My neighbor is selling her 2002 ML 500 for 2,500. It has 238K on the odometer and is in good condition. What can I expect to get out of this car before it starts nickel and dimming me to death or worse an engine failure.

 

Great price for a 500. If it was maintained well, it has many miles to go.

 

Dear Maj. Dundee,

Thank you for your reply. The previous owner is unable to locate the service records for the ML and a VIN check didn't show anything, not even service for the recalled items. I purchased it yesterday and took it to the dealership to have them give it a once over. Here are the items they stated needed repair.

1) Oil Change - $150
2) Rear Brakes - $742
3) Right Rear Passenger Window (wont go up all the way) - $158 (Labor Only)
4) Engine Check - $225 (Labor Only)
5) Glove Box (The Latch broke off) $410 (Can't be repaired, Needs A New Glove Box)
6) ABS Light Came on while returning from the Dealer ??? $$$

So once you factor in the price of the car it's going to cost me $4098 at a minimum. The body is in mint condition with no dings or scratches. The leather interior is showing some wear, but only the driver seat and cargo area, which is to be expected. I tried using the NAV system but it's to complicated for me to figure out so I'll leave that for a later time when I can read the owners manual. I knew it was going to be expensive going into the deal but as long as there are no other major problems with the engine I'm happy to have a car that can seat more than 1 passenger and carry my golf clubs.

My 96' BMW Z3 with 156K has only needed 2 sets of tires, brakes, a tune-up, a battery and regular oil changes every 3K miles at a cost of $150, (I use Royal Purple Synthetic). They do provide me with a comparable free loaner car (Z4), wash the vehicle and leave a red rose on the passenger seat though. I also get a Xmas card every year.

I'll keep you posted when I get a chance and let you know how things are progressing.

All the Best!
Charles

 

Stay away from dealers as their parts and labor prices are astronomical. Rear brakes & oil change can be done by your own mech., Mobile 1-0w-40, 9 qts.

Try to get a used glove box at a junk yard.

 

I had a friend at the local KIA dealer in Escondido, CA ran a CARFAX for me. For the life of me I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. The car has had 2 previous owners. The first owner sold or traded it in after only having it for 7 months. During that time it was driven 6,720 miles and from the report it looks like it was in the dealer for the following:

Owner number 1 owned it for 7 months before selling/trading it in to Mercedes Benz of Escondido.

1) 1,247 mi Instrument Panel Repaired and Washer Fluid Reservoir Replaced.
2) 1,985 mi Console Repaired, Fuel Injector(s) Replaced, Instrument Cluster Replaced/Repaired, Mass Air Flow Sensor Replaced, Rear Ashtray Replaced and Trip Module/Computer Replaced.
3) 4,464 mi Fuel Injector(s) replaced and Mass Air Flow Sensor Replaced.
4) 6,720 mi Brake Pads Replaced, Door Trim Panel Repaired/Replaced, Front Door Adjusted, Power Window Computer/Module Replaced, Wheels Replaced and Window Motor(s) Replaced.The oil and normal service items were performed twice.

Owner number 2 purchased it on 08/01/2003 and drove the **** out of it racking up 25,275 mi in 1 year and 5 months before it was sold/traded in to Mercedes Benz of Escondido.

1) 16,000 mi Vehicle Serviced
2) 16,140 mi Power Steering Hose(s)/Lines Replaced
3) 27,208 mi Blower Motor/Compressor Control Module Replaced and the Washer Fluid Reservoir Replaced. Oil and Filter Changed.
4) 35,920 mi Ashtray Replaced, Console Repaired, Glove Box Replaced, Oil and Filter Changed.
5) 43,561 mi Headlight(s) Replaced and Adjusted, Fan Replaced and the Rear Window Channel was Repaired/Replaced.

Third owner (my little old lady from Pasadena). Purchased the Vehicle from Mercedes Benz of Escondido, CA on 05/28/2005.

1) 07/26/2005 California DMV Accident Reported > $500
2) 116,385 mi Passed CA Smog Inspection
3) 148,905 mi Failed CA Smog Inspection
4) 150,066 mi Failed CA Smog Inspection
5) 150,097 mi Recall #201109001 Performed, Passed CA Smog Inspection
6) 178,074 mi Failed CA Smog Inspection
7) 178,474 mi Failed CA Smog Inspection
8) 179,152 mi Passed CA Smog Inspection

11/06/2012 Changed Service Center to Redhawk Auto Service in Temecula, CA.

1) 183,443 mi Oil and Filter Serviced, Parking Brake Adjusted, Throttle Body Cleaned/Serviced and Wipers Replaced.
2) 206,126 mi DYNO TRANS of Temecula, CA. Oil and Filter Changed, Transmission Serviced.
3) 211,092 mi DYNO TRANS of Temecula, CA. Engine Mounts Replaced
4) 225,622 mi Oil Change and Filter
5) 238,665 mi Oil Change and Filter.

Which leads us to my purchase with 238,665 mi and starring at $2500 in repairs! Should I drive the car until the wheels fall off or spend the $$$ to have it repaired or alternatively sell it for what I paid for it and find another vehicle?

All the Best!
Chuck

 

As your neighbor has done for 5 years, avoid visiting the dealer. None of those items affect driveability.

If you get interested in DIY, you could fix the whole list for around $200 total in parts, if you supply the labor.

Oil and brake changes are due when the car says so. Instrument cluster display will advise you.

Visit your local auto salvage yard for a pre-loved glovebox from a retired ML. Yours has far to go unless you crash it.

 

I wouldn't bother trying to buy that car