gesundbenz

Consumer Reports has the GL Class in general in the "worst of the worst" used cars !! (p. 181 CR Buying Guide 2013). It's also on page 187 as a "Used Car to Avoid" (GL-Class '07-'09, '11).
Any thoughts from current owners? I'm considering an '08 GL320CDI with only 59K miles selling for $33K. I really like the space inside for 7 passengers and the exterior styling plus the economy of a diesel but will I encounter expensive repairs?? I go to an independent Benz mechanic in my area for service.
Thanks to all for your help.

alx

consumer report is a whiny "out there" publication out of touch with reality.

search the forum. you will have your answers.

bselph

I have a 2008 GL320 with 151,000 miles, P2 with leather and 18" wheels. I have been extremely happy with it. There are reports of problems with several things but I have not experienced any of them except the steering rack. Mine started leaking(not dripping on the ground) about 60K miles and the dealer told me to just keep filling it. It leaked for about 50K miles and quit. It has not leaked since and I have no issues. Only thing I have done is regular maintenance/brakes once at 92K miles/front air shocks at 102K miles and 2 sets of tires after the crappy Pirellis that came on it lasted 24K miles. I am now ready for a 3rd set.
The only thing I am not happy with is the window trim finish peeling. I am going to get some polished stainless to replace it.
I would check the service record on the vehicle you are looking at and be sure all has been done. Maybe I have been lucky but I have no plans to upgrade to a newer vehicle.

JimBarnhart

The thing with all these reliability ratings is they usually measure service trips per 1000 miles or something similar. These GL's have a lot of gadgets and safety features. As a result there is more to go wrong with them and people experience more trips to the dealer. When something does go wrong parts are expensive.

Some have issues, most don't. I agree with bselph, get the service records, that will tell you how your vehicle has 1) been maintained and 2) what issues it's seen.

Fourdiesel

There is a LOT of stuff CU DOESN'T tell you.
Like the sample size (of the '08 GL 320 CDI cars they based their conclusions on)
Like the number of their members (and remember they have been pushing Japanese imports HARD for many years with good ratings) buying GL320 CDIs
Like the fact that they base their ratings (or so they have said) on reports FROM their members. [What percent of their subscribers would buy a brand / class of car CU thinks so poorly about - and how long would they remain a member?]
Like the statistical confidence level of the basis data for those ratings?
Don't worry overly much about what CU says.

carpersn

Notice you are in NC, and I am about to sell my loaded 07 with 45k miles with MB extended warranty thru next Feb when my new GL arrives-end of this month. I'm asking $32 and the purchase would go thru the dealer (no markup) so that I can trade the car and not pay capital gains. It has never had an issue besides the replacement of the air cooler hoses at 1000 miles under recall. Anyone interested just let me know.
Thanks.

gesundbenz

I'd love to see some pictures. I see yours is Black/Mac. right?

carpersn

Yes-will try to get some pics for you...

a2j

Do it. Its no Toyota (not as reliable), but still a very nice vehicle. We love it. There could be some issues with it and if you can do DIY fixes, its really no big deal.

mabruteam

Mine got now 108000 miles... got the steering rack done, brakes, tires, battery, but I am very happy with this vehicle, my old R320 2006 was sold at 189K miles, engine was perfect, back air shocks got replaced at 150K miles, 4matic service sensors just after that... we have at home a GLK350 2011, an SL500 2003, and a 1995 e320 wagon with 188K miles, this car is very economical to keep like new, in my business I have 3 sprinters 2009, 2010, 2011, same engines as the gl320, I follow forums, I service my own cars, use only the best oil recommended by Mercedes, love Mercedes!

gesundbenz

Thanks to all who have replied so far! Your input has been very helpful!

N_Jay

Got mine at 96k, now at 106K.
Put on the glow plug controller $132 myself.
About to do rear brakes myself (about $200).
Keeping fingers crossed and love'n every mile.

KipF

My 08 GL320 P2 has 81K on it. So far, VERY reliable with the exception of the typical repairs that seem prevalent with them: Airmatic pump needed to be replaced around 65K and it's now in for a steering rack. Fortunately, it's still under extended warranty. Other than these 2 items, we have had no problems with it at all. It's been a great vehicle.