jano
Evil Bokeh
So.. my 24 year old venerable hand-me-down 300SD turbo diesel MBZ seems to be on the last stretch with over 300k miles. Things are running well, recently rebuilt transmission and injection pump, etc etc. A had the thing repainted a few years ago, so exterior is nice. The inside is a war zone: torn leather, broken passenger seat, cracks in the dashboard, and most of the woodtrim has come loose (the nice thing about this is I can brag about being the starter of the "aluminium finish" haha). The odometer stopped working yesterday.
But it runs, and it runs well. I like the comfort, visibility, and stability the car commands on the road. My first girlfried didn't mind the war zone, and enjoyed the washing-machine-like ride from the diesel engine. My parents love that it takes 2 days to reach 60mph.
Should I get a new car? I'd love a convertible, or something like the jaguar xk8.. but that one's out of my reach. Considering the bmw z4, or the convertible 3 series. Either than, or stick to the c230/240 from mbz. I dunno *shrug* I have to consider with a new car, not only will I have payments for the first time in my life, but I'll have a huge increase in insurance and the cost of all the chicks I'm going to pick up.
Thoughts?
But it runs, and it runs well. I like the comfort, visibility, and stability the car commands on the road. My first girlfried didn't mind the war zone, and enjoyed the washing-machine-like ride from the diesel engine. My parents love that it takes 2 days to reach 60mph.
Should I get a new car? I'd love a convertible, or something like the jaguar xk8.. but that one's out of my reach. Considering the bmw z4, or the convertible 3 series. Either than, or stick to the c230/240 from mbz. I dunno *shrug* I have to consider with a new car, not only will I have payments for the first time in my life, but I'll have a huge increase in insurance and the cost of all the chicks I'm going to pick up.
Thoughts?
peter_n
Veteran
Don't even think about a Jag! Total rubbish. BMW & MB also rubbish (take a look at Consumer Reports and the reliability of these so called "quality" European imports). Get something that isn't going to break like a Mazda Miata or Mitsubishi Eclipse...
Total rubbish. BMW & MB also rubbish (take a look at Consumer Reports and the reliability of these so called "quality" European imports). Get something that isn't going to break like a Mazda Miata or Mitsubishi Eclipse... 
ferider
Veteran
Keep the Benz to go to Cosco, add a Harley for the rides along the beach and on 405.
Roland.
Roland.
Steve Bellayr
Veteran
You haven't driven a Z3. A good used one is under 15k. It's a head turner. Your Southern Ca. 'Nuf said.
mw_uio
Well-known
Mazda Miata, - and up grade the rims and tires, and make it squeal !
Cheers
MArk
Quito, Ecuador
Cheers
MArk
Quito, Ecuador
jano
Evil Bokeh
I've always felt the z3 looks better than the z4, maybe they'll have a used one with low miles that's clean. thanks for the suggestion
Al Patterson
Ferroequinologist
I worked with a guy who owned the M3. Nice car. Used ones may now be affordable.