schnell!

Howdy all,

I've read most of the good and bad about MLs on here, but would still like a quick opinion. I store my E55 over the winters and need to pick up a new second vehicle. Currently torn between a 2002 ML500 (150k miles, but a one-owner that's been dealer maintained - recently new CPS, fuel pump, wheel bearings, etc) and a 2000 Toyota 4Runner (also higher miles and in good condition). Both are the same price. I'm leaning toward the ML but worry a bit about reliability - I need something that's uber-reliable and won't leave me stranded. I should mention that I'm fine doing most repairs myself if something would happen to go wrong with either vehicle, so dealer repair cost isn't an issue.

I've had good luck with both Benz and Toyota vehicles in the past, and know that either should go 200k+ easily with proper maintenance.

Would it be safe to pull the trigger on the ML, or should I avoid it at all costs?? Thanks for your opinions.

Maj. Dundee

Nothing wrong with a 2002 ML 500, if the price is right.

m1943

Toyota is a great truck, but if you are a Mercedes driver, you probably won't be happy with a Toyota. MLs (w163) are well known to go past 150K without any major problems. Look out for 5.0 V8 overheating issues, some of them can do that. Your transmission and transfer case are always something to keep in mind, some owners (and worse, dealers) really believe in the "lifetime fluid" gimmick. But overall, it's a trustworthy and hardworking, time-proven SUV. It's not over-engeneered like the new ones and all parts are readily available including rebuild kits for the drive train and there is also tons of used parts for it as well.

schnell!

Thanks for the responses. I pulled the trigger on an '03 ML500, silver/black, Inspiration Edition, 90k miles, everything works and the interior is mint. The outside has a few bumps and bruises and the power steering is making a bit of noise, but these are things I can sort out easily enough. Drives straight and runs solid. Paid $5500.

TheNewStandard

i'm right above 246k with my '99ML430.
Glad you went for it!
It's a matter of attacking problems before more occur. My car used to belong to a deceased uncle of mine, his first "new" car and i know he took extreme care of the car. He enjoyed the car so much so much he got himself an '01 ML55AMG and accumulated 2 other cars.

Anyways i'm a college student in expensive Santa Barbara CA, working minimum wage and i've managed to keep up with repairs over my 6+ months ownership.

Front disks, pads and sensors: $597 including labor
front control arms replacement (This original suspension endured 245k miles, go figure): $1700 including labor
Then they found out the differential fluid was running low when removing the control arms: $85

smo0othride

It's a good thing you got the ML... 4Runner's are junk. ML's are extremely easy to work on, and you can save a ton of money doing the repairs yourself.