mvpfictin,
I bought the first sub-$30,000 Mercedes when it came out in 2002, the C230 Kompressor, hatchback. My wife reminded me of all the times I was at the dealer for annoying things unique to this car. I needed several sets of gas tank sensors that showed a half tank and we'd still run out of gas. At least one time was on the Taconic, so the walk was a pretty one.They told me they were the wrong ones, "it's a new model after all." The radiator failed and leaked into the transmission. That repair was caused by a defective radiator so they also fixed the transmission which was waterlogged. Two TCM's and two other modules under the front floorboards. Because it was a new model, no one especially me thought the front tires would kick up enough sand to sand blast the paint off the rear fenders in front of the rear wheels. They painted all four fenders after me having to essentially prove it. I of course had to pay for the sand protectors which are still there today as is the paint.
As much as I love the pics of this car and will be at the dealer to sit in it on the day it arrives, I wouldn't pay $30,000 again for fear of the glitches that most assuredly will appear. Customer service is great but I'd rather buy a car and not be on a first name basis with everyone that works there. They do provide free donuts and coffee though.