good time to buy a w163?
06-14-2005, 01:41 AM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
good time to buy a w163?
how much of a hit on price do you think the w163 has taken since the new MLs came out? has anyone recently purchased a w163? was it a very good deal? thanks
-Greg
-Greg
06-16-2005, 09:41 AM
#3
Member
Personally, I feel the early 98-99 ML's are a great buy....but it all hinges on the history of the vehicle and its care. The ML has taken a serious hit with excessive depreciation due to a number of factors. Gas prices, below average ratings in Consumer Reports, expensive repairs, dealer apathy have all contributed to the ML's depreciation.
That being said, the ML has a lot going for it. It is a great design that is one of the safest vehicles on the road. Plenty of power, decent brakes, comfortable and, in my opinion, overbuilt. If you get a chance to get up underneath an ML ; say while its on a lift, just look at the massive frame rails and suspension. Everything is heavy-duty and solid. This baby , in low-range and with good rubber is pretty awesome !!
The W164 does not have the body-on-frame construction of the 163 and therefore is much less rugged. 99 % of SUV's never leave the tarmac and this is where the 163 really shines. Too bad most folks never see its strong points.
I would consider the ML to be an excellent buy. Just make sure to have it thoroughly checked out by a knowledgeable Mercedes-specific mechanic and go through all the receipts from previous owners to see what problems they experienced. As long as the vehicle has had the recommended maintenance, no accidents and no rust.......it can be an excellent investment in the $8000-$12,000 range.
That being said, the ML has a lot going for it. It is a great design that is one of the safest vehicles on the road. Plenty of power, decent brakes, comfortable and, in my opinion, overbuilt. If you get a chance to get up underneath an ML ; say while its on a lift, just look at the massive frame rails and suspension. Everything is heavy-duty and solid. This baby , in low-range and with good rubber is pretty awesome !!
The W164 does not have the body-on-frame construction of the 163 and therefore is much less rugged. 99 % of SUV's never leave the tarmac and this is where the 163 really shines. Too bad most folks never see its strong points.
I would consider the ML to be an excellent buy. Just make sure to have it thoroughly checked out by a knowledgeable Mercedes-specific mechanic and go through all the receipts from previous owners to see what problems they experienced. As long as the vehicle has had the recommended maintenance, no accidents and no rust.......it can be an excellent investment in the $8000-$12,000 range.
06-21-2005, 01:18 PM
#5
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I have read the 05 can go as low as 35K with the usual amenities (sticker price = 42K). I just bought a 04 with 18K for 32,300. Decided to go with the 04 because it included service plan where this option was discontinued in the 05 model.
