ML Purchase Help ...
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 196
Likes: 11
ML Purchase Help ...
All,
Please help. We (wife and I) are looking to purchase an ML this weekend, however, the 2002+ (re-designs) are too expensive and the ML320, ML430 of the earlier years are unstable on corners. Also, I have encountered quite a lot of Web Comments on the reliablity of the earlier year models.
That being said, please give me your opinions on purchasing a CPO 2000 ML55 with 36,000 miles. I own an E55 AMG currently and have dealt with Mercedes Dealership quite a lot in the past. What is your honest take on the 2000 ML55. Lemon or driving pleasure?
Double-A
E55 AMG
Please help. We (wife and I) are looking to purchase an ML this weekend, however, the 2002+ (re-designs) are too expensive and the ML320, ML430 of the earlier years are unstable on corners. Also, I have encountered quite a lot of Web Comments on the reliablity of the earlier year models.
That being said, please give me your opinions on purchasing a CPO 2000 ML55 with 36,000 miles. I own an E55 AMG currently and have dealt with Mercedes Dealership quite a lot in the past. What is your honest take on the 2000 ML55. Lemon or driving pleasure?
Double-A
E55 AMG
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
ML430, Mini Cooper S and Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
Depends on....
if you get a 'good one' and can live with the gas mileage.
My '00 has been reasonably well behaved these past 2 years or so - but it has had practically all the known fixes / upgrades applied to it.
So if you do go for this ML, make sure it's had all the required fixes & patches applied - otherwise you could have a money pit, and I'm not just talking about the gas either :-)
BTW for a SUV with a high centre of gravity I've always found our ML pretty good in the corners - just don't expect it to handle / drive like a regular car !
My '00 has been reasonably well behaved these past 2 years or so - but it has had practically all the known fixes / upgrades applied to it.
So if you do go for this ML, make sure it's had all the required fixes & patches applied - otherwise you could have a money pit, and I'm not just talking about the gas either :-)
BTW for a SUV with a high centre of gravity I've always found our ML pretty good in the corners - just don't expect it to handle / drive like a regular car !
Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
You can find an 02 ML320 for under $30K and for a couple of thousands more you can get an 02 ML500. I'm a newbie on ML's so I couldnt comment on the earlier models and the ML55 but when we were searching for an ML we were keeping our budget under $35K, I like the 02+ redesigns that's why my mind was set to an 02+MY. We went with an CPO 02 ML500 with 36k miles, about 3 mos of ownership, no complaints so far. Good luck on you search.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
ML430, Mini Cooper S and Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
Updates.....
see all the various threads on known problem areas and the sticky list of things to watch out for on the ML.
One year should be long enough to shake the ML down and make sure it's ok.
One year should be long enough to shake the ML down and make sure it's ok.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Golden State
06 ML350/Audi A4 -ret C230/ML320
My Wifys ML320 '98 bought used has been good to us..
the only thing is the bumber color ... so had it painted to match the body .. but if price is your concern i suggest stick with 98,99 models ... they are kinda more reliable ... though dont have a GPS installed !!! MAY 14 Sat .. the New ML comes out here in the Stealership and were invited to check it out, and we will ... how bout spending it on the new MLs
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instead by my Mechanic. Hmmmm...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Your mechanic's suggestion may be self serving. He is looking towards all the rvenue he will get form you in the future. The BMW will cost you more to maintain than the MB. No question about it.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: CT and FL
SL500 E320 ML350
Please drive the X5 a lot before you go that route. Most don't like them after 5 - 6 months and want to be back in an ML. The 163 body-on-frame configuration is my choice. I picked up an '05 350 for that reason. The new 164s are unibody, more sedan-like ride - not a true off road SUV despite the advertising!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: CT and FL
SL500 E320 ML350
Originally Posted by aarkaah
Well - we are picking up a 2004 ML350 with 18,000 miles CPO included, Inspiration Package also. Thanks to all of yoyu for your thoughts.
Double-A.
Double-A.
Enjoy your new ride!! 
