Yeah, the previous bulletproof reputation of Mercedes has taken a drop in recent decades. A number of my colleagues who have 'cooking grade' E-series have had issues, and the Merc dealers seem pretty unsympathetic.

 

IDK, went used car shopping for my son the past two days. Stopped it to pick up his new to him '14 Cherokee at the local Toyota dealer with the XKR, both the used and used showrooms emptied.

Local Chevy dealer has two new Vettes inside and I was talking to the salesmen about my XKR (while the kid was suffering on vulture row) and they wanted me to bring it in, warts and all just because they love the look.

 

Storied German over engineering and reliability have become urban legend. Just like British problems still being pervasive.

 

I want one!

 

Gotta agree. Things change.

I bought an XK, not a 911. I was looking for the most reliable GT I could get.

 

After seeing the xk in the flesh I pulled the plug on a 997 Carrera S

 

I agree with most of this except for the SL as I find they are the most timeless out of the MB line up (besides G class). A buddy is looking at an SL under 25K and it's amazing how current even 10-15 year cars look. Unless you're up on the current iteration, the old ones still look nice. Not saying I'd buy one, but just being objective visually.

 

Me too!!!!

 

Funny you should say that. Just yesterday I was thinking, MB from a decade ago is perfectly fine and timeless. Current ones are nothing short of atrocious. Its a passing fancy that will look hideous in time. Look at the SLA, its like a car designed to be driven in reverse.

 

I'd be interested to see what the stats show for owners of the XK actually moving to the Aston Martin Forums. If I would guess....Less that .01% Those of us that owned a modern Aston Martin would not even be in a forum! Not to be said with the XK forum.. But now... even the XK forum is old. Whatever.

 

I am one that moved from an XK to Aston (indirectly). The Aston forums are nothing like this one. The best Aston forum I have found is on 6SpeedOnline sub-forum. Some good members on that forum and some who show up here as well. I wish there was a more active Aston online community.

 

Over the past 10 years I have had 3 German Cars. 98 BMW 328i convertible, '98 Merc E430, '96 Merc C220.


Of the three, the E430 has been relatively problem free, and a really good car. It is getting old and now needs a bunch of stuff, but it is a 20 year old car now.


The C220 with its biodegradable wiring and its underpowered 4 cylinder engine was really a dog. I got rid of it.

The BMW on the other hand has been a never-ending stream of problems and parts to replace as well as quirky electrical issues. When the car is working well, it is so much fun. But inevitably as soon as I begin to smile, something crops up to make me curse it again. Such a love-hate relationship I have had with this car. I still have it but rarely drive it, mostly because I cannot seem to fix it and get the check engine light to go out even though it runs great. It is still a blast to drive, though.

However, I am done with German Cars. No more.

I am hoping for a much different experience with my XK, and so far it has been a great car. All smiles and no curses.