retho78

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and looking to get some insight on the GL450 SUV. I was looking online and saw few that I was interested in and saw a 2009 with 69K for sale. I wanted to check out with current owners before I jump in to a conclusion of purchasing it. How are these vehicles overall, handling, reliability...etc? What's the average miles per gallon? What I might need to consider checking before or after purchase. Any tips would be great full.


Thank you in advance.

BlownV8

Awesome SUV. I've owned mine for around 8 years and 200k miles. Handles great for an SUV and even better with wider rims and tires. You will need to replace the trans valve body, all air struts, window trim moulding, cam plugs if they weren't already replaced and a few minor things here and there over the next 50 to 70k miles.

Miles will depend on tires, wheels, driving style andcity/hwy driving. I average 16.3 with 22" wheels and 305/40 tires. I averaged 17.7 with the stock 19" wheels and tires.

retho78

What happens with the window trim body, trans valve body and cam plugs on these vehicle? Are they known to go out bad quickly?

retho78

Also, on 2009 model did it have the trans valve body problems or was it just the 2007 year models that had the problem?

retho78

Okay, thanks. I'm guessing the trans valve body issues were commonly in 2007 models. I know the air suspension issues are common for this type of vehicle and depending how many miles and how well it's taken care of.

BlownV8

I believe they all have the same issue. Not sure if or when it was addressed. My guess is that they will all suffer the same fate.

BlownV8

Airbag issues have nothing to do with how well it's taken care of.

retho78

okay...thanks.

retho78

Are you talking about the air ride suspension airbags or the airbags in the car....confused?

BlownV8

Airmatic suspension airbags.

retho78

Okay thank you. How are the 2011, 2012 model, are they the same design or have a better airmatics suspension system? Better reliability?

retho78

Well, my wife and I went to a dealership just to look at few preowned GLs and she didn't like the looks of it. She loved the newer design (2013 to current) instead, specially the GL550. I guess I'll have to wait for now and look for something else.

Thank you.

BlownV8

Of course she would like the new $100k model.......

islandbeef

Yeah, surprise surprise....huh?

"Does it come with Louis Vuitton bag too?"