<<Since I hate to drive my 240D around when they are putting salt on the > roads, I am wondering if I shouldn't just buy this car from Megan and use it > for two purposes: (1) my one-mile each way commute to work, which if I > understand what Marshall tells me is NOT good for a diesel, and (2) all of > my winter driving, when the Iowa DOT is keeping the roads open with salt.>>
That's precisely what you should do for several reasons. When you have a car that would be difficult to replace at a price you want to pay with a history that is unknown, then it's a good idea not to expose it to unnecessary hazard when there is an alternative. For example, when making your five minute commute in snow and some yokel gets on your side of the road and smacks you, you will wish you had walked to work. Conversely, if that happened to the Pontiac, you either fix it or throw it away and find another. And the 240D will seem so much nicer when you do drive it plus not parking it outside all day in the blazing heat or encased in ice will make it last bit longer. The down side is, one more car to license and insure. RLE
