ouch! as you say it has to happen sometime! badluck though mate,as mercs go i still really like the vitos for the size etc. It wont be a new one mind you but will try and get the best for the money,seen a few on auto trader 3-4 yr old,what sort of mileage is bad? eg my mate has an 98 sprinter with 235,000 on it Is 90-100,000 nothing to worry about then on these vitos? cheers gaz