dserban

As I posted few days ago, I am considering getting an ML500.

Is everybody happy with the Navigation system? I will not be travelling out of the West (California, Nevada and Arizona) so it will not be to much swaping.

I am also lookinh at the LX470 (I like the touch screen DVD Nav.) but it seems under power. Does anybody else on this board compare the two?

Thank you!

amb9800

If you look at some older posts, they say about 2003 model year ML's getting a new DVD Navigation system + the COMAND system from the S-Class (as opposed to the current MCS). So it will be one DVD vs the whole collection of CDs, but if you aren't really traveling that far, that shouldn't be much of a problem.

The LX is a bigger truck, and more "puffy" - big look, size, not that much more room. Yes, the touch-screen nav is something that the ML doesnt have, but I'd say the ML as a whole is a cleaner design - although it does have some of its own quality problems.

The ML's current navigation system (the MCS) is relatively easy and straight-forward to navigate through and handle, even though the Lexus interface seems easier to use because of the touch screen.

As far as power, I would say the ML500 is better powered for its size and weight. The LX470 is a little bigger and heavier, but the build quality is probably better.

So overall, I would say that for most purposes, the ML500 is a better choice, but if you want a "big" look and a real "truck feeling," get the LX470.


mbakshi

mbtech208

When comparing the ML and the LX470, I'd take the LX. The ML is a bit too minivan-ish for me, while the LX is based on the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser. Between the LX and the Cruiser, I'd take the Cruiser to save a few bucks. However, if it were a choice between the Cruiser/LX470 and the G500, I'd take the G500.

dserban

Thank you for your input.

My major concern about the ML is the relibility.

mbtech208

The 2002 MLs seem to be pretty well-behaved, not too many problems have surfaced yet. I don't know though, the '98-'01 models have pretty much scarred me for life as far as ever trusting them again.

dserban

E

sosh

Had a 98 ML amd now have a 02 ML500. Its far better than the 98 with fewer rattles/creaks and lots more fun features. Have the nav and love it. I was given an LX430 to drive for a week to see if I liked it. Found it very trucky, underpowered and I hate the plastic smell that is prevalent in Japanese cars. Also found the seats uncomfortable to me. Its really a plushed up Toyota, I put 750 miles on it and was glad to give it back.

amb9800

I agree with sosh - after test-driving and going through the '98 and '02 model years, there seems to be a tremendous change in terms of general build quality - and from what I have heard, the 02 MY fixes a lot of the reliability problems from model years '98 to '00. '01 MY was also a change - different features, enhancements, and the 2002 is another set of changes.

mbakshi