Considering Purchase of 1998 ML320
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Joined: May 2003
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From: In A Van Down By The River
2014 RX 350 F Sport, 2007 Scion tC, 2000 ML 430 Money Pit Finally Gone! Oh Happy Day!
Originally Posted by jbrandt
I have never had a Mercedes-Benz before. I am looking at a 1998 ML320 that appears to be a great deal. It only has 74k miles. Any advice?
Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 78
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From: Washington DC area
1998 ML320; 2005 Audi A6; 2006 Honda Pilot
How much?
Originally Posted by jbrandt
I have never had a Mercedes-Benz before. I am looking at a 1998 ML320 that appears to be a great deal. It only has 74k miles. Any advice?
Advice - the answer that you will most likely get is to buy a newer one. The early years had many problems, all of which were for the most part fixable. The key to buying one of these is how well has it been maintained. I've had mine since Feb 1998 and I have 136,000 miles. I recently told my SA at my dealership that I was going to be selling it soon. He told me to let him know when I was ready because he would like to buy it from me.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Originally Posted by azinn
If it doesn't have an extended warranty on it I would not buy it unless you are prepared to spend a lot of your own money for future repairs. You could end up spending more than you paid for it in repairs, unless you are very handy in auto repair. Just my 2 cents.
Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 118
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From: Southern CA. Orange / Irvine / Long Beach
08 CLS550 Diamond White 09upgrades
DO NOT BUY IT !!!!!
the 1998 ML is the first generation with MILLIONS of issues. I had a 2000 and there were still lots of problems. then I had a 2003 and that one was Okay.
the 1998 ML is the first generation with MILLIONS of issues. I had a 2000 and there were still lots of problems. then I had a 2003 and that one was Okay.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
I had a 98 in 98 thru 01. Had just a few minor problems that were easily corrected. It was a nice vehicle but lacked lots of the fatures and plushness that are found in the newer ones. It was very reliable and I traded when it had 40000 miles on it. I still see it around and the last time I did the second owner had well over 250000 miles on it and said it was still very reliable. Your investment in a 98 is not a large one so find the lowest mile nicest one you can and buy it. Don't pay any attention to the guys that say they are bad, most of those people never owned one. Keep one thing in mind the most expensive Mercedes is the cheapest one to purchase.
