Take pride in your ride, it could last forever

500k+ miles, counting

There is something to be said about a 26-year-old Mercedes-Benz with nearly 600k miles. In Terry Garland’s case, his recently retired 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300E is one for the records.

Garland’s first Mercedes he owned was a 190 E “Baby Benz.” When the car reached 200k miles he says it became problematic. The size of the vehicle was not suiting his needs either. With an itch to upgrade, Garland would seek out his next Merc.

According to NADA Guides, the original MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price) for a 1989 300E 4-door sedan was $44,850.

My brother had convinced me the car would last a long time with routine maintenance, says Garland. At the time of it’s production, the 300 E or “W124” was known for being a high-mileage car and often times would proudly represent Mercedes-Benz high mileage badges on the grill.

The car was purchased in the early 1990s from former Don Rasmussen’s location in downtown Portland. Garland was the second owner and purchased the car with only 62k original miles.

Garland says outside of the aesthetically pleasing look of the car, the size of the boot is one thing he loved. Even with his recent upgrade to a 2014 C-Class, Garland says  “I miss my old trunk!” 

Used as a daily-driver with many trips to Seattle and the coast, Garland says the 300 E was a solid vehicle with no reoccurring issues. “Any time there was an issue, I got it fixed right away.”

Having all of his services done at MBI Motors in Portland, Garland says he knew he had a relic when he became acquainted with every tech at the shop. “I was religious with my maintenance.” He claimed to have had the oil-changed and regular tune-ups every 3k miles since he owned it. 

The car still runs and drives, and Freeman Motor Company will donate it to Bob’s Auto Cafe. Bob’s is a non-profit which trains mechanics for the automotive industry. They use donated vehicles to learn, work on and then sell.

We would like to congratulate Mr. Garland on his newly purchased 2014 Mercedes C250 as well as thank him for his business and story.

When asked how he felt about trading the 300 E in, Garland replied, ““It served me well, and I will miss it.”

Pictured: Terry & Wife next to their new 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250