SB and the others kind enough to reply,

Thank you for your thoughts. It's interesting that there aren't a lot of replies suggesting I stick with Volvo. I'd really like a Benz, and frankly would prefer the older style also except for the fact that really pristine examples will be harder to find and the major reason for a different vehicle is added reliability. Hence I'm better off with something newer. Also, airbag technology has improved and yes, airbags do save lives. The SBC you refer to - stability control? I'm not sure what the SBC is.

As for the Subaru suggestions, my wife leased a total of 5 Subarus over the past ~15 years, 4 of them wagons. I was always amazed that my 960 Volvo, even with more than 200k miles on it, was a more comfortable ride than any of the brand new Subarus. Almost all of my driving is on the highway at ~70 MPH, usually for more than an hour at a time so comfort is something I've gotten used to.

Thanks again for everyone's help. I haven't made any decisions but will start to keep my eyes open for local deals.

longhorizon