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So, i've only had this '12 white over black for 4MO, and it is every bit as lovely piece of machine as I'd imagine (wanted it for years now, took me about 10MO to find the car, shipped it across the country, ad nausea). it's has the perfect options (for me), and it only has 35k mi, still under warranty.
but... my toddlers are BEASTS, and i'm afraid of having them sit in the car for too long. i'm afraid of them making messes (even with the seat protectors), i hate it when they "Accidentally" step on the leather, i hate having the car seats strapped into the back. basically, i love wagons, but i hate hauling kids in them, especially this one.
also, the ride is killing me.
SWMBO has offered the suggestion: get a convertible (i swapped a 997 cabrio for this), sell the wagon, get a 3-row beater. and it really makes sense, but.. GDAMNIT it took me so long to get this and I wanted it for 3 years. so torn.
thoughts?
tl;dr: i love the new-to-me wagon but my kids are dirty animals. i can't divorce, what to do?
2008 Saab 93 TurboX SC (BSR stage 1)/2014 E63 S Wagon (Rebellion Tuned/Renntech Sport Mufflers)
Originally Posted by HPMan
My $0.02 for what is worth, keep the car, let the kids do what they will, and don't stress about it. That's what I do with mine.
What he said... I have 3 kids and felt the same initially, but now it does not bother me. I wipe the grime off the backseat and seatback once in a while and everything is fine. The leather is quite resistant and can take a beating. We are lucky to be able to afford these kid haulers!
Keep the wagon and kids:
* Crumbs can be vacuumed
* Dirt can be wiped-up
It's just a car. It's going to get door dings, scratches and the miles will add-up. Kids are going to spill $h1t not to mention maybe you, too. Regardless of what you do, it's going to depreciate. Enjoy the ride!
Regardless of what you do, it's going to depreciate. Enjoy the ride!
+1. The beauty or detriment of cars (depending upon perspective) is that a $20k car and a $120k car are both worth the same after 10 years -- namely nil. If you thing that babying the back seat will increase market value a penny versus letting your kids do what they will, you are mistaken.
1: Do not let the kids eat in the car.
2: No matter what car you want to replace the AMG with, it'll get dirty one way or another.
3: Have some upholstery cleaner handly in your trunk if the kids are really that bad.
Like what other members have already said. Dirty back seat area should be easy to clean, unless you have some mustard and ketchup in the backseat to mat with their hotdogs while you are racing another driver, it should not big of deal.
Like many others, I have 3 kids as well. I usually don't allow food unless we're taking a road trip. I just enjoy the car and know that some wear and tear is expected for a well loved and used vehicle. No sense in preserving it for the next owner.
Sounds like you found just what you wanted...I'd keep it and let the dirty back seat remind you that you're a good Dad!
^ LOL at that full backseat protector for DOGS! I'm definitely checking that ASAP.
I always says the kids are barely smarter than the dogs. Appreciate everyone's feedback. Looks like the forum is full of parents and I just need to CHILL THE F out and order a quaife or something.
FF. W212 E63 M156 non-pano 18" P2 ParkT NightV (gone but will be missed).
Source one of those clear vinyl seat protectors as found in the backseats of taxis in asian countries. Or take it to have it retrofitted like the backseats of those Police Interceptors.
I was in a new GLC in Chengdu last year, and the owner had full quilted covers on ALL her seats AND carpets; most of the sections were seamless. Then she offered to produce them for any MB. I can profit from these covers, which would compensate for the depreciation my runts are causing.
^ still get to do all those things except the cute skinny "girls" is now just .. cute skinny "girl". and instead of dating women half your age you hang out with people 1/10 your age and teach them how to ride 49cc motorcycles while making the cute skinny "girl" very, very f'ing nervous.
it's all perspective.
- signed, a guy with a case of elijah craig 12 in the pantry who doesn't like dirty rear seats.
Enjoy the ride along with the kids. One day you will wish you had those kids making the mess in the Merc. wagon. The car is just a thing. My wife cried when we traded in our 1996 Chevy Suburban SLT after 16 years of transporting the kids to soccer, tennis, football, cheerleading, and the family vacations. It was sooo many wonderful memories. So enjoy every minute of this time in your life and don't stress over a mess in the car, it will clean up.
Last edited by homeofstone; Mar 24, 2016 at 10:59 PM.
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