ive been lurking for a while.

ill keep this concise:

i am a recent college graduate. i will be making $34k this year and most likely $40k within the next two years.

I am in the market to buy a first car. Is it financially irresponsible to purchase a w210?

EVERYONE friends family esp. my dad keep telling me im nuts. that i should get ford focus, civic, something practical. my thought is for around $10k i can get a better car with the w210. It seems to me that the w210 is highly reliable, and insurance is low comperatively to a civic?

I feel that if i DIY minor things, and meticulously maintain it why wouldn't it work out?

here are the top nearby cars ive narrowed it down too. any opinions?

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E420

1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E430

2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E430

2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320

2006 Volvo S40 T5

2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 Wagon


im leaning towards 2nd and 3rd, because of looks. others may be better values? and the wagon is a one owner, non smoker, all service records available. seems like the surest bet. volvo has one year of factory warranty left on it, but its turbo i feel insurance would be higher and reliability would be lower.

questions, concerns, comments?

look, i know that a civic/focus/mazda would be cheaper and get better mpg, but ill get a car ill love and a new hobby as opposed to simply a people mover, for going from point A to B. what i want to know is am I going to pay little more gas, little more for parts, repairs etc, or is it a huge difference and something to heaviliy reconsider...know what i mean?

thanks all, this forum ROCKS