when i bought mine, i was clear that it was a "dodge treatment slk" with stuff (stability control and tire pressure?) that the slk did not have yet but improved in radical american ways. the rake of the big back tires is american. the big wide hips were definitely american. all those nice solid mercedes qualities. dependability. how is the '04 z doing in value?

overall, i figured i was 20-grand ahead on the purchase.

now, the market never saw it that way and the mercedes label was wasted on people who could just not see 35 - grand for a chrysler.

i've driven it from houston to l.a., las vegas (back in one hop) and mid-iowa 20 times. it is absolutely the best, most comfortable road machine i've even been in. i swear i've done 70 to zero in that thing in about 6 inches and the stability control in a downpour can be spooky.

i think we are guaranteed some special status since there will never be any more made. after they put all the pieces in inventory together, if they haven't already, it's over forever.

cool.

dan