never came through. Seems the owner decided he just didn't want to part with it. Man, I really had my hopes up on that one.

My commuter Honda was nearing 300K miles and still churning 24.5 to 25.5 MPG but was starting to have issues. The tranny was starting to slip a little climbing hills (not good in So. Cal) and had a couple instances of no start episodes. Working nights I was beginning to envision being stuck on the side of the road somewhere along my 130 mile round trip commute. I needed something a little more reliable and economical since 25 MPG average was costing me about $550 a month.

Being unable to get that Benz wagon I broke down and went to the dark side, but kept it German (via Mexico) and bought a brand spanking new 2012 Volkswagon Jetta Sport Wagon TDI. Only had it two weeks and logged 1200 miles to and from work. This thing is proving to be a real diesel sipper, showing a 40 MPG average in combined city/highway driving. Once it breaks in a bit I expect the average to climb. I have been seeing consistant 45-47 MPG at highway speeds according to the onboard computer.

We still have the 2002 CLK320 so I'll still be checking in now and then but I won't be talking MBZ diesel for a while yet .

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.