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Originally Posted by MagicRat
Good post, Curtis. I think you should set-up your own auto- purchase advice website and make some bucks off your experiences.  |
thanks... but you know me. If I did that everyone would be driving one of two cars; either a 67 GTO converted to biodiesel, or a BMW E30 converted to biodiesel
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You do mention a couple of things. Mercedes is busy earning a poor reputation for quality in recent years. The ML series in particular is similar to the Land Rover. Resale prices are severely depressed due to chronic, repetitive quality, parts and service issues.
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Amen. And have you walked into a Mercedes service department recently? I felt like I wasn't welcome because it was jacket-and-tie only. If I want to walk into a parts counter to get a fan shroud for my W210 while wearing jeans and a Tshirt, I don't expect to get glares from the shower-fresh, manicured, eye-candy receptionist. Its a greasy repair shop, not a plastic surgeon's office. I personally think that MB peaked with the 99 W210 diesel.
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The diesel Merc idea......too slow for the OP's criteria, imo, but a good choice, otherwise. I was offered an immaculate, older MB diesel a few years ago for $2200. Regretfully, I did not take it because it was slow like molasses uphill in winter. But very economical, reliable and nice-handling.
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That is true of the earlier MB diesels. My wife's E300 will light 'em up and get sideways like a muscle car. Torque is ridiculously evident in the 98-99 cars. The 30+ mpg is just a bonus.
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I still say the Cadillacs are worth considering. 8K or less will easily buy a very nice 6 to 9 year old one. For the money, these cars are (300 HP) fast and the Seville STS handles pretty well. (The Deville is super-roomy but has somewhat-floppy handling.)
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They're nice, but I've seen too many engine replacements at my shop. The northstar is just not as great as it seems. They also seem to have GM's legendary material quality; thin leather seats that crack and tear, headliners that sag, carpet that wears through under your feet. But you are correct; nice power, nice ride and handling, great curb appeal and luxury.