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I currently own 2014 E350 bought used as a retirement gift to myself and just live that yesrs body styling.
I am now looking for a winter car for work and have found a 2001 ML320 leather with nav from a private owner and he's asking $4400 but got him down to possibly $3600. Needs tires no dash lights, car came from California and a dime sized rust spot rear quarter just bubble under paint. Car has 98,000 original miles. Has some scratches and nicks in paint and key fobs have seen better days. Should I try and make this deal or maybe go lower? Don't know much about the 320 so that's why I'm posting here. Any input appreciated! Here are couple pics.
It's a 20 year old vehicle, caveat emptor. Are you extremely handy with DIY car repairs? Or do you have a deep wallet to spend at an indy repair shop or dealer?
The 3.2L inline 6 was widely used in its day. It seems average or above-average reliable, for a Mercedes. Mercedes are generally far below average in the reliability arena.
Rust on turn of the century Mercedes is/was common. Rust on 20 year old vehicles is more common than on 10 year old vehicles. There is likely alot of rust under the vehicle, which doesn't mean to say all of it is critical. Just be aware.
Do you intend to use the ML as a daily driver, or a fun/weekend/farm/project car?
Depending on the answers to the questions above, and the results of a complete and thorough inspection, it could be a beneficial transaction or it could be a trail of tears.
It's a 20 year old vehicle, caveat emptor. Are you extremely handy with DIY car repairs? Or do you have a deep wallet to spend at an indy repair shop or dealer?
The 3.2L inline 6 was widely used in its day. It seems average or above-average reliable, for a Mercedes. Mercedes are generally far below average in the reliability arena.
Rust on turn of the century Mercedes is/was common. Rust on 20 year old vehicles is more common than on 10 year old vehicles. There is likely alot of rust under the vehicle, which doesn't mean to say all of it is critical. Just be aware.
Do you intend to use the ML as a daily driver, or a fun/weekend/farm/project car?
Depending on the answers to the questions above, and the results of a complete and thorough inspection, it could be a beneficial transaction or it could be a trail of tears.
Daily driver for work. I am handy working on cars. I have this same question on another forum and they mention tranny replace or rebuild with that mileage
Daily driver for work. I am handy working on cars. I have this same question on another forum and they mention tranny replace or rebuild with that mileage
Unless you have no other option, I wouldn't buy this 20 year old complex German vehicle for a daily driver. Transmission rebuild is not out of the question. Neither are rear main crankshaft seal oil leaks, or axle oil leaks. The oil leak comments apply to any 20 year old AWD/4x4 vehicle, whether it is a Mercedes or a Toyota. It's just far more expensive when they happen on a Mercedes, compared with a Toyota.
Daily driver for work. I am handy working on cars. I have this same question on another forum and they mention tranny replace or rebuild with that mileage
The 722.6 transmission in these is one of the most reliable and legendary transmissions Mercedes ever used.
They have common issues with connector sleeves which cost around $20 to DIY, and sometimes conductor plates which are around 200.
But the guts are bulletproof. I assume that wasnt an on a Mercedes specific forum where they mentioned the transmission
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
