Other than being slow as molasses...

[foxtrapper]

There's many things I'd say about a 300 series Benz, but unbreakable isn't one of them, nor is cheap to keep. Combine that with their abysmal driving performance, and it just isn't a vehicle I'd want.

The Acura is much more appealing to me.

 

[DrEntropy]

We're ~old people~ now. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif

 

[Howard_The_Duck]

I don't know about cheap to keep for the Acura. Th upper ball joint needs changing, but it is a whole unit with the upper control arm, and costs 400 dollars.

The Benz is looking more and more appealing.

 

[macino62]

if the acura runs well, keep it. as a mercedes owner, i can tell you that these cars are NOT all they're cracked up to be.

Points to consider:

Your car runs fine
Your car is 10 years newer
Your cars' parts are substantially cheaper
Mercedes "cool factor" wears off really quickly
The Mercedes drives like a boat, not to everybody's taste

The diesels are known for longevity, but just because it runs a long time, doesn't always mean that it runs well a long time.

They're fickle cars that need constant attention

When you fill up on diesel, you will smell like it

Consider the amount of headaches you'll get with electricl gremlins that WILL be in the Mercedes (power accesories on a 26 year old Benz will sure to have seen better days)

I'm sure you'll do what you want, but coming from working a couple of years at a Mercedes shop, owning a couple, I can tell you they're really not all that great.

Mike

 

[foxtrapper]

[ QUOTE ]
I don't know about cheap to keep for the Acura. Th upper ball joint needs changing, but it is a whole unit with the upper control arm, and costs 400 dollars.

[/ QUOTE ]

Autozone, $12. You drill out the rivits and replace it, just like we all did with Fords for all those decades.

For the Benz, it's $81.

 

[mattmacklind3]

I've had an '84 300D turbo for three years now. I bought it from the original owner, with all maintenance records and window sticker (sold for 34K in 84, all options except heated seats).

I love it. Its still pretty solid, has some rust in the rear wheel wells. I'm planning on a Maaco makeover next Spring, with new sheet metal where needed and paint.
The good side:
These cars do run for a long time. I drive mine almost daily and it has needed a water pump & new brake pads (shortly after purchase) and new exhaust from the headers back due to rust (earlier this year). I use normal diesel.
Also, it is a Benz and looks great, and these cars have a huge fanbase. They are built like a tank as well, and you can feel it. Brakes are phenomenal, not just for a 22 year old car, for any car. My windows, locks and sunroof all work. Huge trunk, will hold a Rover 3.5 L V8-see pics!

The bad:
It is a Benz. Parts can be had from discount sources but are still expensive. They are reliable but when they go wrong you will feel it in your pocketbook. I'm not a DIY guy, even on my MG, so its a factor to consider. The performance is great once you are up to speed and moving in a straight line. It is a bit of a porpoise around town. The automatic climate control is a PITA. Mine has never worked so I live without AC.

Summary: A great car to live with if you don't mind the pokey handling and paying for proper repairs when necessary. You will smelllike diesel when you fill up, and for some reason, all diesel pumps are abysmally messy so watch you shoes.

 

[macino62]

man, i thought that was a porsche for a second there. had to do a double take of the engine in the trunk! haha

 

[DrEntropy]

We/ve had Diesela for three years now as well. Not mearly as well turned out as Matt's. I've done some work to her but consider it "wear item" for the most part. The A/C has gremlins: blows cold then at whim goes to full hot... Smits says Diesela's menopausal... I'll get to it soon: vacuum motor issues (whole under-dash must come apart).

Great ol' lumps.

 

[tony barnhill]

[ QUOTE ]
Tony, if you look into it you will probably find that there are concessions in agricultural areas for agricultural equipment to move from one field to another on public roadways but using farm implements with off-road fuel as a commuting vehicle is frowned upon.

[/ QUOTE ]

Got behind a convoy of huge combines & tractors pulling their trailers today...doing 15mph on a highway - straddling the center line & causing people to have to pull over onto the shoulder (it was fun to watch when an 18-wheeler refused to move over)...I finally got fed up & called the Sheriff's Dept...

At a wide, straight spot I zipped around all of them - even against double "no passing" lines, causing them to take to the shoulder...after I'd finished my business & was heading home, saw the convoy pulled over by Sheriff's deputies!! They weren't letting them move....later saw one of the deputies & he said they made them wait until they could get convoy escorts & informed them not to clog up traffic behind them more than 3 cars (& to get on the shoulder themselves when traffic came from the other direction)!!

REVENGE!!!

 

[Howard_The_Duck]

Muwhahaha.

Sugar cane rigs are notorious for pulling those kinds of stunts out here.

I think Im gonna purchase the Benz, but Im going to give the man 500 dollars cash, and keep the Acura, just in case. I know I can make my money on the Benz on ebay if worse comes to worse.

Thank you all for the input, and I may need your help if I have problems with it.

As for diesel, I work with and around tractor-trailers all day, so diesel is a common fragrance for me. LOL