I’m sure that I’ve seen a photo of your Oldsmobile in the past, Moose, but may
I see it again?
I gave up on Mercedes in 2003 when my ML270, a decent car otherwise, threatened
to cost a bomb to maintain once it was past three years old (and out of
warranty and servicing agreement). I still don’t like them, having been
seduced by BMW since 2003. I’m about to spend a few days in Glasgow, visiting
family so perhaps I’ll be able to test my X3’s abilities in the ice or snow;
it’s no A4 Quattro, but I enjoy the drive and it has loads of lovely goodies,
including adaptive headlights (LED) which I don’t think that I could do without
ever again :-)
The trouble with ex-hire cars is that they generally don’t have all the gizmos,
but I do go for used cars nowadays.
Chris
> On 2 Mar 20, at 20:12, Moose <olymoose@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>
> In the mean time, I've had endless enjoyment in a spacious, powerful car with
> a real trunk. One can actually go on a trip in it, with our luggage in the
> boot. Does it handle like my current or previous Audis? No, but it doesn't
> trip over itself, either.
>
> My sister in-law bought herself a Mercedes as a retirement present. They
> traded it in on a Subaru in only a couple of years at least ostensibly due to
> the ongoing costs of recommended maintenance - and replacing a run-flat tire.
>
> I think the auto business is so international these days that the old
> differences don't apply any more. Because we spend a month in New England
> each year, I get extended test drives of what are, sometimes laughingly,
> called full size cars. The reason for the size is the large amount of luggage
> we use for the extended trips (including "side trips" to Ireland the last
> couple of years, and Wales this coming Fall.) (And including buying stuff.
> ;-) )
>
> In recent years, I've driven a Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry and Chevy Impala.
> All were comfortable, capable, well appointed cars. I've gone out of my way
> the last couple of years to get Impalas. They are smooth, quiet, decent
> handling, comfortable, and so on. I love driving them. Probably the same V6
> as the Camaro, a LOT of power for a big sedan (and a huge boot!) Carol loves
> them, too.
>
> I checked. At their highest trim level, they have many of the amenities of
> luxury sedans. But one can't get the electronic drive control of our Audi A4
> Quattro. Stomp on it and The Impala spins a front wheel off the line, with a
> bit of torque steering. The Audi is perfectly behaved. It also has lots of
> amenities such as auto dimming rear view mirrors and the like.
>
> If I needed such a large car at home, I'd buy one off rental duty in
> heartbeat.
--
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