Originally Posted by Hawk Monster
Quote: I am even considering getting a '91-'93 Mercedes 300E 4matic for the winter, which is just a small version of a panzer tank.
May I suggest that you go to the Mercedes forum and do some research on these cars. I have a 350C 4Matic and would not trade it. In my experience, with good maintenance they are like new at 45 to 60000 miles on the clock.
I know the 4matic version of the 300E is the least reliable of the range, and is the "fly in the ointment" of the car. My parent's friend has a standard 300E that has close to 200,000 miles and he takes care of it. He says that it is the most reliable and comfortable car he has ever owned. He drives it back and forth between Arizona and North Carolina twice a year and it has never let him down.
The new Mercedes cars have so much technology on them, it is just a matter of time before something goes wrong. If only the Germans built a car (chassis, body, suspension, and interior) and let the Japanese do all the electronics (nav, radio, etc.), it would be perfect.