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I'm thinking of buying a Mercedes for the first time, and want to know what to expect. We currently have an Acura RDX, and now with 2 kids, it's just not big enough. We've pretty much are an Audi/Acura family, and were about to buy a 2014 MDX. However, the 2014 GL350 is clearly more luxurious (albeit less sporty), and has more space, so we are now considering it. All the reviews say that the cost of ownership is very high compared to rivals. I have over 100k on my 12 Audi s4 and I haven't had much repairs/costs overall.
The 2014 GL350 we are looking at is at about 50k miles for about 34k. We are looking to keep it for at least 5 years, and put on around 12k miles a year, so I expect to be around 100-120k when selling in the future. What are the main issues with the 2014 GL350 from a reliability standpoint, and at what point/mileage do they typically happen? Also any very big ticket maintenance items? I buy the parts direct and get independent shops to do all my maintenance.
Any reason not to opt for the GL350 over the MDX? In terms of depreciation, I hear that Mercedes depreciate significantly more than other brands, once they hit 100k miles. Any truth to that? I appreciate all of your feedback. Thank you.
Love the truck, but yes maintenance can be an issue. I have extended warranty and just had oil cooler replaced as well as some NOx sensors and DEF tank heater element and some other items. All at 52k miles. I was told Over $4k if no warranty. The oil cooler the most expensive because of the labor hours involved. Seems if diesels don’t live on the highway, they need extra pampering. Oil/filter changes/brakes/air filters/fuel filter I do DIY and I am a novice but these are not hard at all. And apparently this diesel best if oil changed at 5k intervals.
Love the truck, love the mpg. Just have to be willing to pay or DIY it.
Also take a look at the diesel forum, lots of discussion on the GL350’s there as well. Oil cooler leak is a common item, as well as NOx sensors and DEF heater element.
Thanks....the more I look into it the more there seems to be more issues than I am used to. I am sure it is a great car and obviously another class above the MDX but from a financial standpoint I probably cant afford the potential time in the shop and money.
Look at Toyota Land Cruisers. Depreciation schedule is same as other cars in the price range for first five years. After that, retention value is best and trouble free. Mileage sucks but its better than help paying for part of a local dealership show room or an indy's vacation home mortgage.
I have one. Love it, baby it, and DIY my oil changes every 5k. Already have 110k kms on it, and have replaced the def injector and nox sensor. It only gets Shell ultra low sulfur diesel. The dealer does scheduled maintenance like brakes. Lots of info here to scare you away but once the known issues are dealt with no reason why it wouldn’t continue going for many more kms. Also same engine in the s class in other countries. Diesel s class in Germany
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
