secola

My wife and i are considering trading in our s4 for a 2006 ML500. the dealer tells us its a one of a kind. Black Alcantara inserts in the seats, parktronics, comfort pkg, lighting package, entertainment pkg, appearance pkg, Air suspension pkg, sunroof pkg, dvd navigation, Trailer hitch, 3zone climate control, aluminum trim, and power liftgate. They showed us the msrp when new and it was 60k

The car is being sold as a pre owned certified used MB asking price 37,990.

Does this sound like a one of a kind ML and does this sound like a good price.

Do these cas have any problems that we should know about before getting into one?

Thanks for the help

Vernl

Far from being one of a kind...thats just used car salesman ''speak"..lol....you never said anything about the mileage but just to get some idea as to the ''dealer'' prices...go to the MB website and check out the preowned section. This will give you an idea of whats out there.

secola

the milage is 34k

sosh

Alcantra is like mouse fur and its a standard, not optional material, The only real options you have were included in the premium package, plus the lighting and trailer hitch and the 3 zone climate control. I just traded my 06 on a 2010ML550 and it was similar to this vehicle less the 3 zone, aluminum trim which I hate. Mine also had real leather and the MB phone which was a 2000 option. The MSRP of my 06 was 62K. The one you mention is well equiped but by no means a one of a kind. My 06 was excellent and bullet proof. Never was in for anything other than routine service. Never a fault. The 06 was my 3rd ML and I am now on my 4th. Price sounds like its a bit on the high side.

Benzo 003

I just picked up (August 26 2009) a 2008 350 4matic with everything but the tow hitch for 36,500 out the door....21600 miles...very well equiped 2006 models in the midwest are only asking 26 to 29,000...depending on mileage...sounds really high, sorry.

sosh

When picking up my new 2010 ML550 the dealer had a 06 ML350 that was very nice and well equipped on the showroom floor with a sold tag on it. Had 39000 miles and I was told it was sold for 37000 and was Starmarked. I question the pricing this guy gave unless the condition of those cars was poor

Benzo 003

The vehicle I purchased is/was very well equiped and absolutely immaculate. I am in the chicagoland area and these vehicles are, for lack of a better phrase, being given away. Please search eBay, Vehix, or Autotrader for my area and see that 37000 for a 2006 is way out of line....for the area.

seksdesk

We purchased a 2006 ML 500 with 29,000 miles last April for $29,000 and the dealer included a new set of 4 Pirelli Assymetrico P-Zero tires and the certified warranty in that price. The ride, handling, accel., interior is all very nice. We hope it lasts for a long time.

entre

There are more CPO Mercedes than buyers. Others are being polite, it isa high price for the value received.

Do not buy anything for 30 days. Look at all the ML500 MY06 you can find in that time frame. All venues. Ask for the option codes, mileage, VIN and Carfax.

The education will help you very much to be proud of your final decision.

There is no more than a 1 on 10 chance that the vehicle you are looking at now will be the final one purchased if you look at 20 others and of those 10 in very specific viewing.

Find out what each option is and what it cost new and what it is worth now.

Premium interior I and II and trailer hitch, $640 on my '06, and all the other items you have an interest in is an education.

Good luck in your journey.

sosh

ML500's while not really rare represnt a very small percent of the total production for any given year. Used buyers are lucky to find a good one. I just traded my 06 ML500 for a 2010 ML550 and mine lasted about 2 days on the dealers lot. My dealer tells me that its not often they get a 500 while the 350's are a dime a dozen. As for Carfax its almost useless and I disagree with your assessment of the ML being not a good value.

sosh

Oh yes, I do not recall there being a "premium interior" group or Premium 2 As I recall there was just premium group and the you could opt for leather as opposed to a plastic interior.

entre

I never meant the benz is not a good value in general. Just this one asking price is high.
Carfax is a tool, not a solution. Aftermarket oil changes and other repairs do not show up on Carfax, the dealer repairs and maintenance do so you get a clue of the work that has been done and the timing for maintenance so I diagree with you on that point. ML500 models are out there and you should not restrict your purchase options to the local market of 50 miles or so. Broaden your option to several hundred miles radius.

sosh

I still disagree. Carfax reporting is optional for any shop or body shop. If the report shows damage you do not know for certain what sort of damage, if it shows none there still could be major repaired damage. As for the maint best bet is to get the dealer's MB maint from new which many dealers will provide. As far as travelling great distances to purchase its not necessary and I am a strong beliver in service where you buy as opposed to having maint done locally after buying a car 100 miles away. Cost of doing business locally maybe a thousand bucks in the price spread and over 5 years of ownership thats only 200 bucks a year. I also suggest buying a late model MB only from the dealer and being certain it carries the Starmark warranty. Worth its weight in Gold. I never buy preowned only new except for my collector cars and without a doubt there is more to worry about with a used vehicle than a new purchase.