Throttle Actuator Advice Please

[crit1]

On my '95 C280, I've replaced the head gasket and the wire harness. Now the throttle actuator needs to be replaced. The cheapest I've found a rebuilt one is $500 not including installation. My mechanic also says that the rear differential needs to be rebuilt (but not critical yet). My wife says to buy a Honda. I'm on the edge. Someone make some sense for me. Do I put another $800 plus whatever is down the road or time to trade it in?

[Sulaco]

http://www.4mercedes.com/


Think he sells rebuilt ones for $400.

I have a '94 C280, so the 2 of us are virtually in the same position. Only my head gasket is yet to go, and my wiring harness is just now needing to be replaced.

My girlfriend has been yelling at me to get rid of it and get something else for nearly a year, but she just doesn't understand. Spend the money the Benz needs and have a still-great car, or sell the benz and get a lesser car (merely to avoid the repair costs). Yeah eventually more things will break on the Benz, just like on the Honda. But which is worth it to fix?

[crit1]

I already checked out http://www.4mercedes.com/
and their rebuilt throttle actuator is now $550 (they haven't updated their website). This car is the nicest car I've ever owned. If I get a whatever (Honda) it will be very nice, but still not as nice as the Benz.