maitenance bill of $1500~2000/year??? WOW!...that is pretty steep...even at the dealers....


bmw 3 series (current e46 model) vs volvo xc70 (current p2)...my brother notes the bmw get stuck all the time while the xc never gets stuck in upstate new york... not even when the xc is using the stock all-terrain suv scorpion tires... with the bmw...def needed the snow tires...even then, it'd still get stuck...


as for mb...the e-class is certainly nice...u'd want sometime within the last 4 years for that...the e320 if u are gas conscious..e430 if u need something a little more powerful... and if u look for a 2000 model..it should be under 40k canadian dollars... the m-class and c-class w203 has not been up to par as of quality issues...i'd skip these... and yes, mb is even more expensive than volvo to maintain...


audi is nice...but the a4 seriously lacks rear seat room... the a6 would be nicer if u plan to carry people in the back...


none of the 3 german makes have been easy on the pockets to maintain...


what specifically are u looking in a car? if it's low maintenance...more likely the japanese cars... acura if u need something a little more sporty, lexus (sans is300) if u need something quiet and comfortable. infinity i'm not sure, they have had quite a few changes these last few year...for the better in most cases...but it's too soon to tell about their reliability issues....