> I like the idea of buying an '80's version Benz TD, but we've never
> had a diesel and my husband is not a mechanic and he has no interest
> in working on cars. He is concerned that buying a car that old (over
> 20 years) will mean a LOT of maintenance. From reading the posts on
> here, I can't figure out if you guys are doing what you do because you
> have to or because it's fun (maybe both?).
>
He's right. A car as old as what I drive everyday (81 Citroën 2CV, or 84
300CD) will break down more often. They will also require more maintenance,
ESPECIALLY compared to a Toyota. Some won't like that answer, but it is
true.
> Anyway, my question...if we could find a well-maintained 84 or 85
> Benz, would it mean constant maintenance, way more than a newer car?
>
Simply put, yes.
>
> Would we be in danger of breaking down on a road trip?
>
Probably.
>
> I realize these questions are subjective, but I'm just trying to
> understand the attraction of the older Benz cars to justify my
> interest and I want to know your thoughts.
>
The attraction of a Benz?? Safety, for one. Daimler-Benz is one of two
companies to ever institute a policy of active crash dissection. Volvo was
the other, though I doubt the program exists in the post-Ford takeover days.
Simply put, the program bought back the wrecks of any current production
Benz that was involved in a fatal wreck, no matter the reason. The hulk was
(is) then taken completely apart and the reason for the death ascertained.
Through this research, D-B have found, for instance, that 80% of single
vehicle accidents are suicides. Also, it is often said that no one has ever
died in a head-on while in a Benz as long as safety belts were worn. While
this may by hyperbole, the fact remains that Daimler-Benz are the only
company to 'test' their vehicles in this manner. Mind the German laws allow
questioning of survivors without requiring disclosure of findings to the
police, which allows a greater disclosure of details than would be the case
here in the USA. Still not convinced?? Recall the crash of the late Princess
Diana: the sole survivor was a front seat passenger, in an E-Class, mind,
who was wearing the seat belt. Just FYI, the W123 became the E-Class in
1986.
Another reason?? I have never driven such a solid car in my life, and I have
had a few (over 100).
>
> We've been driving a 2001 Camry since it was new and it's been a great
> car, but the days of diesel are here.
>
Wait a year or so, Toyota will bring their diesels over here. Check
Toyota.uk.co for more info. They put a diesel into every model that they
produce for the UK market, even the Yaris gets two diesel options. From that
website:
The impressive Avensis is offered in three body styles with a choice of two
VVT-i petrol engines and three D-4D direct-injection, common-rail diesel
power units. All deliver exciting performance, excellent fuel economy and
low emissions.
The 2.2 litre 177bhp D-4D direct injection engine of the T180 will take the
Avensis past 62 mph in 8.6 sec. and on to 137 mph, yet its fuel economy is
rated at just 46.3 mpg combined and its emissions are well within Euro IV
limits.
The other grades feature the 2.2 litre 140 D-4D direct injection engine
which will Avensis past 62 mph in 9.3 sec. and on to 130 mph, whilst fuel
economy is rated at just 47.1 mpg combined and its carbon dioxide emissions
are just 156g/km.
The all new 2.0 litre turbocharged D-4D engine* has an incredible balance of
performance and low emissions - 130 bhp, maximum torque of 300 Nm, maximum
speed 127 mph, acceleration to 62 mph in 11.1 seconds, fuel economy on the
combined cycle 51.4 mpg, CO2 emissions 146 g/km.
The 2.0 litre VVT-i engine* (with direct-injection technology for improved
performance, fuel economy and low emissions) - 145 bhp, maximum torque 196
Nm, maximum speed 130 mph, acceleration to 62 mph in just 9.4 seconds, fuel
economy on the combined cycle nearly 35 mpg, CO2 emissions 191 g/km. Whilst
the 1.8 litre VVT-i engine* - produces 127 bhp, with a maximum torque of 170
Nm, maximum speed 124 mph, acceleration to 62 mph in 10.3 seconds, fuel
economy on the combined cycle 39.2 mpg, CO2 emissions 171 g/km.
* Figures based on Avensis saloon.
Jeff
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