Hi folks... I'm thinking about picking up a used ML. I have my eye on a 98 ML320 with 60k on the odometer. The truck looks to be in pretty mint condition. My only concern is the mileage. How are these trucks holding up as far as mileage goes? I reviewed on edmunds and it seems like people either had no problems or had horror stories! I put a bunch of miles on my cars and would like to keep this next one for a few years. Do you think it's worth paying the extra money for a newer one?
Sorry if this topic has been posted before - I'm just looking for some advice and any help you folks could give would be great.
If reliability and maintenance/repair costs are going to be issues for you, you probably should look somewhere else. If you can afford a newer model (02+; many upgrades that year, better reliability in later vehicles), that's your best bet. Buying an extended warranty, Starmark or aftermarket, is a good idea too. Hope this helps.
Jeff
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Her Car: 03 ML 350; Silver/Charcoal; Inspiration Edition; Heated Seats; Sunroof; Third Row; Bose Stereo; OEM Bug Deflector; Manik Black Nerf Bars
l have to agree..stay clear of the 98 ML 320's...with all due respect to some of the other forum member's...That year ML has not shown me the reliabilty and dependabilty, to invest that kind of money...go with at least a 2000, many upgrades and much more sound..in a perfect world, even go with a 2002 model......
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1999 : Black Opal ML 430 : 125,000 KM (traded-in)
2002 : Bordeaux AMG ML 55 : 130,000 KM (traded-in)
2006 : Silver lridium ML 350 : 53,000 KM (stolen)
2006 : Cubanite Silver ML 350 : 24,000 KM
Go for at least a 2002 model or higher, it seems that most of the earlier problems were ironed out by then. If not make sure you have a good warranty in place
Actually he should pull the repair records for the truck to see if the problem issues were taken care of by the previous owner. If the fixes have been done then I think a 98 would be fine. My 98 has been virtually problem free for over 2 years apart from normal maintenance such as brake pads, oil changes and such.
Based on what people complain about on this board it does not seem that Mercedes took care of the numerous major issues although they addressed many minor ones.
Lastly, according to Wolfgangs chart it seems the 98's were mechanically better than the later years and in my case I would have to support the fact that my cars been mechanically excellent for the last few years.
Of course in a perfect world who wouldn't want the new car......... Of course if that was an option he wouldn't be looking at a 98.
Just curious, what price range are they offering the car at, if you don't mind saying.
I think the JD Power chart is for the "initial rating," which tracks satisfaction up to 90(?) days after purchase. Consumer Reports is a much better guide for the long term.
I have a 1998 ML-320. It is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned, and Mercedes is at least as bad as any other car company in taking care of their customers,and the repair part prices are excessive. I expected so much more from Mercedes. My vehicle is having some rough shifting problem now. as soon as I get this fixed I'm trading it in for a Lexus RX 330. I now have about 65,000 miles on the ML-320, with all the usual problems. The reliability is so bad I can't trust it for any trips out of town
Actually he should pull the repair records for the truck to see if the problem issues were taken care of by the previous owner. If the fixes have been done then I think a 98 would be fine. My 98 has been virtually problem free for over 2 years apart from normal maintenance such as brake pads, oil changes and such.
Based on what people complain about on this board it does not seem that Mercedes took care of the numerous major issues although they addressed many minor ones.
Lastly, according to Wolfgangs chart it seems the 98's were mechanically better than the later years and in my case I would have to support the fact that my cars been mechanically excellent for the last few years.
Of course in a perfect world who wouldn't want the new car......... Of course if that was an option he wouldn't be looking at a 98.
What he said!
[:D][8D][8D][8D]
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_______________ '08 Acura MDX w/ Tech package
Previously - '98 ML320 - 285k miles in 7 years
I think that bigcatny said it best. I also agree with the general sentiment that the newer, the better, due to incremental improvements that MB made over the years.
You also said that you drive alot of miles. I think that it was in 2002, when MB made improvements to the seats. This can make a big difference!
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