Looking for some sound subject matter experts on this board.
Considering purchasing our first MB, and we like the GL320.
After noticing the extremely steep year-for-year depreciation, it has me concerned about possible maintenance cost issues.
Which brings me to the following questions:
Would you recommend a GL320 as a daily driver?
Based on the $15000-$20000 cost, we are looking at 2009. Is that a good year?
Are there any years to avoid?
Would you rebuy your GL, if you had the chance?
Is there a list of common failures on the GL platform, diesel engine/transmission?
What is it like to live behind the wheel with the nagging need for maintenance?
(get your crystal ball) What is the average cost per year for maintenance on a 100000+ mile GL?
The suspension is far more hi-tech than anything I’ve ever driven. Is that design reliable?
Is there a best/most reliable model year, best engine year for the GL?
Are there any DIY owners on here? I would likely perform most of the maintenance myself.
Any high altitude owners out there that want to share their experiences?
Can we get a 2009ish GL320 as a daily driver, and not worry monthly about big maintenance issues?
Extra info……..
My wife and I are looking for a new vehicle that seats at least 8, does not have cloth seats, diesel, and is capable of towing a small camper. The GL came up as a surprising option, as did the R series. Among other brands, test drove the MB R-320, ML-320, and a couple GL-320s. All were 2009s. The GL series blew our minds on comfort and quality of ride.
I’m a diesel head and have seen under the hood of enough 3.2 BlueTech vehicles to notice that some leak above the oil pan, and some don’t. I saw oil on several, and one smelled like leaking fuel. What fails on these engines?
I’ve noticed that most all GLs that are for sale are in the 100,000 mile range. As a former BMW owner, I know that’s where the upkeep on a BMW starts to go up very quickly. Is the same true for the GL, or are the “hands off” buyers of high priced new GLs just unaccustomed to owning vehicles past 90,000 miles, and get scared into selling before 100,000?
I haven’t had a car loan since 2005, so my choice in vehicles must be sound. I plan on driving our next vehicle for many years. Currently I have an F-250 with 240,000 miles, and we will sell our prius with 360,000 miles.
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Travis T.
Denver, CO
Considering purchasing our first MB, and we like the GL320.
After noticing the extremely steep year-for-year depreciation, it has me concerned about possible maintenance cost issues.
Which brings me to the following questions:
Would you recommend a GL320 as a daily driver?
Based on the $15000-$20000 cost, we are looking at 2009. Is that a good year?
Are there any years to avoid?
Would you rebuy your GL, if you had the chance?
Is there a list of common failures on the GL platform, diesel engine/transmission?
What is it like to live behind the wheel with the nagging need for maintenance?
(get your crystal ball) What is the average cost per year for maintenance on a 100000+ mile GL?
The suspension is far more hi-tech than anything I’ve ever driven. Is that design reliable?
Is there a best/most reliable model year, best engine year for the GL?
Are there any DIY owners on here? I would likely perform most of the maintenance myself.
Any high altitude owners out there that want to share their experiences?
Can we get a 2009ish GL320 as a daily driver, and not worry monthly about big maintenance issues?
Extra info……..
My wife and I are looking for a new vehicle that seats at least 8, does not have cloth seats, diesel, and is capable of towing a small camper. The GL came up as a surprising option, as did the R series. Among other brands, test drove the MB R-320, ML-320, and a couple GL-320s. All were 2009s. The GL series blew our minds on comfort and quality of ride.
I’m a diesel head and have seen under the hood of enough 3.2 BlueTech vehicles to notice that some leak above the oil pan, and some don’t. I saw oil on several, and one smelled like leaking fuel. What fails on these engines?
I’ve noticed that most all GLs that are for sale are in the 100,000 mile range. As a former BMW owner, I know that’s where the upkeep on a BMW starts to go up very quickly. Is the same true for the GL, or are the “hands off” buyers of high priced new GLs just unaccustomed to owning vehicles past 90,000 miles, and get scared into selling before 100,000?
I haven’t had a car loan since 2005, so my choice in vehicles must be sound. I plan on driving our next vehicle for many years. Currently I have an F-250 with 240,000 miles, and we will sell our prius with 360,000 miles.
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Travis T.
Denver, CO
get an 07/08 diesel. read the forum- all is pretty much already spelled out.
09s and later have def tanks and the accompanying slew of related equipment problems.
to answer your questions.
1. yes. absolutely
2. no. get an 07/08
3. not sure. they are pretty much the same. some 09+ have engine issues.
4. yes. i still have mine.
5. yes - check forum. all is spelled out.
6. it is like a bipolar girlfriend- sucks most of the time, but when it works - it is the best in the world
7. about $1000 or less if you do your own work (not including tires- it will eat them like my dog eats popcorn)
8. it will fail once (shocks, compressor, bags), you will replace them and then all is good
9. 07 or 08 imo
10. yes, we can help
11. it is a turbo motor- it should work well in denver
12. model year past 08 is irrelevant. they all go through the same set of child diseases
09s and later have def tanks and the accompanying slew of related equipment problems.
to answer your questions.
1. yes. absolutely
2. no. get an 07/08
3. not sure. they are pretty much the same. some 09+ have engine issues.
4. yes. i still have mine.
5. yes - check forum. all is spelled out.
6. it is like a bipolar girlfriend- sucks most of the time, but when it works - it is the best in the world
7. about $1000 or less if you do your own work (not including tires- it will eat them like my dog eats popcorn)
8. it will fail once (shocks, compressor, bags), you will replace them and then all is good
9. 07 or 08 imo
10. yes, we can help
11. it is a turbo motor- it should work well in denver
12. model year past 08 is irrelevant. they all go through the same set of child diseases
Wow. Thank you! Much appreciated. Most notable point is the recommendation to stick with MYs 07-08. Thank again.
Quote:
09s and later have def tanks and the accompanying slew of related equipment problems.
to answer your questions.
1. yes. absolutely
2. no. get an 07/08
3. not sure. they are pretty much the same. some 09+ have engine issues.
4. yes. i still have mine.
5. yes - check forum. all is spelled out.
6. it is like a bipolar girlfriend- sucks most of the time, but when it works - it is the best in the world
7. about $1000 or less if you do your own work (not including tires- it will eat them like my dog eats popcorn)
8. it will fail once (shocks, compressor, bags), you will replace them and then all is good
9. 07 or 08 imo
10. yes, we can help
11. it is a turbo motor- it should work well in denver
12. model year past 08 is irrelevant. they all go through the same set of child diseases
Originally Posted by alx
get an 07/08 diesel. read the forum- all is pretty much already spelled out. 09s and later have def tanks and the accompanying slew of related equipment problems.
to answer your questions.
1. yes. absolutely
2. no. get an 07/08
3. not sure. they are pretty much the same. some 09+ have engine issues.
4. yes. i still have mine.
5. yes - check forum. all is spelled out.
6. it is like a bipolar girlfriend- sucks most of the time, but when it works - it is the best in the world
7. about $1000 or less if you do your own work (not including tires- it will eat them like my dog eats popcorn)
8. it will fail once (shocks, compressor, bags), you will replace them and then all is good
9. 07 or 08 imo
10. yes, we can help
11. it is a turbo motor- it should work well in denver
12. model year past 08 is irrelevant. they all go through the same set of child diseases
Pretty much what he says. But after I did my alignment and shocks, tire wear is very good for me. Don't have any issues with premature wear, like others.
