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My approach? I'm moving back. My next car will be a 1986 model year version of the '96 car I presently drive, and as a backup, the 1981 240d. There is an indescribably good feeling that comes with the knowledge your car has NO computers, and you can pretty much fix almost anything yourself with the tools in the trunk.

Not long ago I met a man in a marina who needed help with his twin diesels. I enjoy working on diesels and went to help him out. The problem was the "ECU" - the electronic control unit that controlled everything. A $3000 black box. To make a long story short it was simply replaced by the dealer... This was a brand new 54' boat. But... What the hell do you do when your "ECU" fails 200 miles offshore? Huh?

I agree with you, but I need to have a high MPG car. I have been looking at SAABS although a small mercedes diesel woudl be a great backup.