Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC 90
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: NC
1999 ML 430
Touareg
I drove both the V6 and the V8 - liked them both. The V6 would have been down on power at the altitude I live. The interior is absolutly beautiful!! I liked the driving dynamics better than my ML430. All that being said, if you read the VWVortex forum, the incidence of nightmare tales is way too high for comfort. I crossed it off my list, mainly because of this and because service is at least 1.5 hours away. A lot of the problems are sourced in the fact that a lot of VW dealers haven't a clue as to how to fix the problems, and parts supply chain is inadequate, VW of America appears to be trying, but there again the support seems spotty. Overall I think it's a
Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: Overhere
w210 e55
Me and the lady have test driven many vehicles in the past few days, RX, ML, XC, and X5. Granted the ml was an 01 (w17k) the x5 was 01 and the others were new, but the XC 90 had the best road feel of all. I drove a version with the 6 biturbo. The handling was tight with great road feel. This was surprising compared to the rest. The ml was good but had handling slightly musshy comparing the two. Power wise the XC also felt the strongest under full acceleration from a stand still and from 20mph.
Maybe the ml 500s have improved compared to the 430s but the new XC really impressed me at $43K.
just my .02
Maybe the ml 500s have improved compared to the 430s but the new XC really impressed me at $43K.
just my .02
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,640
Likes: 11
From: GMT -8 hours
Mercedes-Benz
I really like the touraeg V8. Very smooth powertrain and ride, feels like a VERY solid vehicle. I think it feels better than the current ML. The interior feels very substansial and looks great at night, I would consider it as an ML replacement.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: NC
1999 ML 430
ML Replacement
I have spent months agonizing over a replacement for my 99 ML430. This has been a very problematic vehicle; it's been great in the snow. As a Mercedes, however, it's been a poor example. Compound that with the closest dealer being 1.5 hours away, and I think my frustration becomes evident. (2 flatbed trips).
As I posted earlier, I looked long and hard at the Touareg, XC90, XC70, Lexus, and finally, after spending $1500 on out of warranty repairs on the ML, decided I would narrow the search to vehicles that could be serviced and repaired locally. That eliminated the VW, the Volvo and the MB. Today I ordered an 04 4Runner, Sport, V8, 4WD. It has a drive train every bit as robust as the ML or the Touareg, and Toyota's legendary build quality and reliablity. I'm not overwhelmed with the styling, but the driving dynamics are excellent, and while the 4.7L V8 is only rated at 235 hp, it puts out 320 lb/ft of torque at 2000rpm. Smooth as silk! Hopfully, I'll keep this one longer than 5 years.
As I posted earlier, I looked long and hard at the Touareg, XC90, XC70, Lexus, and finally, after spending $1500 on out of warranty repairs on the ML, decided I would narrow the search to vehicles that could be serviced and repaired locally. That eliminated the VW, the Volvo and the MB. Today I ordered an 04 4Runner, Sport, V8, 4WD. It has a drive train every bit as robust as the ML or the Touareg, and Toyota's legendary build quality and reliablity. I'm not overwhelmed with the styling, but the driving dynamics are excellent, and while the 4.7L V8 is only rated at 235 hp, it puts out 320 lb/ft of torque at 2000rpm. Smooth as silk! Hopfully, I'll keep this one longer than 5 years.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,640
Likes: 11
From: GMT -8 hours
Mercedes-Benz
Re: ML Replacement
Originally posted by kullenberg
I have spent months agonizing over a replacement for my 99 ML430. This has been a very problematic vehicle; it's been great in the snow. As a Mercedes, however, it's been a poor example. Compound that with the closest dealer being 1.5 hours away, and I think my frustration becomes evident. (2 flatbed trips).
As I posted earlier, I looked long and hard at the Touareg, XC90, XC70, Lexus, and finally, after spending $1500 on out of warranty repairs on the ML, decided I would narrow the search to vehicles that could be serviced and repaired locally. That eliminated the VW, the Volvo and the MB. Today I ordered an 04 4Runner, Sport, V8, 4WD. It has a drive train every bit as robust as the ML or the Touareg, and Toyota's legendary build quality and reliablity. I'm not overwhelmed with the styling, but the driving dynamics are excellent, and while the 4.7L V8 is only rated at 235 hp, it puts out 320 lb/ft of torque at 2000rpm. Smooth as silk! Hopfully, I'll keep this one longer than 5 years.
I have spent months agonizing over a replacement for my 99 ML430. This has been a very problematic vehicle; it's been great in the snow. As a Mercedes, however, it's been a poor example. Compound that with the closest dealer being 1.5 hours away, and I think my frustration becomes evident. (2 flatbed trips).
As I posted earlier, I looked long and hard at the Touareg, XC90, XC70, Lexus, and finally, after spending $1500 on out of warranty repairs on the ML, decided I would narrow the search to vehicles that could be serviced and repaired locally. That eliminated the VW, the Volvo and the MB. Today I ordered an 04 4Runner, Sport, V8, 4WD. It has a drive train every bit as robust as the ML or the Touareg, and Toyota's legendary build quality and reliablity. I'm not overwhelmed with the styling, but the driving dynamics are excellent, and while the 4.7L V8 is only rated at 235 hp, it puts out 320 lb/ft of torque at 2000rpm. Smooth as silk! Hopfully, I'll keep this one longer than 5 years.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte
2000 ML 430
Nice choice Pat. I don't mind the styling.. it's definitely good enough that I'd consider it one day as well. Though, T-reg would be my preference over it. And above all, the pricing is definitely attractive.
Looks like that 4.7L engine is meant for longevity...235hp @4800rpm... that thing's barely turning...
Looks like that 4.7L engine is meant for longevity...235hp @4800rpm... that thing's barely turning...
