VTBenZO

I am in the market for an SUV, I have narrowed it down to Lexus GX470 or an ML500, but I am very hesitant to getting another ML because of all the visits I had to make to the dealership for my 2000 ML320, but the dealership service is amazing around here, they offer anything possible to make you happy, even if that meant taking you and picking you up from the airport!! and there is no lexus dealership within 90miles!! any advice? does ml500 (2002, 2003, 2004) have as much issues, any input is greatly appreciated!!

Thank you

amb9800

The '02-and-up ML's are much better quality and reliability-wise. They're pretty well built, and a lot was changed from 2000 to 2002. Over 1200 parts were changed in the '02 facelift, and most of the areas of trouble had been fixed by then.

No substantial changes were made between '02 and '03 - only the availability of the DVD nav module and, during the latter part of 2003, the switch from the ML320 (3.2L V6) to the 350 (3.7L V6). No changes were made from then on besides the discontinuation of the ML55 AMG and the various 'special editions.'

As far as the ML500 vs. the GX470, test drive both and see which one you prefer in terms of driving dynamics, space, etc. The GX is more truck-like and is a bit slower in terms of acceleration. Usable room is about the same. Styling -- both look pretty decent for mid-size SUV's IMO - I would give the ML slightly higher marks though (design seems sleeker, less 'bloated').

And if you have a nice dealer, all the more reason to go for the ML.

Here it's the opposite - the local MB dealers are, for the most part, not very helpful at all (snobbish, unfriendly unless you're there to buy a car) and don't have loaner cars available unless you schedule like 2 months in advance. Even at that, they only give out Corollas and Camrys - no MB's. Whereas the Lexus dealers tend to do very much more for the customers, and that's why they're picking up a lot of sales in certain market segments here.

deltadude388

If you are going to buy the GX470, save the 15K and buy a Toyota 4runner!
At the end of the day, Lexus is still a "YO". I have Tundra V8, it's strong and you can beat the crap out of it and it will still keep going!

VTBenZO

Can someone tell me if this is a good deal......

ML500 2003, with 18k miles, KBB retail value was $41k, my car is a ML320, 2000 with 47k, very good condition, asking a difference of $18K...................any thoughts?

Thank you

pointman

good deal. offering you 23k for your ml is an amazing number. what options are in the 500? depending on that the kbb value is much different

benzboy

Grab it before they change their mind!

saturnstyl

As a technician, I swore up and down for years that I would never ever buy an ML. Now I have an '04 ML500. Does that mean anything? The reliability and performance is there now. The facelift fixed many of the issues the ML's had, and was long overdue. It will be a night and day difference. You might go to the dealer for service, but I doubt you will make many trips for repairs.

ViKTORiOUS

GX470 - Can't go wrong with its standard options and Lexus quality.

pointman

ml 500 is so refined now... i had a 2000 as well and sold it. i now still have a 04 500, and love it.

gx is a big boat. im sure quality is great as lexus is afterall a lexus.

but overall the 500 is a GREAT suv.

saturnstyl

A LEXUS??? do ya wanna ride around in an appliance, or do you want to Drive a fine Mercedes SUV? Japanese cars bore me to death... I like a little soul put in to the design and driving characteristics.

ml320_2001

Please Lets us know what you bought finally :-)

VTBenZO

First of all I would like to thank everyone for their input. I opted for the ML500, it was a great choice, it sounds great. BUT, talking to someone ( I really trust) in MB convinced me not to go through with the deal, as he was telling me the W164 is going to set a new standard, and he said " Trust me, wait for a bit, you will not regret it, if it comes out and you dont like it, there are many Ml500s available". So i decided to wait and keep my current one until at least january. But If i dont like the new W164, I doubt I will go for an ML anymore, a G500 is on the agenda. But I must say one thing, if you have an Ml320, DO NOT GO NEAR DRIVING AN ML500, YOU WILL HATE YOUR CAR!!

Thanks to all again.

topspin4hand

This was very helpful. My wife is looking to get her 1st SUV. She does NOT like the look of the M Class at all. I was hoping to hold her off until the 2006 M class debuts, however, she test drove the GX this weekend and really liked it.

She does admit she likes the interior controls of MB better. Any suggestions of what I can say to convince her toward the MB (other than threatening to leave her...)? Thanks.

h3rmes

Depending on what your interested in, I wouldn't wait for a first generation MB product. First generation products by their very nature will have numerous problems for which you the customer is acting as a guinea pig for the manufacturer.

I speak from experience as a BMW 2002 745Li owner. BMW offered to buy it back from me as a lemon for a revised 2003 model. I ended up selling the 745Li and buying a 2001 740i Sport. Never regretted it. I might add the 2001 was the last best year for the 740.

The M-series, while horrible in the beginning, is a perfected product from model year 2003 to now. Due the large amounts of bad press regarding its earlier reliability, ironically, it has made the M-series a relative bargain compared to other luxury SUVs with superior dealer support. I would exclude the 2005 M-Class because MB has dropped the free scheduled maintenance.

There are a number of elements you should consider before buying the M-class and make sure you are clear on what you plan to use the car for.

My reasons are:

1. I can not drive the 740 in the snow. It simply will not go.
2. I can not go to Home Depot to buy oversized items with my 740.
3. I can not go to Costco to buy the big stuff with my 740.
4. I can not take the 740 up a snow covered road to my favorite ski resort.

Regards,
H3rmes