How many '70s/80s/early 90s MB owners would buy new ones?

[pentoman]

Well, would you? Let's have votes from people that OWN and RUN 70s/80s/90s (pre-1995 or so) Mercedes.

I would have to really like one.
I probably like the new SL enough, and maybe the more powerful AMGs, but then I keep remembering that BMW geenerally does the whole sporting thing better, so where does that leave Mercedes? IMHO, not ahead in class, looks, or quality (see Audi dealer these days) or reliability (see Japanese dealer these days).

I know it's easy to rant at 'new Mercedes', but I just don't honestly believe the people running the company have the same intentions as their predecessors who built the Mercedes brand/image to what it is now.


EDIT: What I really mean, is would you buy the newer age of Mercedes, i.e. those made in the last 3 or 4 years, rather than specifically a new one from the showroom, if you had just about saved enough money
oh well.

Maybe admin can reset the poll?

[The Warden]

There are exactly four currently produced cars (note I said "cars", so I'm not referring to trucks or anything like that) that I would even consider buying.

Those are the E270 CDi, the Volkswagen Jetta TDi, the Chrysler Pacifica (maybe), and the Ford Crown Victoria.

However, except for maybe the Pacifica due to the extra seating capacity (for the same reason, I really wanted a 300TD wagon) or the Jetta due to the fuel mileage, I'd rather keep my 123 than buy any of those. I mentioned the E270 for exactly one reason: it burns real fuel and the Crown Vic 'cause I like the idea of having a Mustang engine in a comfortable sedan.

My $.02...and BTW, there is no force I know of that could force me to buy a Japanese car. In fact, I avoid products made in Japan whenever I have a choice...

[el presidente]

I did.

First MB was an '85 300D. Then a '91 300CE. Now an '02 CLK55. I still drive the CE daily (has 185K on it now).

These cars take money to maintain, no doubt. But, I'd rather drive any one of these than most anything else out on the road.

FWIW, my buddies new 4-runner has already been recalled. Same with the new Cayenne.....

It is interesting to surf other car boards to see what problems/aggravations they have as well. Makes me realize that MB isn't the only manufacturor with some quirky problems (70% of the reported problems are electronic).

Right now no. I cannot afford the price of admission so to speak on the highest dollar cars that would be most appealing, and cannot justify the prices of the "cheaper" cars when I can buy more than one example of another makes "cheap" car for the same money. If MB gets us diesel options in the smaller cars, that decision would then likely change.

[sixto]

I think you need a finer cut to your poll. While I own older MBs, I didn't buy any new. I think you're looking for a show of hands of people who bought their 86 300E new and who'd buy an 04 E320 over anything else available.

For my part I can envision buying a W220 and casting aside what I've heard about quality control and reliability but I'm talking about buying a 7 year old S430 with over 100K miles.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

[G-Benz]

Originally posted by Diesel Power
I cannot afford the price of admission so to speak on the highest dollar cars that would be most appealing...

Hear hear!

Keeping what I've got as that is about as complicated as I care to get as far as being able to maintain the fleet without buying specialized equipment.

If I COULD get a new MB, I would consider doing the "throw-away" lease...when the warranty is over, I walk away from the car...no worries!

[Ken300D]

Nope. I like buying assets that are just about fully depreciated, or even better, appreciate. (Not that I think any vehicle I own will actually increase in value.)

I'm thinking of buying Neons and rebadging them as C-class. A hood ornament, a grill and a trunk ornament is all I need.

If someone can try to sell "AMG" diesels on EBay, I should be able to sell a Neon as a C-class.



Ken300D

[engatwork]

The older I get the more economical I become. I will pay top dollar for an old diesel in excellent to very good condition but won't pay big $ for a brand new MB. Model does not matter. I don't want a MB with a check engine light - been there/done that.

[The Warden]

Originally posted by el presidente
These cars take money to maintain, no doubt.

Not necessarily. Actually, I think that my 123 has been the most economical car I've owned to date. The fuel mileage is excellent, Fastlane's a great source of parts and I don't think I've put more into this car than I would have into any other vehicle I would have gotten. It's certainly drained less from my bank account than the Nimitz has

[pentoman]

I should have clarified - I really meant to say 'newer' ones.. i.e. those made in the last 3 or 4 years, as I'm trying to judge those who believe the quality has slipped below the point of wanting one any more.

The answer remains the same for me.

I had a 1992 190E 2.6 for two years.

I liked it alot, but it missed character to me. It was just like a lot of the new cars on the road, and it blended in well.

Then I got my 1972 220D.

This car rocks. I can service it myself, because it is basically electronics free and has a roomy engine compartment. Parts are a lot cheaper than parts for my 190, but I can't find used parts quite as often. I love the way it handles and drives ... like a classic old car should.

I now have three criteria for a car: I must look humble while sitting in it, so it cant be worth a whole lot of money. It must be aesthetically stylish, classy, and somewhat unique. And I must be able to work on it myself, for the most part.

An old Mercedes fits me.

And if my priorities ever change and I must buy a new car, I would go with something like a Mini Cooper S or Mitsubishi Lancer.

[dtanesq]

I would be happy to own an E500, S500 or an SL500.

[el presidente]

Originally posted by dtanesq
I would be happy to own an E500, S500 or an SL500.

Yes. They are nice

I judged a new SL55 at a concours this past weekend. I'd take that one over the near-perfect '94 E500, the flawless '86 190E 2.3-16 or even the mint '94 S600.

Or, any of the 129 or 107 SLs that were there.

That new SL definitely has a presense.

[pentoman]

Dr AMG kindly reset the poll for us, but unfortunately those that already voted can't vote again, so all in all, this has turned into a very pointless poll.

Oh well.

Russ