[Mango7]

Hello everyone,

I am in the market for a ML55. My first exposure to one was when I was given one as a loaner car while my beautiful (but POS) CLK430 was in for the 12th time in 2 years. I swore I'd never buy another MB...

So here I am looking at the ML55 Bourbon deisigno version. We originally were surprised at how refined it looked in comparison with other MLs. So now the wife and I are looking at one thats a good 800 miles away. The lot that's selling it is OK with a MB inspection, but the ML has had some rear-end damage that is imperceptible to see in the photos. He says that MB looked at it and gave it their blessing This SUV isn't too expensive, so the repaired damage (if it isn't discernable) doesn't concern me.

Would it be a silly idea to have a MB dealership look it over and if it gets the OK, have the seller ship it to me after discussing its condition with the inspecting mechanic? Any response is appreciated!

Regards,

Curt

 

[Bogie]

800 miles is too far away in my opinion. I think you will get what you ask for if you don't do this right. 1.) Go see the truck. Whatever it cost to fly there is cheaper than what it will cost you to get out of it if it's a POS. Just a few months ago, n5151ts posted that he had done just what you're proposing. His ML55 came with a bumper to bumper warranty. He took a costly bath and sold it in a couple of months in discuss. It would not be a waste of your time to search and read his post sequentially.

I'm not suggesting that this ML is a POS, but whatever you do to save the trouble of going to see it, isn't going to save you any trouble at all!

 

[Kajtek1]

I bought several vehicles long-distance but had only 2 versions.
1. don't put any money till you see the vehicle (meaning you fly with cash in hands and have return ticket)
2. buy vehicle very cheap assuming the worst.
Even honest people "don't see" the sticking door, that they have been kicking for last 3 years
I bought Designo cognac after my wife got rear-ended in her ML320. Love the 2-tone seats.
Wouldn't worry about structural damage to the 163 frame. Hers ML320 took direct hit at 40 mph from same-weight BMW X5 and while beamer was used for razor blades, the only damaged member on ML frame was collapsible rear bumper reinforcement.
Bear in mind, that ML55 is sport vehicle and offers hars ride.
Good luck.

 

[Mango7]

Thanks, Gentlemen, and sorry for the late response!

I strongly agree now that I must see the car first, no doubt. I will have to fly out there, but there's one in Boston that I'm going to check out this weekend. It looks great, but its in a crappy looking car lot

Love the black cherry designo (Bourbon) color scheme too! My wife just hates the way the rear looks compared to the X5

Will keep you posted, and thanks again!

Curt

 

[Bogie]

What? She hates the rear? I think the ML has a very sexy ass!

Which lot in Boston?

 

[Kajtek1]

Actually pouting a deposit on ML back in 1997 when it come on the market, I noticed how many other manufacturers copied it's rear. Lot of Jeeps looks the same from some distance.