S Naqvi

Hi... My family is growing and I need a 3rd SUV that still has cargo space. I've narrowed my search to GL 450. Does anyone have ant advice when purchasing one from dealer or private party? What questions to ask, what to look for, and what options are available?

I've always owned Japanese cars and drive them well into 200-300K should I expect the same from the MB? Just want to level set my expectations

Thanks,
S

kombifan

honestly. Don’t expect to reach 100k+ without trouble.

I love the car and platoform. There is nothing that drives as nice as a gl and can still get 7 people luggage and their bikes on a trip. It can pull a boat or trailer etc. and guns along quietly at autobahn speeds.

That said. Get cpo extension for up to 7 years from new with unlimited mileage or buy the gl from carmax and get max care. Max care is 6 years from purchase and is honored at most nearly all mb dealerships and they cover everything but your deductible. Go for the 50$ one. Coverage is able to be had up to 125k miles.

Check serbice history. Check accident damage. Try to get receipts of work done. Try to go for the v8 13-14 gl450 or the 550 models. Stay away from 350 models. Stick to 7.5k or 5k mile intervals.

Check suspension springs for leaks. Soap and water tests. Check all keyless go works. DVD player etc. locks lock 🔒. Rear hatch closes. Make sure your gl has the lighting package and Harman Kardon. Ventilated seats and rear ac are nice. I like the DVD player too as well as rear heated seats and multi contour front seats. All standard on 550. Optional on 450.

S Naqvi

Thanks! This was excellent and candid response. Much appreciated. I'm seeing a lot of 2015 in the NY market with roughly 50k on 'em. I'm worried that's a bit much especially not knowing the true maintenance costs. I'm a bit spoiled since most of cars are serviced by a local mechanic.

Other runner ups are the Infiniti QX50 which is a bit smaller and CX-9 which I keep hearing drives real well. But I can't justify paying 40K for a Mazda.

I'll do more research on the 550. I didn't know about the standard options.

Thanks,.
S

kombifan

plenty of cpo 550 available between 40-50k$.
Use cars.com and do a nationwide cpo search.

And check the same on carmax.

Its rrally uo up to you what you prefer. A 450 or a 550.

S Naqvi

By 50K meant miles.

But I'm going to check out both models this week.

kombifan

Yes I understand.

But it you said 40$k for that Mazda! 😛

in on that price catergory you should find a fair amount of 550 just under 50k miles. And plenty of 450 under that.

S Naqvi

Settling on 2017 GLS 450. Now, I have a few options low mileage CPO or low mileage pre-owned. The CPO sees to $10K more 44K vs 55K. Is the extra 10K worth it for the CPO?

Thanks,
s

kombifan

You can of course negotiate the cpo down, but the extendable warranty is a big factor. Up ton7 years from 2017.
Have you checked Carmax too? They're warranty is also top notch. 6 years from purchase date.

S Naqvi

New York doesn't have CarMax did a quick search 250mi from Zip code no GLS 450

Seeing GLS for 39K at used car dearships. If I can get the CPO down to 48 I'd might bite.

Need opinion on the Panoramic, what's been people's experience? And the Park Assist, an option worth it?

kombifan

I think the pano roof is important. It let's in a lot more light.

Also j think the parking package comes with the park tonic sensors. So again a must from me.

For Carmax try a nationwide search. There's only 4 gls450 rtght now but they change stock almost daily.

Also 39k for a gls.....I find that a little too low...I would double check everything on that car for accidents damage liens or lemon lawed or even salvage title.

Also try using the cpo tool on mbusa to search nationwide. Some dealers are willing to deal.

S Naqvi

Great advice on checking MBUSA, found my price point now let's use that to negotiate with a local dealer.

So with panoramic on the GLS does cut into the headroom? Also it doesn't get too hot?

With the kids I'm leaning towards the black interior but if the tan is easy to clean I can be swayed. But the black interior seems to have the wow factor but the tan interior makes the car look bigger.

FYI GLS kills the Infiniti when it comes to the driving experience

BlownV8

I went for the GL63. Love it! A car this big shouldn't be able to do what it does. It's quick, gets decent mileage on the hwy, sounds fantastic, and is very fun to drive

pryz007

I purchased a 2015 GL450 CPO last April. Color is silver with grey interior. Love the MB Tech seats. Test drove a 550, but was not happy with the gas mileage (15 mpg) compared to what I am getting with the 450 (21-22). The 550 had the dark interior, and I did not like it. To me, the light color looks richer. Just my opinion. Don't have the pano roof. Would have liked it, but the vehicle had only 13,000 miles and had the colors that I wanted. I just extended the CPO warranty for 2 more years with Jeff Jackson for less than $2000. Great advice from this forum!! Love the vehicle!! Enjoy your future GL purchase!

Another great site for new and used vehicles is CarGurus.

kombifan

Nice! Glad you enjoy it! And you'll definitely use the warranty if you take advantage of that unlimited mile cpo!

How much did you end up paying for yours?

pryz007

$47,500. Drove from Chicago to Nashville area to pick-up. First Mercedes, after owning BMW's in the past.

I enjoy reading and learning from this forum, as you are one of the far more knowledgeable posters with very useful information! Thank you!

S Naqvi

I'm getting closer Can I get some opinions on:

Polar White vs. Palladium silver
Black interior vs Biege

Thanks!

BlownV8

Silver exterior and black interior. Silver seems to fetch more .only on resale a d black interior will look better longer and it is easy to re-dye if you have a scuff or if you want a refresh.

S Naqvi

Are you referring to the Iridium color?

BlownV8

Palladium is what you were talking about, right?

S Naqvi

There two silvers:
Iridium Metallic Silver
Palladium Metallic Silver

BlownV8

This was what I was answering.
No mention of iridium silver. There are actuality more slivers but of the two I would go with palladium. Either one looks good.

pryz007

Silver and beige or grey. MBTech seats are easy to clean. I went with Iridium silver and love the color. The palladium silver is nice, just darker. The white was too common for me; thought the silver stood out more from the crowd. Go with your gut feeling!

S Naqvi

Thanks for advice... So final question before I become a proud owner:

Looking at a 2017 GLS with under 30K, MSRP of 82K what is a good CPO price for it? Options are everything listed in this thread (minus the leather) including the heat/cool cup holder.

pryz007

Low $50's for that year and mileage and being a CPO vehicle. You will have coverage into 2022 on a 2017. I bought a 2015 CPO last year and paid $47,500. Was only able to negotiate an extra $500 off. Vehicle had only 13,000 miles on it, list price of $78K. Price will depend on where it is being purchased as well. Good luck! Post a few pictures when the vehicle is yours.

S Naqvi

Ugh... Small paint chip here and there. Is that expected or am I being too picky for $51k?