Quote Originally Posted by JHarris1385 View Post
Since this thread I have been heavily considering buying a 300d. Would you happen to have a recommendation of what years to look at? Strictly the w123's?
Definitely stick with the turbo models as you'll get better fuel economy than the NA engines plus they drive more like a gasser. I've got a '78 300D non-turbo and not only is it slow off the line the tranny is designed to start you off in 2nd, necessitating the use of a kick-down switch mounted under the accelerator when you really need to GO. The 126 cars have a little bit of negative reputation which is somewhat deserved simply as there's more stuff to break on the inside due to all the fiddly bits that come with the higher trim level. The earlier 116 chassis S-class cars have a much more European style to them yet aren't any more complex than the regular 300D. Two mods that make a 300D even simpler to maintain, plus more fun to drive, is to replace the automatic climate control with the manual version from a 240D and to convert from automatic to manual. Fortunately the automatics are robust and easy for the average home mechanic to service. There's a fantastic forum much like this one for Mercedes enthusiast: MercedesShop.com


Quote Originally Posted by etlsport View Post
i went and drove a jetta TDI friday... was acceptable... i just had to keep reminding myself that it gets great gas mileage so its ok that it was so painfully boring!
What year was it and manual or DSG? One thing that turns most gas drivers off is the different power band. Running up to 3000 RPM to shift is about ideal as the power drops off around 3300 - 3500 RPM, and the engine is really happy to cruise around 2000 RPM. It's all about torque, so once you learn where it is you'll be trying to keep the wheels from spinning!

I had little to no interest in the car until I drove a friend's Golf TDI to the airport and back a few times. I found it very responsive, comfortable for my tall frame and simply nice to drive. Next thing we know my wife and I are at the VW place test driving the Mk5 Jettas and ended up taking one home. It's a subtle, unassuming car that just slowly grows on you though. I've never been a FWD fan at all, but this car doesn't feel like one and is balance more like the RWD I'm familiar with. Time will tell if the mod-bug starts hitting the wallet though!

Quote Originally Posted by don moore View Post
Wholly Crap JOE BLACK..I think you need more suzoos ...lol
I agree wholeheartedly!