I was a little tired of a big SUV. A big bulky behemoth of a car to negotiate the streets and freeways of sprawling Los Angeles. I was done but needed the room. Brain storm number one: A wagon! I need space for my frequent trips to the flower market and estate sales. But what wagon? There are some cute ones out there. That zippy little Audi A3. The tempting BMW 325 wagon. Both so cute and so fun to drive but...small! I stopped by the Mercedes dealer and hopped in their roomy wagon, and it was over. Fun to drive. Space in the back and all the bells and whistles I would ever want. Truth be told, I am not big on all those "bells and whistles." As my grandfather said, just more to go wrong (cigar in mouth driving his divine black Lincoln Continental with, yes, those suicide doors!). It's been a good ride. Maintenance a little high but a safe driver.

It's a nice car but overrated. We have friends and family who have Mercedes and some swear by them. To be honest, Mercedes are overrated. They handle well, but I never liked the acceleration. It has a very heavy pedal. Repairs and maintenance are ridiculously over priced.