1988 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 560SEL review from Australia and New Zealand

Needed a new radiator after I hit a kangaroo. Cost a fair bit to have it shipped to Cobar.

Computer fried and wouldn't engage the clutch correctly; that cost the better part of a grand.

When I overtake, it kicks down and gets stuck in 3rd; you have to lift your foot for it to kick back up.

The driver's seat has got a sag into the door, not rare in mercs.

Aircon died a long time ago.

Sunroof hasn't worked; used to leak so it's been siliconed up.

One of the better cars I've owned. There's nothing more satisfying than overtaking some boyracers on the highway.

Drinks like a Sherman tank, but the power at your foot-tips is incredible, I've overtaken some Japanese dentists in a Ferrari at 210kph in the Northern Territory. I'll never let my 17-year-old son drive it, even if it looks like a grandfathers car.

It handles better than a car of 2-tonnes, it really does. I've sat behind other cars trying to match my merc in the corners and they duly lose their nerve and move to the left.

The cabin space is almost too big, its almost agoraphobic. It can take 4 props anyway, very quickly and very comfortably.

It came with leather, which has yet to fade and crack. Also, I dread the day the cabin electronics go, this car is quite over engineered and there are electronics for everything.