Benz advice

[Throckmorton]

The concensus is true, that's a terrible vehicle financially/reliability wise.

For about the same $, a decent Cherokee with the 4.0 can be had. Not as shiny a badge, but more robust and far cheaper to operate.

I hope you mean Grand Cherokee because the Cherokee isn't comparable. And the 4.0 is a terrible engine. Go with the 4.7 for better gas mileage and power.

 

[exdeath]

Used F-15?

 

[Zenmervolt]

Lots and lots of words with only very selective answers.

That's fantastic. But you still haven't told us how much you spent on repairs in total during the two years you owned it.

And zero failures at low mileage (and yes, 110,000 miles is low mileage) isn't unreasonable. Aside from a PCV service my '98 Volvo didn't have a single non-scheduled-maintenance problem until around 150,000 miles (early last year) when the rear main seal let go. The power locks still work, the power seats are perfect, all of the "bells and whistles" are still fine, even after all that time.

Hell, even on the 1986 951 all the interior bits still work. After 26 years the automatic climate control still works perfectly, the power seats are fine, the power windows are fine, the sunroof operates smoothly and without a hitch. The power locks and mirrors function flawlessly and even the electronic release for the rear hatch is still perfect.

It is NOT normal to have things like power locks failing at such low mileage, especially not when the failures are occurring with regularity. Yes, a one-off failure is to be expected once a car gets past around 130,000 to 140,000 miles, but continuous problems are not in any way normal.

In any case, you've blown past my point. You don't buy a used Mercedes from the early 2000s just because it "happened to catch your eye" on a used car lot for the same reason that you'd have to be an idiot to buy a 951 just because it "happened to catch your eye."

These vehicles are money pits. And for some of us that's OK for the rewards we get from them. That's fine. If you are buying a car like this, you need to specifically want it and know what you're getting into. You need to be committed to taking care of them and to fixing all the crap that the previous owner screwed up. I know, I know, "expensive cars are well-maintained" and all that. For the first owner, maybe (often these are bought as status symbols by people who have no mechanical sensitivity and who don't pay much attention to maintenance at all unless a light comes on). But cars in the $5,000 to $6,000 range are almost never 1-owner vehicles. Usually they've been through a second owner already; someone who bought the car thinking it was a bargain and didn't realize how expensive it was to maintain, so they put things off and start taking the car to places like Jiffy Lube. By the time a car like this is down to $5,000, the probability is that it's looking for its 3rd or 4th owner and there has been a lot of indifferent maintenance in the past.

None of this is saying that the ML series are bad vehicles. I'm absolutely certain that they're a blast to drive, my friend's CLK430 certainly was. But that doesn't make it a wise choice for someone who is worried more about reliability than about a badge. I'm right with you on the benefits of fun vehicles even if they require more in repairs than a lesser vehicle might, but it's important to realize that there are, in fact, trade-offs being made and that no matter how much we may love a certain car, that doesn't mean everyone should buy one and make the same trade-offs we made.

ZV

 

[EagleKeeper]

Used F-15?

In the hanger cave dug into the back yard cliff - in case needed (Red Dawn):
The National Geological Service gets a call from McOwen every couple of months because of the earthquake happening when I turn over the engines. :biggrin:

You guys think that getting 4 wheels to 200mph is fun; try getting 5 wheels to 1500mph:whiste:

 

[heymrdj]

The power door locks on the ML were a bit unusual. They would tend to stick. When one door lock stuck (would not go either up or down) it caused a problem with all the door locks. The body computer kept trying to either lock or unlock all the door locks to correct the faulty door lock actuator. The actuators were about $250 each from Mercedes, but could be repaired by doing some disassembly and lubrication. On my particular MB, I had 3 of the 4 door locks require maintenance. That is what I meant by my statement that the power locks always go out. If you check MB web sites, you will also see this is a very common problem for the ML series in this year range.

Zero failures at 110,000 miles on a 2000 model vehicle? What world do you live in? These vehicles are loaded with bells and whistles. The more bells and whistles the higher the probability of failure, especially on a 2000 model vehicle.

All cars require parts and maintenance during ownership. Whether it is a battery, oil and filter, brakes or wiper blades. Some items are normal maintenance and others are extended repairs such as axles, water pump, or power door locks. Fortunately, on my ML, excluding normal maintenance, I was able to sell my vehicle for what I paid for it without any extended repairs. These vehicles are designed to and can go into the 200 or 300 thousand, or more, mile range without major repairs.

I often compared my ML430 to a high performance tank. Mine originally sold for around $50,000 dollars. It has great creature features, 4 wheel drive, 5 speed transmission, was Motor Trends 1998 Truck of the year beating out the Volvo and Cherokee, 8.4 inches of ground clearance for its 4 wheel drive, and handles like a sports car. Its 5000 pound towing capacity is great for about anything. If you find a fully loaded ML with the Bose sound system with 6 disc CD changer in the rear, built in Digital StarTAC phone, Power Skyview Top, or third row seat, you found a nice one. But the best feature is that it is a Mercedes Benz. A very special status driving this car, and for how much? Normally you can find these cars for less than $7000. This is about the best bang for the buck you can get.

Even better if you can find an ML550 or ML63, or perhaps an AMG version. These are more rare and obviously more expensive, but can be found with some looking. I had to drive 300 miles to get the exact one I wanted after about a month of searching.

The bottom line is: Yes these are fine automobiles and people who own them normally take care of them, meaning you can often find a well taken care of vehicle.

EDIT: Wow Tapatalk really broke my reply. I was saying that a 7 year old car really doesn't hold any status. IMHO the cars hold value for about the time it takes to pay off their loan. By that point they look just about like every other car. Part of their luxury value is the changes made in the generations of the car, the uniqueness of the redesigns. I don't think "oohh look at that" when someones driving an E34. I think wow that's an old car.

 

[SparkyJJO]

<shrug> my current vehicle came off a used car lot and it's been fine aside from typical maintenance and a couple stupid problems recently (which have no bearing on where it was purchased). My parents have gotten almost all their cars from used lots and have usually done fine.

Don't know why people think a used car from a private seller is going to be that much better than a lot. Both could be honest or downright scumbags.

 

[Raizinman]

<shrug> my current vehicle came off a used car lot and it's been fine aside from typical maintenance and a couple stupid problems recently (which have no bearing on where it was purchased). My parents have gotten almost all their cars from used lots and have usually done fine.

Don't know why people think a used car from a private seller is going to be that much better than a lot. Both could be honest or downright scumbags.

No, No, No. ALL cars from used car lots are trouble and scams. Likewise, all Mercedes Benz ML series from 10 or so years old are all trouble and will cost you lots and lots of money. Stay away from both!!! This is called sarcasm. Neither is true.

 

[Doppel]

Never buy a car from a used car dealer. You usually have no idea of the cars' history. Used cars should only be purchased from the original owner, perhaps a second owner, with full maintenance history.

Has a person who has bought several used cars and sold a few I can tell you that I have never, ever bought a car with a history of maintenance (they are thrown out immediately by any used car salesman, and this includes if bought at a dealership, so that there is no info attached to the previous owner). Also, although I've always kept histories I'm absolutely positive that they are all thrown out the second I get rid of the car unless it goes to a private party.

In the end it's nice to have but very difficult in practice to buy a used car with a full history and you could be searching a long time to find it. It massively limits the number of cars you can buy.

I'd walk on basically any car that is being sold WITH problems. There is a reason they have them. Why haven't they fixed them, since those problems are depressing the price? If they are minor, why not deal with them? I have a neighbor who has been trying to sell a vehicle, at a very low price, for months. It has just a couple "small" problems, but I am sure it's scaring away buyers hugely because he's too stupid to get them fixed and then get a real price for it.

 

[Raizinman]

Has a person who has bought several used cars and sold a few I can tell you that I have never, ever bought a car with a history of maintenance (they are thrown out immediately by any used car salesman, and this includes if bought at a dealership, so that there is no info attached to the previous owner). Also, although I've always kept histories I'm absolutely positive that they are all thrown out the second I get rid of the car unless it goes to a private party.

In the end it's nice to have but very difficult in practice to buy a used car with a full history and you could be searching a long time to find it. It massively limits the number of cars you can buy.

I'd walk on basically any car that is being sold WITH problems. There is a reason they have them. Why haven't they fixed them, since those problems are depressing the price? If they are minor, why not deal with them? I have a neighbor who has been trying to sell a vehicle, at a very low price, for months. It has just a couple "small" problems, but I am sure it's scaring away buyers hugely because he's too stupid to get them fixed and then get a real price for it.

Good points. My standard advice for all used car buyers, doesn't matter where the car came from is:

1) Have a good mechanic drive and check the car over. Should take at least an hour.
2) Run a CarFAX

This isn't a guarantee, but should catch most of the problem(s).

 

[The Boston Dangler]

buying that merc truck would be as bad as buying a 1981 corvette

 

[manimal]

buying that merc truck would be as bad as buying a 1981 corvette

zing! lol

 

[Arkaign]

I hope you mean Grand Cherokee because the Cherokee isn't comparable. And the 4.0 is a terrible engine. Go with the 4.7 for better gas mileage and power.

Is this a troll post?

(1)- The Cherokee nor the Grand Cherokee is truly comparable to a Mercedes, but they are SUVs with similar room and are both cheaper to operate by far, despite the less flashy badge.

(2)- Fuel economy? What The 4.0 gets slightly better fuel economy than the 4.7. Not a lot better, but a little better, and slightly better than the older ML models referenced in the OP.

(3)- The 4.0 is a terrible engine? By what standard? I don't know anyone who's had one that isn't over 200k on one yet. The 4.7 isn't a poor engine at all, but the 4.0 is well known in the Jeep community to be a tank of a motor. I've been in a local Jeep club for 22 years, and have never heard anyone who seriously thought the 4.0 was anything but solid. Power wise, the 4.7 is a bit better, but not hugely so, I like the ease of maintenance on the I6 myself. Things are a lot tighter to access on the 4.7 GCs, and more complicated electronics as well. I may be looking at it a bit skewed, as we see a lot more XJs beating down the trails (even 4 diamond ones in the wet!) than GCs. The GC is a step above the Liberty in respect to off road and durability chops, but the XJs are at least not laughed at by the YJ/TJ/JK crowd.

 

[Chris A]

I remember the first time I took my SLK in for a oil change and they quoted me $150.00. I laughed at first and drove away. Doing it myself didn't save too much either when you pay about $15 for filter and then buy 9.5 quarts of Mobil 1 0/40.

They do have good coffee in the waiting room though.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Update:

Stopped by the site this afternoon on way to lunch. Did not go into client today.

Exchange with owner (Russian) is as follows:

"Do you have a CarFax on the white 4x4 Benz out front?

"Ve do not have a CarFax"

"Will you provide a CarFax"

"Ve do not use CarFax"

Stage Left to get my lunch. Sucker Count - 1

 

[Throckmorton]

Is this a troll post?

(1)- The Cherokee nor the Grand Cherokee is truly comparable to a Mercedes, but they are SUVs with similar room and are both cheaper to operate by far, despite the less flashy badge.

(2)- Fuel economy? What The 4.0 gets slightly better fuel economy than the 4.7. Not a lot better, but a little better, and slightly better than the older ML models referenced in the OP.

(3)- The 4.0 is a terrible engine? By what standard? I don't know anyone who's had one that isn't over 200k on one yet. The 4.7 isn't a poor engine at all, but the 4.0 is well known in the Jeep community to be a tank of a motor. I've been in a local Jeep club for 22 years, and have never heard anyone who seriously thought the 4.0 was anything but solid. Power wise, the 4.7 is a bit better, but not hugely so, I like the ease of maintenance on the I6 myself. Things are a lot tighter to access on the 4.7 GCs, and more complicated electronics as well. I may be looking at it a bit skewed, as we see a lot more XJs beating down the trails (even 4 diamond ones in the wet!) than GCs. The GC is a step above the Liberty in respect to off road and durability chops, but the XJs are at least not laughed at by the YJ/TJ/JK crowd.

It's not a troll post. I've had both a 1999 WJ and a 1999 XJ. I got better gas mileage with the WJ. The 4.0 lasts a long time but it's ancient technology that isn't good at miles per gallon.

My dad has the WJ now and in 6 years it hasn't required any repairs on the engine!