Hi experts-

I am currently driving a 2002 E320 Wagon with 126k miles. I bought it CPO with 16k miles off a 2 year lease. I had to put in a new transmission at about 85k (!) and she has been driving well since. Recently, I had to replace the rear suspension (hydrolic?) and had to get a new sway bar and bushings for the front.

Despite having had a fair share of problems in the 9 years I've been driving it, it's been a good car but as my kids get bigger, the car is feeling smaller. I want something with 3 rows of seats and the options look like the MB GL, Acura MDX, Lexux GX, Infiniti JX, BMW X5 or Range Rover Sport. Obviously, Japanese cars will have the fewest problems but I care a lot about how the car drives. I don't like SUVs that feel tippy and my experience with the Lexus and Range Rover are that they lean a fair amount in curves. I like a sporty, car-like drive for sure. The Acura is not all that inspiring but is clearly a well made car. I'm a bit hesitant about the continuously variable transmission in the Infiniti JX making it feel a bit sluggish. Which leads me to the GL.

I have found a CPO 2012 MB GL350 Bluetec with 17K miles at a local dealer, asking $62k. I know the GLs have had their share of issues and wonder whether I will be getting myself an expensive new headache. Have the later models improved over earlier ones? Is it too soon to be able to evaluate the future of a 2012? Having learned from experience, I plan to always have a manufacturer's extended warranty. Once bitten, twice shy! Would it be better to wait for the 2014s and lease one for the fewest headaches?

So, after that long-winded intro, should I keep my wagon for a few more years and wait it out or snap up the GL350 while it's available since it will be a while till the 2013s come off lease?

Many thanks in advance for your experienced opinions!
Anne

 

FYI, that is a really bad deal- you can do much better. I bought my 2011 GL350 brand new for $64K (sticker was $70K) back in September 2011. So I would think you should be able to find a good used one for $45-50K... As another data point, my dealer keeps sending me automated e-mails offering to give me ~$40K for my 2011 as a trade in (which they would promptly try to resell for $50K or more)...

So my advice would be to shop around and try and negotiate a better price. The 2012 is the older body style, so you should be able to pick it up at a discount.

 

That was just the listed price. Not sure how far they would come down but from my searching there aren't many 2012 Diesels out there. The 2013s won't be coming off lease until around fall of 2014 and I am hesitant about a first year redesign.

 

I have a mint 2011 GL350 for sale with 17500 miles. Dealer maintaned. Email me if interested.