2008 Mercedes ML350
- Thread starter itsbob
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Larry Gude
Strung Out
I'd take a serious look at a RAV4 before paying $45,000 for the ML.
In that class I'd look at Ford, too. Supposedly, they've turned the corner quality wise.
In that class I'd look at Ford, too. Supposedly, they've turned the corner quality wise.
bcp
In My Opinion
Rav4 is certainly not a POS, however guessing his desire with the choice, I am assuming that he is looking for more than the Rav4 can give him in creature comforts.
Personally, I would go for the 09 3500 DRW diesel, few more bucks than he wants to spend but the mileage for the size is outstanding. Ride may be a bit slack for him though.
Larry Gude
Strung Out
Fine by me. I'm all for whatever folks want. All I am pointing out is that I do know the RAV4 to be a very solid, quality vehicle.
If I understood his goal to be the $40 k plus category, I wouldn't have added the RAV4; I'd have suggested looking at Highlander, another great car I personally know.
BadGirl
I am so very blessed
We found this suv: used, less than 19K miles, for less than $30K (taking in to consideration our trade-in), in absolutely pristine condition.
We've been thinking about a new/newer vehicle for some time now, so this isn't an impulsive purchase. We've been all over the board from a two-seater convertible, a four-seater convertible, to a 4-door truck, to a SmartCar, to this vehicle.
The good thing is that we don't *need* a vehicle at this time, we want it. But the reality is that my current vehicle is a 2002 with 119K miles on it, and won't last forever. Do we replace it while we can still get a reasonable trade-in, or do we wait 'till it's a pile of nuts and bolts stranding me on the side of the road?
I haven't had a car payment in a year and a half, and I really like not having one. This purchase, obviously, changes that.
Your opinion?
We've been thinking about a new/newer vehicle for some time now, so this isn't an impulsive purchase. We've been all over the board from a two-seater convertible, a four-seater convertible, to a 4-door truck, to a SmartCar, to this vehicle.
The good thing is that we don't *need* a vehicle at this time, we want it. But the reality is that my current vehicle is a 2002 with 119K miles on it, and won't last forever. Do we replace it while we can still get a reasonable trade-in, or do we wait 'till it's a pile of nuts and bolts stranding me on the side of the road?
I haven't had a car payment in a year and a half, and I really like not having one. This purchase, obviously, changes that.
Your opinion?
T
toppick08
Guest
Larry Gude
Strung Out
Since 2003, I've gotten a new vehicle every three years; leases. I'd had my fill of high mile cars with every little thing in the world that no longer worked, wondering how much longer the rear or tranny or engine would hold up, etc.
Now, the idea of not having payments sounds really nice...given a good used car. My '07 Tacoma is done next February but I'm thinking about keeping this one. I have a trust level with Toyotas, especially one I've had since it was new.
My dad has an '06 Tahoe and it just feels and rides like a nearly 4 year old American car; the drive train makes noise, all the tight new car feel is gone.
BG, you just gotta decide between having the payment v. how much you trust your old one. Low 100,000's isn't all that bad, especially if the maintenance has been kept up.
BadGirl
I am so very blessed
Try to find a used diesel ANYthing.
NOT an easy task. The ML 320 comes in CDI.. but for comparison purposes Carmax had several 08 ML350 only ONE 2008 diesel.. for $10,000 more.
And the Tourareg diesel. Haven't found one yet.
If I had a choice, I'd go with diesel.
There are two things drawing us in, one the sticker price is good, AND they want to give us $7500 trade on the Explorer.
BoyGenius
Cyber Bully Victim
I would recommend a tough comparison between the new and used price. I've seen this dealer over the last 6 months give some horrendous markdowns on new vehicles:
New Mercedes Benz Car Specials: New car, lease, auto finance specials, Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis Annapolis, Maryland
Mercedes has a huge backlog of new vehicles for sale and I've seen markdowns range from 4k on the base model low-end vehicles up to 20k on mid range vehicles like you are looking at.
With the sales tax credit from the stimulus, the diesel tax credit, and the near zero interest rates from Mercedes, the deals are pretty hot.
Qualified Advanced Lean-Burn Technology Vehicles
I highly recommend their diesels. They're very quiet, don't smoke, and don't smell.
If you visit, talk to Derek Nedd, he will hook you up and treat you like royalty.
MileOne Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis - Mercedes Benz, Service or Auto Body - Dealership Ratings
bcp
In My Opinion
The RAV4 is a good SUV type vehicle, I know a few people that have them, not one serious complaint from any of them.
Im just saying that when it comes to comfort and design, it does not compare with the Mercedes, but then, its not supposed to.
I would certainly go with diesel, 100k on a well maintained diesel is pretty much just broke in. People on the Diesel forum I frequent are showing 400k+ and still towing with their GM and Fords (dodge not so much)
That Tacoma you have should last well into the 200k range if its taken care of, and I suspect it is. Matter of fact, Toyota is introducing a new 1 ton DRW with a diesel that I think is going to take a big market share from the big three in that area. Mileage estimates are a bit low for it however.
My 3500 now has 62k on it, still has that new truck feel to it (including the feel of every pebble on the highway) as far as creature comforts, other than ride quality, the Mercedes has nothing that my truck doesnt have. I have A/C with personal controls for driver, passenger and back seat riders, I have the tv/dvd, all the gauges, sunroof, memory seats, heated seats, XM and Onstar Phone etc... and to me, its more comfortable to ride in due to the size inside. Parking it at a store is a pain in the ass though.
The main advantages of the diesel are power, torque and mileage. with my 3500DRW on the open road (not towing) I average right around 23~24 mpg, weekly back and forth to work I average around 18.
Wifes Jetta TDI is coming in with a solid 49 mpg back and forth to work for her. long highway trips we have seen 59 mpg. Comfort is good once you are in it but the in and out process requires a shoe horn and some silicone spray.
I just like big pickups, if you have a pickup it should be able to carry or tow anything that you think you might want to throw in it or hook it up to.
so, take all of my thoughts into consideration given the choices presented, I would seriously look at the Mercedes, but I would see if it came with a diesel option.
Im just saying that when it comes to comfort and design, it does not compare with the Mercedes, but then, its not supposed to.
I would certainly go with diesel, 100k on a well maintained diesel is pretty much just broke in. People on the Diesel forum I frequent are showing 400k+ and still towing with their GM and Fords (dodge not so much)
That Tacoma you have should last well into the 200k range if its taken care of, and I suspect it is. Matter of fact, Toyota is introducing a new 1 ton DRW with a diesel that I think is going to take a big market share from the big three in that area. Mileage estimates are a bit low for it however.
My 3500 now has 62k on it, still has that new truck feel to it (including the feel of every pebble on the highway) as far as creature comforts, other than ride quality, the Mercedes has nothing that my truck doesnt have. I have A/C with personal controls for driver, passenger and back seat riders, I have the tv/dvd, all the gauges, sunroof, memory seats, heated seats, XM and Onstar Phone etc... and to me, its more comfortable to ride in due to the size inside. Parking it at a store is a pain in the ass though.
The main advantages of the diesel are power, torque and mileage. with my 3500DRW on the open road (not towing) I average right around 23~24 mpg, weekly back and forth to work I average around 18.
Wifes Jetta TDI is coming in with a solid 49 mpg back and forth to work for her. long highway trips we have seen 59 mpg. Comfort is good once you are in it but the in and out process requires a shoe horn and some silicone spray.
I just like big pickups, if you have a pickup it should be able to carry or tow anything that you think you might want to throw in it or hook it up to.
so, take all of my thoughts into consideration given the choices presented, I would seriously look at the Mercedes, but I would see if it came with a diesel option.
aps45819
24/7 Single Dad
Unless I was planning on off-roading or towing something big, I'd choose a car based vehical over a truck based vehical.
I've never been a fan of "tall" vehicles, the design seems inherently unstable, if you need the room for a growing family, there are a lot of wagons available.
I just traded my old Subaru in on a "Limited Edition" one. Leather seats, two sunroofs, very nice handling and during that last snowstorm, I was doing the speed limit going down 235 on Monday morning.
I've never been a fan of "tall" vehicles, the design seems inherently unstable, if you need the room for a growing family, there are a lot of wagons available.
I just traded my old Subaru in on a "Limited Edition" one. Leather seats, two sunroofs, very nice handling and during that last snowstorm, I was doing the speed limit going down 235 on Monday morning.
bcp
In My Opinion
The reason I started looking at the GM trucks was this very reason.
The Fords are built high, the gave me the feeling that the were going to tip on the exit ramps.
The GMs are built low, smaller tires etc.. I can take the ramps at the same speed as most cars and not feel any side to side roll.
Now that being said, I do use mine for towing, though, the 3500 is still overkill for my smallish trailer.
If I was never going to tow, or load the back with heavy stuff I would most likely go for the SUV style vehicle over the pickup. Better mileage, easier to park and drive around town.
And I doubt I will ever take my truck off road. Call me crazy but, in my mind there is just something wrong with taking a (now) 57,000 dollar truck to the mud bogs.
BoyGenius
Cyber Bully Victim
The big three has a message for you Subaru owners.
You wouldn't buy our (censored) cars - Photo Sharing!
PrepH4U
New Member
If this is at a Mercedes dealer make sure they give you 1.99% interest also. Big special they are running on pre-owned certified cars, which sounds really good to me. I heard that the other night on tv and couldn't believe it, so had to look it up. Wanna buy my highlander?
edit: the 1.99% is only for the C class, the M class is 3.99%.
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