ahmadkshuja

Dear All,

Need your advice. I am considering to buy (cash) a seven seater SUV and GL 450 (2007 or 2008) is on my list. Can you please share your overall ownership experiences and advise on "DOs" and "DON'Ts" / "GOODs" and "BADs"? Also, please do share if you are aware of any good deals and / or if I should wait for couple of more months.

Much appreciated.

Regards,
Ahmad

JimBarnhart

There are quite a few threads about buying GL's within the forum. You mention 07/08 so I assume you are looking at used with some miles. The new 08's have very large discounts, some have reported as much as $16,000 off of sticker, so might be worth looking at remaining 08 inventory.

I think many would tell you that Bi-X headlights are a must, the base headlights are crappy. Most like P2 in addition to P1. The 07 and 08 models are nearly identical, some changes are included in the 09, most notably probably the bluetec diesel and new comand system.

beartrap

I have an '07 GL450 Premier Edition and we love it. Fantastic SUV. This model has all the stuff that the new GL550 has, except the larger engine. We have about 24k miles on it and not one major issue. We had a peice of the window molding come off which was repaired under warranty. I also replaced the Michelin Diamaris tires after 21k miles, but that was kind of to be expected with 20" wheels and a big car. Gas mileage is so-so, but my wife drives it mostly around town with the kids. Definitely get the Xenons, they are the best I've ever had in a car, except for maybe the Cayenne we had prior. We take it to our vacation house at the Delaware shore as well as road trips to lax tournements and its great to be in for hours on end. My dealer got us the roof carier so when we have six people there is more room for stuff. The third row seats actually have lots of room for large size kids, and they easily and quickly fold flat into the floor. When the lease is up in August we're getting another one. I just hope the deals on the '09's are as attractive as the '08's have been.

dieseldoc

GL is a great vehicle. I have a 2008. no issues. go for it.

dskmd

I agree. I just bought an 08 GL 450 for ~20% off MRSP. 10K off is the standard dealer incentive this month. The rest, you're gonna have to earn. But I used the "My friend got 16K off.." routine from the good friends here on MBWorld and got a price I was happy with.

201mph

+1.

P1 is an absolute must and P2 is well worth the extra money.

My wife really appreciates the power-folding rear seats, power liftgate and backup camera combined with parktronic.

I would never again buy a car wythout heated seats, but I never thought I would use the heated stering wheel. It really is toasty warm, and a nice luxury touch!

Some early '07's dont have the backup cam, and it is extremely helpful on a vehicle of this size.

Trailer hitch is good for resale even if you never use it. Most buyers expect a full-size SUV to have one.

Our GL replaced a BMW X5 and an Infiniti QX56, and I'd buy a GL again.

Lucky13

Ahmad,

Either model year is a great car! Most everyone on the forum has had great things to say about their cars, except Mom; and she had hers bought back and got another one. I think she'll love it! There are some features that have changed or been added as standard, but choose the year that fits your budget and needs. I bought an '07 this fall. I was looking at '08, and getting some good prices, but we ended up pregnant right in the middle of shopping! So for my wife's peace of mind I went with the '07 and saved a few bucks for the bambino (our fifth!) We still love the car, it's a Mercedes, and a damn fine looking SUV!