 08-22-2005, 02:01 AM

For better or worse, cars do make a difference in perception. I'm a solo practicing attorney and it has crossed my mind a few times. I usually drive my Explorer "in the field", and at most times actually, as it still looks pretty good and I don't need to worry about it. I will say, though, even though the 300D is old and has high miles, it still gets "respect". Friends of mine with newer MB's call it a "real Mercedes", or "die-hard". I also get a lot of looks from people on the road. A good waxing helps. I don't worry much about women or perceptions otherwise, but its good when your clients think you're successful, and my clients could be anyone. Maybe a newer Audi or a Caddy CTS in the future, I don't know.

I went to one of the courts in my area to register my "new" MG, and looked like a stereotypical MG owner. Beard, a little sweaty, shorts and a t-shirt. Thought on my way out, maybe this wasn't the best place to take care of personal business! I'll be back here next week in full dress, hopefully no one will recognize me!

iNeon · #43 08-22-2005, 05:08 AM

i'll list by vehicle type what people think of me in my automatic 240d when the a/c is running.

Fords: would you speed up already? its a mercedes, i KNOW it goes faster than that!

bmw: mines faster and cost more, its newer too. my penis is NOT small, dammit.

electric wheelchairs: wanna race? i bet i win!

Hondas: would you speed up already? its a mercedes, i KNOW it goes faster than that!

Toyotas: would you speed up already? its a mercedes, i KNOW it goes faster than that!

Kias: boy thats a nice car, i wish i could get out of my loan, i'd buy one.

Dodges: would you speed up already? its a mercedes, i KNOW it goes faster than that!

city busses: wanna race? i bet i win!

vws: Boy, i wish my car was german.

anyone over 50: they sure dont build them like that anymore!

#44 08-22-2005, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iNeon

i'll list by vehicle type what people think of me in my automatic 240d when the a/c is running.

Cadilliac Escalades: God damn that smokey mercedes. They ought to ban those tree killing diesels!

The responces from people when I drive my 300SD are probably different than yours

kirk240 · #45 08-22-2005, 09:50 PM

My traney guy askes about gas milege today. every one at the service/gas station came out to look at it I think they liked it.
BTW what is wrong with us head lights I think they look fine and more "vintage".

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