the Brain

Hello
I'm an old forum member looking to come back to the MB world. After years of frustration from owning a 2000 ML320E I traded it in on a 2006 Honda Ridgeline which I'm still driving.......trouble free.

I'm 6'6" tall and my wife is 6'1" tall, we have tolerated the minimal leg room in the Ridgeline due to it's exceptional reliability. But as I'm getting older I'm looking for something with better leg room and seat support. Also as I'm getting near retirement I'm looking to buy something 2~3 yrs old to save some money.

We need a SUV because of where we live, therefore it will either be the GLK 250, or the ML in a diesel.

Reading Consumers Reports Magazine, they give a "Recommended" to the GLK, and a not so favourable mention to the ML line.

This is swinging me to the GLK, but deep down I would like another ML for the overall size and comfort, (seats?)

I will most likely buy from a MB dealer.

Is there anything in particular that I should be wary of when looking?
Any thoughts or suggestions for either vehicle?

thanks for your help
brian

shortspark

Let me just say I was also a 2006 Ridgeline owner. I bought it in May 2005 and sold it to a buddy of mine Sept. 2012. I never had it in the shop once and it is still going strong for my friend who took it from me here in Texas and brought it back to his home in upstate NY. It has handled the cold and terrible snows of Rochester as well as the heat of my Texas with equal aplomb. So I know what you mean by the Honda reliability. I am not as tall as you and the Ridgeline fit me like a glove. Best vehicle I have ever owned in 50 years of buying cars and trucks - until I bought my 2012 ML350 (gas version). It too has been trouble free and just a great vehicle for me, exceeding all my expectations.

I liked the ML in every way right off the bat and found the GLK to be just a bit too quirky for me. But some people like that style so it is very subjective. Even if I liked it, there is no way the GLK has the stance and presence of the ML. I don't know what to say about the diesel although I know many Canadians at this forum will have nothing else. I just have no experience with diesel. From what I have heard you will get better mileage and your towing (assuming you tow) will be more effortless. The diesel should eat up huge chunks of highway without breaking a sweat. And that low end grunt is a great thing to have, or so they say. If I get another SUV I just might try a diesel for once in my life.

What to look for? I don't know. I have had no problems in four years so I can't advise you as to problem areas. Do a search here, however, and you will find plenty of people who have reported failures of one type or another. What I can tell you is that if you choose the ML and it is a good one and well maintained, you will not be sorry. And forget the Consumer Reports ratings. No one here pays any attention to them. Let us know what car you select and good luck. PS-I will try to attach a photo of when I owned both these great vehicles (I hope it comes out!).

the Brain

thank you for your reply, it's good to hear that your ML has been trouble free.

I did some research on the forums, and like all products you mainly hear about the problems, and not the positives.

If I stay in the rural town that I'm in, the diesel is the way to go as it's about 2 hrs to a major urban area and for shopping in town we walk. However, if I decided to retire in a large city, I'm inclined to go Hybrid.

I'm not even at the kicking tire stage, still doing on line research and probably won't make a move until mid summer or fall.

thanks again and I will post what I settle with

The G Man

Consumer Reports are good for toasters and vacuum cleaners, not for cars. The ML and GLK have similar powertrains, the only reason why a GLK might be more reliable is that the ML has more complex options. With that said, if you buy a strip down ML, it should be as reliable if not more reliable than the GLK since the ML is a higher quality design. If reliability is your top priority, I would recommend buying another Japanese car.

the Brain

your right about reliability and purchasing a Japanese car, but in Canada there is no diesel option when talking Asian.

My choices are:
-VW Tourag
-BMW X3 or X5
-Mercs GKL or ML
-Audi Q7
-Jeep......not going there

Gas only for Land Rover

mikel212

If you want to buy used, consider CPO and pay a little bit more. I bought an ML 350 bluetec loaded and live in NYC. Range is awesome on highway, and better then my 07 Acura in the city. In NYC, diesel is more expensive then premium, so the trade-off isnt that great. Gassing is a pain due to the smell. Even guys in NJ fuel the car with gloves on.

CPO comes with 1 yr warranty so any issues can be fixed.

Mercedes know how to make diesel engines...without a doubt...100k miles...but concerns are: DEF heater, oil cooler (poor gasket design on older models), and some particulate filter thingy. Because the car has sooooo many electronics and everything is controlled by computers, electronics like many modern cars are prone fail, or have issues. However, when I researched the ML, there wasnt anything to look out for, or had a higher tendency to break. On newer models, cost to maintain and repair is high, but actually less when compared to BMW and AUDI.

Between bluetec and 4matic, I'm still on the fence. There are pros and cons to both, I'll know which side if I ever get a $1,300 bill for a $10 gasket due to an oil leak.

the Brain

Still haven't had the chance to drive a newer ML or GLK as the closest dealer is 2 hrs away.

But I did try a used 2014 Acura MDX. Apparently Acura recommends premium fuel for best performance, but it is not mandatory as some other makes, rated at 7.7 Ltre per 100 Kms highway(as per Transport Canada). Which puts it on par with the Merc's diesels.

I found the seating very comfortable, the electric steering light, very quiet to drive, but I didn't care for the 3rd row of seating and its not removable. Price is about $10,000 Cdn less than a 2014 ML with similar mileage.

Very tempting, but I'm going to wait until I drive an ML or GLK.
thanks all
brian

mikel212

I miss my MDX. I gave it to my in-laws and saw it yesterday. The trunk is huge compared to my ML350. The car lengths are about the same, so I dont know where Acura came up with the trunk space. The seats are like a broken-in leather recliner, both front and rear seats. While the back row seats are nice to have, even only for kids, I dont trust them and would never put my kids in them, especially after seeing how unsafe 3rd rows are in the event you get rear ended by a truck. We are talking about trunk bumper making contact with 3rd row headrests.

Maintenance and parts on an Acura is pretty reasonable. For example, locking lug nuts from HONDA will fit Acura at 1/2 the price. Oil change for Acura is less then $50 vs. Mercedes' $130. The basic technology is pretty close between the two, except MB will have options (bells/whistle) that make it more luxurious.

You may think I'm nuts, but I if someone I know has a 2016 Pilot, I may be interested in taking it for a drive. It looks very close to an MDX and on the higher models, share similar technology like the SHAWD. Might make a great soccer-mom car, and not worry so much about shopping cart bumps and scratches.

Potrice

If you're 6'6, I highly recommend the ML350 and NOT the GLK. I'm 6'5 and went for a test drive for the GLK with my wife (she's 5'1 lol) about 8 months ago. Everything was spot on...until my wife suggest we try the backseats....ouch. 0 legroom. The GLK was now out of the question.

Then we tried the ML350 bluetec (diesel). The difference with the GLK was day and night. The legroom is insane and the ride was slightly more comfortable.

If you don't have kids and don't plan to have any passengers sit in the backseat, then the GLK will be fine. However, if you want more comfort and more legroom, then go with the ML350. For us, it wasn't even a close decision.

Go try them out. My 2 cents.

Potrice

rtw_travel

We bought our 2012 privately a year and a half ago and have had no troubles.

We were lucky because the guy we bought it from was going to keep the car 'forever', so he had 3m paint protection, a full set of snow tires, and he bought the extended 6 yr/ 160,000km factory warranty. It only had 24000 km, so was essentially brand new, all for less cost than a similar car at a dealership. And no accidents/ no repainting.

If I had to buy again, i'd look for an accident free car with the options you want with at least some of the bumper to bumper warranty left - so that you can get it fixed should you find something wrong. I'd be less fussed about buying form a dealership - the nice thing about buying privately is that you can talk to the previous owner to get a feeling of how he might have treated the car, as well as getting a list of all work done.

the Brain

Thanks all for the help. Because of my work schedule I'm not going to get an chance to do any car shopping until my July vacation. Once I try what's out there I'll post my decision.

SRNH

On the 24th of May I flew down south to pick-up a CPO '14 ML350 4matic Blue Tec. My wife and I had been searching ever since the VW TDI scandal broke the news, that's a gonner.... Over the years I've been very happy with diesels, owned (2) MB 240Ds back in the 70s + several VWs, easy to maintain, less to go wrong but I wasn't quite sure on the Blue Tec aspect. After reading about the Blue Tec Technology & additive we went for it. During my 25 hour drive back north I averaged 30 MPG @ an average speed of 75 on Interstate Roadways, nothing in Tow just me.

Having lived on the East Coast the most important aspect for me when purchasing a used vehicle it its pedigree, where was it driven and where was it maintained. I know all too well about the road chemicals used during the winter and their long term affects on metals, even with the extensive MB undercoating. Look under the hood of a vehicle and you'll see pitted aluminum. For insurance I always study the Dealer posted CARFAX, it will show how many owners, where it was registered and service performed. Gone are the days where you could fly down south and be assured you'd get a southern car, no so anymore. Lease vehicles and trade-ins can wind-up at central auction services where MB Dealers all over the US send reps to purchase their used car inventory so be sure to study that document closely.

The vehicle being CPO was important to us, if you go to a dealership ask them to see the CPO Inspection Checklist, pretty extensive, much more than say a pre-purchase inspection. As a MB CPO Vehicle you can also purchase, at the time of sale, an extension option so our vehicle is now covered under the CPO Umbrella out to 2021. If you finance the CPO Vehicle for (3) years, w/no pre-payback penalty, MB was throwing in 2 years of Schedule Maintenance coverage free, not sure if that's still running.

At first it was touch-n-go trying to investigate & identify what were the no kidding "Optional Equipment and Value Added Packages" added at the factory above the standard options all vehicles come with. Most Dealers load-up the on-line descriptions with the standards (by design I think) and you have to comb thru them to see what's on it. The Optional Equipment and Value Added Packages are identified by MB Number Designations. I'll highlight some we have on our vehicle. Somewhere along the way someone said if it comes with the #550 Trailer Hitch the radiator has a larger capacity, still don't know it that's true but ours has one. Many people rave about #319 Lighting Package, I agree it really lights-up the road as I'm getting older. If you like your music then look for the #810 Harman/Kardon LOGIC 7 Surround Sound System upgrade, on my 25 hour trip back North I played some tunes, woe..... #993 Lane Tracking Package kept me advised of cars in my blind spots on thoise very busy Beltways (crazy) and in that package the steering wheel vibrates if you wonder the lane lines, feels like you hit a rumble strip. The "P01" Package contains what I would call the enhanced driving experience equipment, to include the critical Command w/Navigation System, Back-up Camera, etc. Was really impressed with the NAV, during my drive it displayed upcoming Exits with ICONS for fuel, food and lodging, pretty slick. Haven't used the #996 Parking Assist as of yet, will be an adjustment for me. The #889 KEYLESS-GO Fob is great, just carry it with you and end the days of reaching for keys to open the doors or start the vehicle, good security feature. I have several more but this is too long already, just be sure to research all the Optional Equipment and Packages you'd like before shopping.

the Brain

Well after sitting and test driving countless models from BMW, MB, Acura, Volvo, Audi I ended up buying a new VW Touareg 3.6 gas with the Highline, (LUX in US) with Tech package.

The push for new was the result of the latest driver's aides being offered. The Audi Q5 with the sport line package had the best seats, but I found it too confining, and this would only manifest itself once I'm wearing my winter clothing.

A new GLC was just too much $$ for my budget.

The Touareg offered the best seating for my frame, plus the 2016 are engineered to run on regular fuel v/s premium with the other brands.

Thank you everyone for your help
brian

the Brain

xcv

Nanook

We had an MDX..same platform as Ridgeline...that served us well over 12 years but finally suffered the dreaded tranny failure these models experience...then bits and pieces started to break...rear seat fan (in console)..rack and pinion was starting to go..as it was my wife's daily I sold it and got her a new Lexus RX350...awesome vehicle now with 23000 kms..as for my ML63 it's been bullet proof..did regular service like brakes (these are not cheap vehicles to maintain) but it's a great daily/winter driver.
You may wish to look at a GL if you prefer larger or even the Lexus / Toyota...so many good vehicles out there it makes for a difficult decision

Wolfy90503

I'm also looking to buy but on the fence between ML and Range Rover HSE. Any RR owners on here want to share your thoughts? Reliability aside (both not good), which car is safer and handles better?

The G Man

Mercedes' reliability is above average and Range Rover is at the very bottom.

Wolfy90503

I'm not worried about reliability as I will have the car thoroughly inspected by an indie specialist before purchase. I think RR looks better but MB feels more solid on the pavement. I don't do off-roading so neither one holds an advantage. Decision, decision..

mikel212

The more I look at RR, the more I like them. Rolling tanks with class. However, MB are more sensible (if you can call it that). Besides the look, resale value, and off-road prowess, MB beats or ties RR in pretty much everything else. Milage, drivability, safety, reliability, and probably value. If you want to put your money down on a nasty MB machine, go for a G wagon.

Just my opinion, but I don't think an indy can guaranty the reliability of a used car. The obvious wear and tear stuff like brake wear, tire condition, oil condition can be seen and judged, but can they address all the hundreds of electrical components that dont have physical wear. For instance, I've experienced the following "reliability" issues on a 3yr old car:

bad window washing fluid sensor
blown rear light bulb
bad NOx sensors
loose moon roof screen
keyless door sensor
trunk latch loose

I dont think any mechanic can predict the reliability of these sensors with certainty.

Wolfy90503

I like the upper/lower liftgate setup on the RR. I think RR should be easier to resell as I live in a predominantly Chinese neighborhood and they really dig RR's for some reason.
I'm going to do more test drives...

mikel212

I'm in NYC Chinatown twice a day, every day....most luxury cars i see are MB, BMW, Lexus, RR...in that order. Recently a bunch of Maseratis...I think there was a sale somewhere.

Wolfy90503

Ah yes left out the Mas... they're as common as Audis here.

The G Man

An indy mechanic cannot predict random failures, component can fail even if they look to be in good condition.
The RR is a better looking car, but it is still a boxy SUV, there is only so much you can design into a boxy truck. Mercedes is definitely a better value dollar for dollar, its a better build car with better engineering. I think some people but RR to be unique, since Mercedes are a dime a dozen. If you really want to be unique, buy the G wagon. It is hands down the best SUV I have even driven, it is even more tank like the RR and ML combined.