Goodbye Star

1100D · 13th October 2008, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumina

The last one was more a review of the service in US. Didn't have any idea such malpractices are common in those places as well. (or is it just in Texas?)

Touching story and beautiful pictures of a loved car. Are you going to visit her once more before you return?

Thanku!

Although Texas seemed and is quite different from the rest of US. History would give you the pointers, as to why. But such practices more or less, is a SOP rather than a malpractice almost worldwide. The difference is in the magnitude and frequency.

There are many folks, even the ones owning run-of-the-mill Corolla's and Camry's who fall prey, unaware of the fact that they have been robbed. Usually they fall for the comforting smile, tone, sofa and the coffee at the reception, rather than bother about what is really wrong.

But then, if they are okay with parting with the money, who am I to complain. Moreover, the histrionics that those mechanics display certainly deserves a return. Thats how economics work.

"Public ko topi pehnao. pehen liya to mast hai. nahi pehna to pehn ne waale kam hai kya?"

I tried translating this to english, but in english the "topi" part doesn't really make that sense!!

aaggoswami · 13th October 2008, 20:34

This thread is straight from the heart. I am not a person who gets emotional ( tears coming down ) quickly, but this thread and the car images made me emotional. I was looking at the eyes this Merc and thought that they are also crying yelling " Take me with you ". Fantastic association.
I dont have this type of association with any car, but had with my bike caliber. I cried the day it was given in exchange offer.

IIRC, this was the E with which Mercedes started its Indian stint. Was also available with diesel heart, and the only difference between petrol and diesel being some side air slots. But it remains as one of the last Mercedes cars that had the tank like feel.

filcord · 19th October 2008, 16:41

great write-up. It has body (tech details) and soul, (all the rest)!

I suppose to safeguard getting ripped off by the mechanics, one has to become a bit of an expert oneself about the car, and find a mechanic who has an honest soul. It doesn't matter what car it is, Maruti or Skoda or Merc, a dishonest service centre will always try and make a fast buck.
One thing I was struck by, travelling in the Middle East and Europe, the preferred brand for taxis are Mercs, so they must be low on maintenance!

1100D · 28th October 2008, 20:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by filcord

great write-up. It has body (tech details) and soul, (all the rest)!

I suppose to safeguard getting ripped off by the mechanics, one has to become a bit of an expert oneself about the car, and find a mechanic who has an honest soul. It doesn't matter what car it is, Maruti or Skoda or Merc, a dishonest service centre will always try and make a fast buck.
One thing I was struck by, travelling in the Middle East and Europe, the preferred brand for taxis are Mercs, so they must be low on maintenance!

Sorry for checking this so late.

Mercedes Benz's are not low on maintenance, but, when your usage is high, the upkeep cost per usage (say maintenance costs per mile driven) gets very low. These cars love to be driven long. They are usually very robust (not a single rattle or squeak in 144k miles). If you are not clocking too many miles it doesn't reward your pocket. However, for non-taxi buyers the attraction is completely different.

But sometimes I wonder why hasn't the 5-series appealed to the cabbie.

RP_812 · 29th September 2009, 12:47

This is one beautiful thread.
STAR-Car Lover from the heart.
After reading this thread , I miss the car as much as you do , 1100D
The mechanic who did not do up the car right , got cussed really bad.
All this is happening in office , so my colleaugues are wondering who is ticking me off so bad.
Gives an impression that I am working real hard , so it is OK

Ramsagar · 6th October 2009, 16:32

Thats a lovely write-up.Green shade of the car is really elegant.
May I know what next stored in your garage?

Takumi-san · 7th October 2009, 19:42

Real Passion is being shared by this writer. I am in love with your car by the end of this. I just put Mercedes back in to my list.

13th October 2008, 20:34	#32
aaggoswami Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vadodara Posts: 4,982 Thanked: 2,931 Times	This thread is straight from the heart. I am not a person who gets emotional ( tears coming down ) quickly, but this thread and the car images made me emotional. I was looking at the eyes this Merc and thought that they are also crying yelling " Take me with you ". Fantastic association. I dont have this type of association with any car, but had with my bike caliber. I cried the day it was given in exchange offer. IIRC, this was the E with which Mercedes started its Indian stint. Was also available with diesel heart, and the only difference between petrol and diesel being some side air slots. But it remains as one of the last Mercedes cars that had the tank like feel. Last edited by aaggoswami : 13th October 2008 at 20:35.
	() Thanks

19th October 2008, 16:41	#33
filcord BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: goa Posts: 996 Thanked: 67 Times	great write-up. It has body (tech details) and soul, (all the rest)! I suppose to safeguard getting ripped off by the mechanics, one has to become a bit of an expert oneself about the car, and find a mechanic who has an honest soul. It doesn't matter what car it is, Maruti or Skoda or Merc, a dishonest service centre will always try and make a fast buck. One thing I was struck by, travelling in the Middle East and Europe, the preferred brand for taxis are Mercs, so they must be low on maintenance!
	() Thanks

29th September 2009, 12:47	#35
RP_812 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 128 Thanked: 2 Times	This is one beautiful thread. STAR-Car Lover from the heart. After reading this thread , I miss the car as much as you do , 1100D The mechanic who did not do up the car right , got cussed really bad. All this is happening in office , so my colleaugues are wondering who is ticking me off so bad. Gives an impression that I am working real hard , so it is OK
	() Thanks

6th October 2009, 16:32	#36
Ramsagar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: BLR_Nellore(AP) Posts: 1,396 Thanked: 252 Times View My Garage	Thats a lovely write-up.Green shade of the car is really elegant. May I know what next stored in your garage?
	() Thanks

7th October 2009, 19:42	#37
Takumi-san BHPian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 368 Thanked: 121 Times View My Garage	Real Passion is being shared by this writer. I am in love with your car by the end of this. I just put Mercedes back in to my list.
	() Thanks