[jonnyj]

Hi, I am considering a 1999 or 2000 ML320, I have driven Audi's for over 10 years, and I still own 2 a 1995 A6 2.8 and a 2000 A6 4.2, I am going to sell the 1995 A6, and put some more $ with it and buy something else. My questions is, how is the maintenece on the 99's and 00's ML320's are they headaches, I know Audi's are VERY exspensive and have a lot of annoying problems, I want something that will hopefully be a little less maintenece than Audi's. Please let me know if this is a vehicle to consider, or are they lots of problems, and what are the common area problems.
thanks to you all.

 

[dakat]

First of all I wouldn't buy a V-6 no matter who built it. I have liked to believe they have a subtle vibration in them that makes other parts fail. I would only buy a V-8. If you could find a 2000 430 that was starmarked and could buy an extended warranty on it plus the starmark warrany it would be a better start for you. I had a 2000 430 that I traded in on an 05 500SE that was good as new. It was a little hard on brakes (23k back and 35k fronts) but other than that it was perfect for 45,000 miles! I had the fuel pump/filter upgrade done under warranty by the dealer. Anyway it sold right away. I always got 18 to 20 MPG and the power was great for keeping out of trouble on the freeways. Just my 2 cents! Thanks! [8D]

 

[elladdin]

Hello,
I think you are thinking in the right direction but think you also need to know that headaches MLs come with. Please spend some time on this forum reading through post. I would however like to caution that
some people exaggerate and others flat out hate the ML. Well they might speak from their experiences. Mine, though short(8 mths) has been good. I have a '99ML 430. I must agree that it helps keep me out of trouble on the highways. They ride good compared to other SUVs. However if you are like me who came from a Lexus GS sedan, you would find the ride a little bumby and less responsive. I like it though and would recommend it to anyone who does not mind 14-16 miles per gallon of premium gasoline.

elladdin

 

[Express]

i would recommend a newer model ML, possibly 2001 or 2002, 98s and 99s have a real terrible history compared wiht the newer years

 

[dakat]

To Elladdin:
Thanks for your input. For years I drove GM 4WD vehicles. I think the 2 ML's I've owned were the most reponsive 4800# vehicles I've driven. You can't compare them to a sedan. I don't feel safe in a sedan, only in an SUV with a frame under it. That's why I bought an 05 500SE and not waited for a 2006! I'm retired and have gas money, as I don't have or want a motorhome. I dearly love my 05 and is better built than my 2000, but you're right it loves gas. As for the newbee who started this thread, I have no idea where you're from, but my old 430 is for sale at the dealer in Fresno Ca. who bought it from my dealer. The stock # is 10780 and it is a good truck for the money, as I gave it the best of care when I had it!! Thanks guys! [8D]

 

[sosh]

Anything is better than an Audi. In my estimation they are garbage. The earlier ML's should be fine, if you get one that has been taken care of BY A DEALER so that it received all the upgraded parts that are available. There is nothing wrong with the V6, in my estimation it is bullet proof. I have owned an ML320 and a 500. Have enjoyed them both and even with the 98 I had I felt it was very reliable.Yes, 02 on up have lots of new neat features and improvements but there is nothing wrong with an older ML. Buy a low mile vehicle with a dealer service history.