Originally Posted by
PeterRST
@Kermitt: If you look at my first post, I left out BMW intentionally. I have too little experience with them so I don't think I can really comment. I'd still say they're probably the best german brand out there along with Porsche.
Mercedes quality has dropped significantly since the 90s. Plus, ironically, if you compare a 1999 Ford Focus and a 1999 Mercedes C-Class, 9 times out of 10 you will find a lot more rot on the Merc. And even if the doors are gone on the Focus, you will get it fixed under corrosion warranty while the Merc requires full service history at a Merc dealer for any warranty claims.
I disagree about BMW being the best but that's part of the fun on here!!!
MB build quality did drop for a period in the mid/late 90s, especially with the 124 E-Class, but those problems were sorted and the climb back up any number of different customer satisfaction charts tells its own story.
Ford's corrosion warranty is for 6 years, and goodwill jobs have pretty much dried up for 10 year old cars so good luck getting your 1999 Focus doors fixed!
The MB corrosion warranty, on the other hand, lasts for 30 years and DOESN'T need a full MB service history - all you have to do is take the car to an MB workshop for an annual corrosion inspection. Plainly it is convenient to get that done at the same time it is in for a service but the MB service is not obligatory.