On Mon, 14 Oct 2013 08:10:37 -0400, Ed Pawlowski > wrote:

> On Sun, 13 Oct 2013 22:40:21 -0700, sf > wrote:
>
>
>
> >7 years is the magic time when thing need to be replaced and catalytic
> >converters are costly. If you've never had. to replace one you've
> >either been lucky or ignored the need.-
>
> I've never had to replace on and I've had cars as long as 200,000
> miles. I traded a Buick that was 15 years old and still had the
> original exhaust system.

You've obviously been lucky.

> I had one Mercedes and won't have another unless I traded it before
> the warranty ran out Repairs are ridiculously expensive and they are
> no more reliable than other cars. It was a nice car to drive, but
> expensive to keep.
>

They are, but they are also reliable. Before she moved to a
retirement home, my next door neighbor had one that was at least 20
years old and it was still doing strong. I think she still has it
(that place has a garage where residents can park their "wheels"), but
I doubt she drives much anymore... they have busses that go literally
"everywhere" the residents want to shop and I know she takes those
with her friends quite often.

We traded the first in after the 4 year - 50,000 mile warranty ran
out. This one is a real dream (not a nightmare) so far. Hubby claims
we're going to keep this one "forever" (to put his money where his
mouth is, it's a purchase and not a lease) but I'm sure he'll change
his mind sooner or later after the warranty expires, because buying a
new car is entertainment for him.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.