Your Best Car Ever
In last month’s newsletter we asked our readers for their horror car experiences , and we were surprised at the response. We have shown that modern cars are much more reliable than their classic counterparts (here), but, it seems, even the most dependable makes have their ‘off’ days. The best story last month won a TomTom Live Sat/Nav, so we are offering the same prize this month for the best “Great Car’ experience.
You may recall last month that I had my own worst car experience with a Holden. Surprisingly that same make gave me my best car experience, too.
Ten years ago I bought a Holden Statesman. It was just over two years old, and had a mere 18,000kms on the clock, so I thought I was pretty safe. But it didn’t turn out that way – at least initially.
The engine had a strange knock on start up, so I took it to the dealer to investigate. The result was that they kept the car for two weeks whilst they replaced the engine. So I reluctantly thought I’d bought another lemon and was getting prepared to sell it.
And sell it I did, but 240,000kms and six years later! It’s hard to recall if I ever kept a car that long, as I simply didn’t know what to replace it with. Its only demand on my wallet was for petrol, regular servicing and tyres. That’s it- not an extra cent to spend and not a drop of oil between services.
So Holden gets both the winners and losers guernseys in my book.
What about you?
Do you have a stunning reliability story to tell? If so we’d like to hear from you, and there’s a Tom Tom sat/nav for the best answer.
Click on comments below.
Level 2, 9 Help Street
Tony says:
The best car I have ever had is a 2005 Honda Jazz. Over the last 7 years it has been nothing but utterly reliable. It now has over 100,000km on it and still feels like new. It’s not the most exciting car, but it can be entertaining in a different way … one thing that impresses people is the ability for me to fold the rear seats up in a certain way so that I can literally walk into the car from one side and out the other. It’s more impressive to look at than it sounds. I’ll probably drive that little Jazz into the ground, but that will probably take another 20 years.
May 24th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
Bruce Smith says:
On reflection I would have to say a VL Commodore was oustanding(Nissan motor model) . It started out primarily my company vehicle, but through necessity also ended up the “Pool Car” for staff to use which I was never quite comfortable with- for good reason as it turned out! In 4 years it travelled over 240,000 klms and never used a drop of oil! I found out much later than one staff member had been booked for doing a burn out at a set of lights, and most likely not the first time this had been done, plus other staff had also set a few time records between towns (country car)- lets say a competition of which I was none the wiser.
It still perfomed extremely well and if you didn’t look at the speedo you would think it had probably a third of the klms recorded, despite what turned out to be a very hard life.
May 24th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Jerry says:
I bought a new mitsubish galant SE hatch in 1989. It was underpowered and understressed.
I’ve still got it. It has a bit of rust, a few dings, and the valve-stem-seals need redoing. This is not surprising given it’s done over 350,000 km with no work at all on the engine other than change of water-pump and timing belt every 100,000 km.
As a traveller it is fantastic. Wonderfully smooth and incredibly stable and quiet barrelling down gravel roads at 110 km/h. The entire family did trips all over Southern W.A. in it. I even used it on rocky tracks that even a 4WD would have had problems negotiating.
It’s a battler and excellent at what it does. That’s the definition of the best car.
May 24th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
David Ashton says:
The most reliable two cars I have ever owned have the worst reputations. A 1997 Mitsubishi Magna Elite, I owned it from about 20K to 180K and the only thing I had to replace was an alternator. I currently own a Mitsubishi 380 SX auto with 164K on the clock and I just replaced the front wheel bearings. It wasn’t the cars fault though, most cars wouldn’t like running over the top of medium strips, this one was no different – so drivers fault. Great cars.
May 24th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
Greg Crellin says:
My first car I purchased I would think would have to be up there along with my new Honda Accord Euro. My first car I had was a 1975 Ford Cortina with the 4 cylinder 2 litre motor. The reason I am saying it may have been one of my best car was because it was easy to service myself and work on as an 18 year old. I owned it for 2 years and with the thrashing I used to give it thinking I was a rally driver when I sold it only went down in value about $300 from what I had paid for it.
May 24th, 2012 at 1:48 pm
Murali says:
Hi,
I came to Australia during the Y2K Boom. It was year 1999. I bought a Toyota Corrola (1998 Model) through a dealer at Paramatta. This Car has been with me ever since and all I do is get it serviced through Toyota dealership ever year. When I bought it, it had clocked 37000 Kms. Now it is still going strong at 211000 Kms. Never have I called NRMA or any other road side assistance. This car is so good for me that I feel that I have bonded with the car very well and it takes me to my destination without me doing much.
I have kept my License CLEAN ever since I have got my license. Thanks to my wonderful Corolla….I have not had any accidents, traffic infringements & not even parking tickets. I honestly feel that this little car of mine is something that TAKES CARE of me rather than me taking care of it.
Two years back, I bought a BMW 2010 model brand new. it has been two years since I have bought it….but I still love my Corolla and I prefer to drive my Corolla with just only the Radio and no other fancy gadgetry in it. Infact, I have named my Corolla and I celebrate its birthday every year. My Toyota Corolla is the best gift I bought for myself.
May 24th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Peter Evans says:
In late 2007 I bought a Citroen C4 Hatchback 5 door Diesel. I have tavelled 250,000kms since without any problems whatsoever. The car still looks and drives like new and the best part is that I still average 4.8litres/100km. It went on to its 3rd set of tyres at 193,oookms. It is a turbo, so is quite quick and response is good when needed.
I also own a BMW 330ci and whilst it is a great car, I reckon for sheer reliability and econony, the Citroen is the best car I’ve ever owned.
May 24th, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Rob K says:
After a round of Euro cars in the UK I came to Australia and decided to put my money into the local economy and buy a Holden Commodore SS. Now I am sure that there are lots of groans, especially from the Ford camp, but I can’t really compare it with the other big V8s only with the Euro cars and Wow!
I paid a little less than a VW Golf GTI and in return received a car with enough thump to rival anything except a true $150k plus supercar. Every time I drive that car it makes me smile. I’ve done just over 44,000 trouble free kms and everyone of those kms has been travelled in comfort and confidence.
The big V8 has loads of torque and the car comes with enough tricks to keep it safe. The interior has ample room and ticks all the boxes, but don’t expect walnut veneers and hand stitching. The ride is firm enough to be assured, but cushioned enough so that long journeys or bad roads don’t leave you needing a chiropractor.
If there was one complaint to be made, it would be from my kids. The rear seats are deep and they can’t easily see out of the windows. But hey, I didn’t buy it for them and a DVD player keeps them happy when required.
Why would you put your money into a Merc when there are Aussie made cars for so much less offering as much fun. There is no way this car could be sold at this price without Government assistance. My conclusion; buy Aussie! With the Government throwing money at the car companies it’s almost like receiving an instant tax rebate.
May 24th, 2012 at 1:55 pm
brando says:
my best car was a V8 holden SL/E commodore VB. i bought it when i was 18 and thrashed it between melbourne sydney brisbane and perth. l had it at my wedding and it brought home my 5babies from hospital. it was never properly serviced. had a sector seal replaced in the steering rack, gas fitted and a few sets of tyres. it went hard and hardly used oil etc. never had a set of sparkplugs replaced and i sold it 10 years later for more than i paid for it. l have no doubt it will still be going… i put the longevity down to a harsh running in period… flat out to adelaide for a week end. the car sat on 150 kmh.there and back.
May 24th, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Leeanne says:
1983 Sigma Scorpian 2.6L 5 speed manual – was indeed the best practical car, and longest, I have ever owned! Totally reliable – parted with it to pay for a trip to France to see my sister – many years ago (1994). Lots of good memories in that car – impulse trips to Sydney, Albury, Melbourne – and it didn’t miss a beat. Of course – I had to ‘improve’ it – with a fully electric sunroof!!
The best drive was (& wish i had kept) my XA GT 351 coupe – red pepper with black vinyl roof – alas – the guy who bought it wrote it off 6 weeks later. Sigh!!
Now – I ave a 1977 Ford Fairlane Marquis – what a fabulous drive!! My sons and I love it!
May 24th, 2012 at 2:01 pm
Tony Grounds says:
Considering value for money and economy, my best car (tongue in cheek) is my Daewoo Matiz and it is used entirely for business purposes. Mind you, I should have read “The Dog & Lemon Guide” for cars, as the rating for this vehicle is …’Avoid like the Plague’! However, costing less than $12,000 on road, the car has been most reliable and, with 184,000+ km, it is still servicing my windscreen repair business. Purchased new in 2004, the rear seats were removed to convert the vehicle into a mini panel van. Repairs have been minimal (clutch cable @ 45,000 km – under warranty, rear wheel bearing @ 178,000 km). Synchro on 2nd gear is becoming tired, but still works and the Matiz uses about a litre of oil between services (15,000 km) and the vehicle has NEVER been serviced by a dealer. Economy wise, it still returns <6.0 L /100 km. Would not recommend as a family car, but great as a workhorse.
May 24th, 2012 at 2:15 pm
Peter says:
My best car was a commercial, a 1995 T4 Volkswagen Dual Cab Transporter. Purchased new and had it for 9 years until the accountant said to upgrade, what a mistake that was. The only real problem with this T4 was the master brake cylinder failed as I was driving out of the dealer after a service. Otherwise this vehicle handled every task I put to it. Fully loaded with a 2t trailer from Sydney to Brisbane on numerous occasions. Sorry I parted with this most reliable of machines I have owned.
May 24th, 2012 at 2:21 pm
Graham Kildey says:
After 48 years of driving and some 60 cars later I can absolutely say that the worst cars that we have ever owned are two Peugeot 307’s.
The first was replaced by the dealer because of a never ending list of serious defects which included as perhaps the most dangerous the engine cutting out unexpectedly. The second, replacement 307 has been no better, it has spent months in the dealership with them trying to rectify the same defect without success. Whenever the car is returned from the dealer it appears to operate OK for a short while but that never lasts for very long before the problem returns. Never, never, never again another Peugeot –
May 24th, 2012 at 2:25 pm
Rod McLean says:
We had a 1995 EF Falcon wagon which had done 127,000kms as a fleet car when we bought it in 1999. Being the family car, as well as being used for the daily commute and loaded to the hilt for holidays and numerous house-moves, it took us all over the state for the kids’ sports events (weekly, during the season) without missing a beat for the next 12 years. Apart from some work on the power steering and replacing the radiator all that it required was standard servicing and tyres. We finally let the local SES cut it up as a training exercise in 2011 as it was starting to use oil and had travelled 515,000 kms without ever giving us any trouble. We thought that was a better end for a fantastic old workhorse than rusting in a wreckers yard! Talk about amazing value!
May 24th, 2012 at 2:38 pm
Ray Dean says:
My best car ever was a 1985 Volvo 240 Station Wagon. Never any problems and was a joy to drive. When I had done 580,000 kms it had started to blow a bit of smoke from the exhaust, and as I was doing a large number of miles each week, I decided to see if I could replace the motor. I went into a wreckers in Grafton on my way home to Taree on a Friday, and they had a wrecked Volvo from a rear end collision, and the motor was good. I purchased the motor and came back through Grafton on the following Monday morning with my box trailer, picked up the motor and took it the Volvo Dealer in Lismore, where I was working, and had the new motor installed. I got another 200,ooo kms from the Volvo before I sold it, again with no issues. In fact it went better as the new motor was slightly larger in capacity (B21E to a B23E motor).
May 24th, 2012 at 2:39 pm
Andrew says:
I love my Mazda MX-5… pure joy to drive to the beach on a sunny day, roof down, close to the ground, fat hugging road tyres, iPod music playing, unencumbered ocean views and fresh salt air flowing in. I just have to think it and the car glides seamlessly. For more excitement switch to semi auto and smoothly power up or throttle back with paddles. On the highway enjoy the effortless cruise control. This is my nicest on road car to date as far as speed and handling and it is a fun car! It is not an expensive car to buy or service compared to other sports cars. From a distance it looks like a BMW Z4 but has the fuel economy of a cheaper four cylinder –when taking into account its weight and Japanese engineering. It is the preferred car the wife and I take when driving into the Sunshine Coast hinterland for a few days away. Panoramic views of roadside greenery, the woody scents and bird noises – pure bliss. The boot is like a TARDIS – looks small but holds two large sports bags and two laptops. If you’re looking for a nice car to arrive in style take another look at the reasonably priced MX-5.
May 24th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
Leslie Martin says:
I have had some really good cars; but the best, most versatile, economical and value for money would have to be the first model (1998) Mitsubishi Challenger.
It tows 2 tonnes easily, is a comfortable family wagon and it is first class off road.
I purchased the vehicle new and it has now done a bit over 150,000. The first set of tyres were replaced at 132,000km and I average between 10 and 11 litres per 100km.
I have never had any repairs (other than the usual servicing) and it runs like a dream.
Members of the family are too scared to ask to borrow it!
May 24th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
Helen says:
I need to say every car I have had has been my best car experience. My first was a burnt orange 1.3 ltre 808 Coupe (Maz) we travelled the east coast together and I would of kept her but someone stole her one night. I suspect for panels for her sister car the RX3. The next was a 2 ltr Celica Fastback (Jacqi) coupe a mini mustang and we shared adventures between the city and the bush. I then had some time in leased vehicles a VT and Camry (the camry is the only Car I have never been impressed with). There was a Honda GL civic sedan (Suzi) and we did our share of travelling mostly between the southern states. A 2.6 ltre 6spd Vectra sedan (Rubi) she had more power than any of my previous cars and we particularly liked traveling mountain roads, lots of gear shifts and more than enough speed to keep out of trouble. And finally there is my latest girl (Sami) a 2ltr 6 speed Nissan Dualis 4wd we are in the first year of our on-road off-road adventure and has enough boot space to fit one bale of straw. None of my cars ever missed a beat they were all magic and suited my journey at that time. I think each one shares a part of my history, from free wheeling teen until now.
May 24th, 2012 at 4:39 pm
R. Cooper says:
I AM ON MY SECOND golf 2ltr diesel they never miss a beat, they are the best overall
car ever built by a long shot.
May 24th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
PAul says:
Same experience with a 307cc
May 24th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
Linda says:
I bought a 2000 Ford Futura AU1 in 2000. He had about 3000km on the clock when I bought him. I have only just replaced him with a Ford Focus Diesel. In the 12 years I had Ferdie (Futura) he did 300,000 kms. Survived the fires at Kinglake in one piece but this did lead to his down fall. In the 12 years I owned him he only required regular servicing, petrol and the very occasional wash. He was far more economical to drive than the Ford Forester I bought because mum broke her hip and had some trouble getting into the Ford. I loved my Futura but unfortunately the Kinglake fire must have travelled under him. His electrics started causing problems, odd warning lights leading me astray.
He lasted with me far longer than the Forester which has been gone for about 6 years.
May 24th, 2012 at 6:27 pm
Bob L says:
Yep, my best car is also an MX-5. I bought it new as a daily drive to work in 1993 and I still have it in (my) retirement. Nice sounds, cheap to own and totally reliable. Tooling around in the early evening with the top down – priceless! Could not ask for more.
May 24th, 2012 at 6:37 pm
Ann Larsen says:
I am nearly 70 years old and a year ago I purchased a New 2011 I 30 Turbo Deisel and I have just loved the driving experience and I also am impressed with the car’s appointments, finish and especially the Safety applications! It is so stress less to drive
as I am recovering from a Serious Brain Injury and am only allowed to drive 100 kms a day, and I do this distance and arrive at my destination not at all fatigued, it’s a great car, just perfect!
May 24th, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Jonathan Wysoke says:
When living in Zambia (Africa), I foolishly bought a Honda Prelude EX in a horrible brown colour to provide relief from driving around in the diesel Patrol and an old Land Rover. Our closest town was 370km away along a very poor dirt road. What a stunner! My wife and I owned this car for 12 years and covered 340 000 miles (British import) in this vehicle. I have to confess that we thrashed it mercilessly on the dirt. Low profile tyres and a firm suspension are not designed for corrugations, but the old girl held up. Other than replacing front shocks on more than half a dozen occasions, the only other repair was to a cooling hose. Bear in mind that she was serviced on the farm alongside the Nissan, the Landie and the tractors, not in some high tech garage. Eventually she rattled worse than a metal toolbox – but she always started first turn of the key, always got us there and back, kept all her original parts and provided us with huge enjoyment when we did hit a strip of tar. It does not get better than that.
May 24th, 2012 at 7:10 pm
Steve says:
1998 Toyota Camry V^ wagon. Its done about 200K and apart from normal maintenance issues, nothing has gone wrong. It is still as tight as a drum inside, the motor is still brilliant and drives well, from both a comfort sense and driving perspective. It’s better than subsequent Toyotas in both quality and driving.
May 24th, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Robert Herriot says:
Best car ever – definitely 1989 SAAB 2.3 litre. I sold it ($200) at 430,000 km for no reason other than I was starting to wonder when it might stop. The trim was starting to fall away but the engine had had absolutely no work other than regular service. This was an wonderful long distance car and I have many times wished that I had spent the money on it to fix the trim an a few other minor things. That car had a personality! Current car, Honda civic. Excellent car, but not quite the same.
May 24th, 2012 at 10:20 pm
Peter Johnson says:
How do you judge your best car? Reliability, performance, comfort features they are all worth including in the equation but for me it has to be a maximiser. That is it has to deliver on every criteria I desire. For this reason my 1991 Corolla SR5 wagon wins hands down as the best car I have ever owned. Apart from spending next to nothing on its maintenance from the time I bought it at 175k to the time I sold it at around 370K it asked for little and delivered loads. It was economical on fuel, had a large boot opening that was equivalent to the interior space in the car, comfortable to ride in, had constant four wheel drive that gave secure driving in the wet and had fittings robust enough to handle all of the junk I packed into it from time to time when using it for removals. Unlike some modern cars it was easy to steer into the tightest parking spaces without drama. It also had a quirky look about it that gave it an individual personality unlike many of the bland designs of many cars on the market today. Best of all after being through muddy waters and off the beaten track this car did not have a skerrick of rust in it at the time of sale and still had the original muffler. My only regret is that Toyota have not continued to refine this gem of a car. The corolla is a great car and the SR5 is the best of the breed.
May 24th, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Geoff says:
BMW 525i E34 series is my latest and most reliable, costs next to nothing to maintain. There is something to be said for keeping up the annual service at BMW. I bought this car in 2001 and despite requests every new series to upgrade I refuse to do so because it just keeps on going well after 300,000km.
May 25th, 2012 at 12:05 am
Neil says:
Years ago I realised that buying a new car was one of the biggest waste of money that I could do. I am a car fanatic, have a fantastic mechanic (Porsche specialist) , which means no excessive servicing costs and no ego.
Three years ago I bought a 2001 Audi S8 with 90,000km for $30,500. Was $230K when new. The best car I have ever ridden in, let alone owned. All wheel drive, Aluminium body, 4.2 lt V8, 265kw, double glazed windows, Sat Nav, Heated Seats (front & rear)…..everything you could imagine. Quiet, powerful, smooth, quality.
Service twice a year, hasn’t missed a beat. Always looking at cars to buy but can’t find anything that would be better.
May 25th, 2012 at 12:19 am
Geoff Fritz says:
Best car we owned was a 1993 Magna (4 cylinder) station wagon. Purchased new, it was a daily driver for 15 years until we sold it. It had 248,000km and was still going strong. Only let us down once when the distributor went kaput. I still see it being driven around as I sold it to a guy in the next suburb. The Magna four motor had a bad rap but I think it was undeserved. We used to drive back and forth between Perth to Bunbury for years and that thing just never quit. Clipped a kangaroo and the poor creature came off far worse than the car (smashed indicator) We used to get 70k to 80k from a set of tires which I thought was brilliant. Second best was 2001 Barina, so economical, first set of tires lasted 115,000km.
Here’s hoping our 2009 Corolla goes a few time around the clock too.
May 25th, 2012 at 12:53 am
Russell says:
The best car I’ve ever owned was a 1990 Holden Barina….I bought it brand new and finally sold it with 420,000 kilometers on the clock.
The engine had never been touched and it was still running the original clutch….
After the 12 month/20,000k warranty expired I did all my own servicing, which basically involved regular oil and filter changes every 10,000k.
While the car was pretty basic, I found it performed admirably out on the open road due in part to it’s high gearing and it did a great job on one of my trips to Townsville fully loaded with 2 adults, 1 teenager and a boot load of luggage.
May 25th, 2012 at 1:47 am
Richard Keeble says:
My Step Father was at the pub one day when this joker wanted to sell an old 67 HK Holden. He thought that I needed one and so for $250 I got my first car. The sub frame was rusted out so my brother welded that up and the brakes needed replacing and I was lucky enough to have a brother in Law that could do that for me. At the time I was in the Army in Melbourne and 18 years old. My family was in Mildura and about a year later I was posted up to Sydney. I would hate to think the miles that I did in that car and it never let me down. It was a three on the tree with a crash box first gear and no aircon of course. I think the stereo I put into it was worth $350 and so much more than the car was bought for. The amount of times I crossed the Hay Plains in the heat and it never missed a beat. The engine was a little 161 and was just brilliant. Anyway, thanks for the moment to be able to reminisce.
May 25th, 2012 at 8:58 am
Peter James says:
Cars owned.
Triumph Spitfire
VW Variant (Fastback)
Ford Thames Van
Ford Anglia wagon
VW 411 Wagon – Wife’s Car
Triumph 2000
Mazda 616
VW Golf GTS
Mazda 626
Holden Wagon – Worst Car
Holden Commodore VL (Nissan motor) – Excellent car 10 years
Mitsubishi Magna
Mitsubishi Magna Elante
Mitsubishi Magna – Wife’s Car
Holden Jackaroo
Mazda Astina -Wife’s Car
Toyota Landcruiser Series 80
Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 Petrol
Mitsubishi Pajero 3.5 Petrol
Volvo S40 – Wife’s Car
Mercedes ML320CDI – Wow!!!!!!! unbelievable all the hype is true
May 25th, 2012 at 9:07 am
Barney says:
I bought a new Mitsubishi Lancer GLXi in 2001. OK, it does not do many kms and has only 125K on the clock now, but apart from 2 new batteries, one new set of tyres and 2 timing belt changes – all normal wear and tear, it has never failed me. It still has the original front brake pads and these are only half-worn. It is still just like new. Not a single oil leak. I make sure that each year when it goes in for a rego check, I ask the mechanic to be completely thorough. Nothing ever has been found to be defective. The joke is that the most I can insure it for is about 7K and this car is better than a lot of new cars in the 20-30K bracket. I’m keeping this one untill it dies.
May 25th, 2012 at 10:38 am
Ian McCallan says:
In October 1982 I bought a Toyota HJ 47 Troopcarrier. In May 1985 I changed it for a new one, probably the last one sold in Sydney.
My old troop carrier needed a new set of tyres and a new battery, and the dealer was offering an excellent price for his last HJ47 troop carrier, the new model had been out for about six months so they were keen to do a deal.
So I did some sums and figured that the change over price would work out to about $1000 after I had sold the old one. This worked out almost exactly correct so I had a new car for $985, not bad.
We still have it and it’s still our only car. Apart from one problem with a gearbox bearing at 70k and the usual problem of transfer case oil seals failing on these gearboxes, (there is an easy fix for this), it’s been very reliable.
It goes anywhere, It has no rust, it’s been up to it’s bonnet in rivers with no problem, it’s been airborne getting out of rivers after a bit of a run up. We’ve had a full pallet of pavers in the back put there by a forklift and it’s got a double bed in the top.
Many, many years ago when I was single, my friends rather unkindly, used to call it my “Land Scruiser”. This, of course, was totally untrue.
We have lately considered replacing it, and in doing some research into its value we were confused to find that people were selling these as “fully restored”. That’s when you know you have an old car!
When Toyota finally puts full safety gear on their new troop carriers we may replace this one, but only if they give us a good deal!
May 26th, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Errol says:
I’ve been ‘lucky’ with a 1963 EJ sedan that I bought in 1968. She travelled just short of 300,000 very hard miles between Wollongong and Brisbane over a 6 year period and finally passed away on the side of the road near Grafton. She may still be there for all I know. Following that was an affair with a 1972 CH Chrysler Coupe (very rare model), which returned 223,000 miles (approx. 356,000 k’s) with regular servicing and was still going strong when I sold her in 1989. Again, mostly long highway runs.
In between, I have owned many vehicles, but as a mechanic, I had the advantage of knowing which cars to avoid. Yes, I have been caught with the odd ‘bodgied’ engine, but that was not a manufacturing issue. I find the more modern vehicles are not as robust/reliable as the cars of yesteryear and I think a lot of this is about computerisation, high compressions and poor fuel quality in Australia. My current drive is a 300 SEL Mercedes (1988) in mint condition and so economical to maintain and run. I no longer buy brand new Mercedes vehicles due to a few issues that I have experienced with the electronics. Mind you, the service from Mercedes-benz has been exceptional and cannot be faulted.
May 28th, 2012 at 12:18 pm