The vast majority of people seem to think that Japanese cars are built as well if not better than German cars but I feel a bit different based on my experience.

In 2000 I purchased a new Accord V6 Coupe which I owned for 2.5 years / 78K miles. During that time the car didn't have any mechanical troubles that required attention.....BUT when it hit 60K I noticed a significant increase in rattles, vibration, wind noise and trim wear. I traded that car in for a 2002 CRV (also purchased new) and I'm noticing the exact same things happening. The CRV currently has 59K on it and is starting to show major signs of wear. At highways speeds there is a slight leak in the window seal causing increased wind noise, the drivers seat shifts around when you accelerate, it vibrates much more than it used to and idles rougher. The tranny also doesn't shift as smooth as it did. Considering it's never seen a northest winter I was shocked to see corrosion forming on the undercarriage. I've done all maintenance by the book on this car (either myself or at the dealer), it's not abused and it's kept clean.

The interesting thing is that none of the items I've mentioned require the car to go into the shop but they certainly take away from it's appeal. I know it will continue to work flawed/flawlessly for another 100K but I sure don't like driving it as I did when it was new. I considered replacing worn items until I realized how expensive parts are (much more than MB). I can't justify spending the $$ to keep it like new knowing there won't be any return on the investment.

Personally I'd rather have a car that has some minor mechanical issues but can be maintained as new for decades.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd