Reliability?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 6
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'03 4Runner
Reliability?
It's time for a new SUV. I've put 150k miles on my '03 4Runner. Overall, it has been a reliable vehicle, with the only recurrent issues being frozen brake calipers. And, unfortunately, a rusted through frame -- we'll see if Toyota will help with that.
I'm considering a new 4Runner, a Lexus GX470, and an ML350 with the offroad package. I take my SUV on the beach for two weeks each summer. It's not heavy offroading, but it is possible to get stuck. So I think I want the offroad package with a locking center diff. Yes, I know it is a special order.
I drive in heavy stop and go traffic, so the Mercedes driver aids (distronic plus, brake hold, etc.) have a lot of appeal. Our Mercedes dealer is close and has treated my wife very well (she has a 2010 C-class). But I am concerned about reliability.
Consumer Reports (yeah, I know) shows the C-class to be very reliable and that has been true for my wife's car. But they show the ML as being less reliable. What has your experience been?
I do tend to keep my cars a long time. If I get an ML, I will get an extended warranty.
I'm considering a new 4Runner, a Lexus GX470, and an ML350 with the offroad package. I take my SUV on the beach for two weeks each summer. It's not heavy offroading, but it is possible to get stuck. So I think I want the offroad package with a locking center diff. Yes, I know it is a special order.
I drive in heavy stop and go traffic, so the Mercedes driver aids (distronic plus, brake hold, etc.) have a lot of appeal. Our Mercedes dealer is close and has treated my wife very well (she has a 2010 C-class). But I am concerned about reliability.
Consumer Reports (yeah, I know) shows the C-class to be very reliable and that has been true for my wife's car. But they show the ML as being less reliable. What has your experience been?
I do tend to keep my cars a long time. If I get an ML, I will get an extended warranty.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 619
Likes: 34
From: East part of Texas
2017 CLS550
Although I have never owned one, from everything I have read the Lexus is more reliable, if that is your primary concern. Having said that, I can tell you that in the two and a half years I have owned my ML350 (gas version) I have not had a single problem of major significance. The only problem was shortly after getting it, I found the hatch would not open to the exact position I programmed. They replaced the right hatch shock and all has been well since. There was also a very small stress crack on the driver side mirror casing and it was replaced. These two items were under warranty.
I have been driving cars and trucks of all types and from all manufacturers over the past fifty years and the ML350 has been the best of them all - so far. Unlike you, I keep a car only until the warranty expires or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. In the case of this ML, I will get rid of it around the four year mark since I only have 21,000 miles on it now. Given my time frames and mileage criteria, any car should be reliable during the period I own it. Maybe I have been lucky with this ML but I would not hesitate to buy another.
I have been driving cars and trucks of all types and from all manufacturers over the past fifty years and the ML350 has been the best of them all - so far. Unlike you, I keep a car only until the warranty expires or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. In the case of this ML, I will get rid of it around the four year mark since I only have 21,000 miles on it now. Given my time frames and mileage criteria, any car should be reliable during the period I own it. Maybe I have been lucky with this ML but I would not hesitate to buy another.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 6
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'03 4Runner
I'm sure the GX would be more reliable. But will the ML be reliable enough? I think the Mercedes driver aids are a lot better developed than the GX. The GX is more rugged offroad, but it is more than I need and I think the ML will drive better onroad, which is where I spend most of my time.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
2011 GL350BT
for the most part in my own experience ML isn't too bad with their reliability, however, if you opted for the diesel version, after warranty period is up it can give you some issues.. oil leak, AdBlue heater pump etc.. and these are all common issues
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 92
Likes: 1
ML350
I second that! This is coming from an out of warranty diesel ML owner who had both of the issues mentioned
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
2011 GL350BT
not sure if they've done any improvement on the 2014 and 2015s yet.. but that's the reason why I had to get-rid of my GL350BT... costing way too much for repair... besides that I absolutely loved it!!
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 6
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'03 4Runner
I was going to skip the diesel. Diesel costs so much here in MA that you don't save a whole lot.
I just finished a test drive of the ML350 with my salesman friend -- we go back a long ways. He told me the same thing about the diesels and specifically mentioned the adblue system as being a trouble spot.
I just finished a test drive of the ML350 with my salesman friend -- we go back a long ways. He told me the same thing about the diesels and specifically mentioned the adblue system as being a trouble spot.
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 513
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
13ML BT
I was going to skip the diesel. Diesel costs so much here in MA that you don't save a whole lot.
I just finished a test drive of the ML350 with my salesman friend -- we go back a long ways. He told me the same thing about the diesels and specifically mentioned the adblue system as being a trouble spot.
I just finished a test drive of the ML350 with my salesman friend -- we go back a long ways. He told me the same thing about the diesels and specifically mentioned the adblue system as being a trouble spot.
My bluetec is 2 years old and no probs with anything. However I only have 24,000 miles on it and I did purchase the 7/75 warranty.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Look into a Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit. It was developed when MB owned Chrysler. It is an ML that's been Chrysler-ized and is known for its off road abilities as well. The Head Unit w/ Nav from the factory (AN) is known as the industry's best one.
However the ML 350 has acceleration rates as good or better than the Jeep Hemi. The Jeep 6 Cyl is quick too, but has a less dependable transmission than the trans that the Hemi gets.
However the ML 350 has acceleration rates as good or better than the Jeep Hemi. The Jeep 6 Cyl is quick too, but has a less dependable transmission than the trans that the Hemi gets.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 236
Likes: 30
From: Florida
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 2016 C3, 2020 Lincoln Aviator
Look into a Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit. It was developed when MB owned Chrysler. It is an ML that's been Chrysler-ized and is known for its off road abilities as well. The Head Unit w/ Nav from the factory (AN) is known as the industry's best one.
However the ML 350 has acceleration rates as good or better than the Jeep Hemi. The Jeep 6 Cyl is quick too, but has a less dependable transmission than the trans that the Hemi gets.
However the ML 350 has acceleration rates as good or better than the Jeep Hemi. The Jeep 6 Cyl is quick too, but has a less dependable transmission than the trans that the Hemi gets.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 355
Likes: 2
2013 ML 550, CLK63 AMG, 2012 E350 4MATIC
I was going to skip the diesel. Diesel costs so much here in MA that you don't save a whole lot.
I just finished a test drive of the ML350 with my salesman friend -- we go back a long ways. He told me the same thing about the diesels and specifically mentioned the adblue system as being a trouble spot.
I just finished a test drive of the ML350 with my salesman friend -- we go back a long ways. He told me the same thing about the diesels and specifically mentioned the adblue system as being a trouble spot.
I'd say as a daily driver, you'll enjoy the ML more than the Lexus. I'm just used to the MB interiors, but I find the Lexus interiors to be of low quality.
If you're taking it on the beach(duxbury, the cape?), I'd invest a few grand in a beater 4wd beach wagon. I'll use the ML for most of my winter driving, but if things are really sh*tty I'll probably take the F250 with the locking diff. Nice to have a vehicle you don't have to worry about.
And nothing excites a spouse more than a beater truck appearing in the driveway.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
2011 GL350BT
don't get me wrong, I loved my Bluetec for the power and fuel efficiency, and even just recently convinced my in-laws to get a 2015. I actually have more fun driving their ML350 than my 63, just cuz I can really push the truck harder without worrying about the gas mileage lol.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
2011 GL350BT
I'd say as a daily driver, you'll enjoy the ML more than the Lexus. I'm just used to the MB interiors, but I find the Lexus interiors to be of low quality.
If you're taking it on the beach(duxbury, the cape?), I'd invest a few grand in a beater 4wd beach wagon. I'll use the ML for most of my winter driving, but if things are really sh*tty I'll probably take the F250 with the locking diff. Nice to have a vehicle you don't have to worry about.
And nothing excites a spouse more than a beater truck appearing in the driveway.
If you're taking it on the beach(duxbury, the cape?), I'd invest a few grand in a beater 4wd beach wagon. I'll use the ML for most of my winter driving, but if things are really sh*tty I'll probably take the F250 with the locking diff. Nice to have a vehicle you don't have to worry about.
And nothing excites a spouse more than a beater truck appearing in the driveway.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 355
Likes: 2
2013 ML 550, CLK63 AMG, 2012 E350 4MATIC
much gnashing of teeth and grumbling ensued.
A week later the truck showed up "what teh f*(& is THAT thing??"
well, we needed something to haul the boat!
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
2011 GL350BT
I had a 28' sport fisher occupying the space next to the garage for two years. within a month of that leaving, a good friend bought a new boat "well it's not coming HERE!" a week later it showed up.
much gnashing of teeth and grumbling ensued.
A week later the truck showed up "what teh f*(& is THAT thing??"
well, we needed something to haul the boat!
much gnashing of teeth and grumbling ensued.
A week later the truck showed up "what teh f*(& is THAT thing??"
well, we needed something to haul the boat!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 355
Likes: 2
2013 ML 550, CLK63 AMG, 2012 E350 4MATIC
Ha, my 250 V-10 is a bear... the guy told me over the phone "The interior was chewed by a dog" holy ****, the seats were torn to crap, he covered them with nasty vinyl slipcovers, the wheel is the same. but it runs great and we haul lobster pots around in it and haul the boat. At 275 HP it comes in dead last HP wise in my lineup of four cars...yet gets the worst mileage.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: NYC / LI
2013 CTS-V, 2017 Audi Q7 / Past MB's: 2011 ML350 & 2012 ML350
It's time for a new SUV. I've put 150k miles on my '03 4Runner. Overall, it has been a reliable vehicle, with the only recurrent issues being frozen brake calipers. And, unfortunately, a rusted through frame -- we'll see if Toyota will help with that.
I'm considering a new 4Runner, a Lexus GX470, and an ML350 with the offroad package. I take my SUV on the beach for two weeks each summer. It's not heavy offroading, but it is possible to get stuck. So I think I want the offroad package with a locking center diff. Yes, I know it is a special order.
I drive in heavy stop and go traffic, so the Mercedes driver aids (distronic plus, brake hold, etc.) have a lot of appeal. Our Mercedes dealer is close and has treated my wife very well (she has a 2010 C-class). But I am concerned about reliability.
Consumer Reports (yeah, I know) shows the C-class to be very reliable and that has been true for my wife's car. But they show the ML as being less reliable. What has your experience been?
I do tend to keep my cars a long time. If I get an ML, I will get an extended warranty.
I'm considering a new 4Runner, a Lexus GX470, and an ML350 with the offroad package. I take my SUV on the beach for two weeks each summer. It's not heavy offroading, but it is possible to get stuck. So I think I want the offroad package with a locking center diff. Yes, I know it is a special order.
I drive in heavy stop and go traffic, so the Mercedes driver aids (distronic plus, brake hold, etc.) have a lot of appeal. Our Mercedes dealer is close and has treated my wife very well (she has a 2010 C-class). But I am concerned about reliability.
Consumer Reports (yeah, I know) shows the C-class to be very reliable and that has been true for my wife's car. But they show the ML as being less reliable. What has your experience been?
I do tend to keep my cars a long time. If I get an ML, I will get an extended warranty.
Since you're used to Toyota reliability and you're planning to buy your next SUV and keep it a long time get the Lexus.
If you want to give the ML a try (as my wife did back in 2011) lease it. BTW, as of 6 weeks ago my wife is back in a Lexus after two ML's.
Good luck with your decision.
Last edited by Cyber GS; Nov 10, 2014 at 01:53 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
'03 4Runner
I test drove a few vehicles over the weekend. The 2015 4Runner Limited felt significantly more trucky than my '03. The V6 was noisy and coarse, compared to my '03 V8. All in all, I just wasn't that impressed with it.
I drove the Lexus GX and was unfortunately disappointed. The third row seat takes up a lot room in the back, so it really doesn't have that much cargo capacity given the size of the vehicle. The GX's drivetrain is far more refined than the 2015 4Runner's drivetrain, but it was surprisingly slow. Like the 4Runner, the GX just felt heavy and truckish.
I drove an ML350 and that felt far better. It was quicker than either the 4Runner or GX. The engine sound was refined -- it was never coarse. The ML350 was nimbler and rode better.
I'm leaning towards the ML350. It's just the reliability that has me concerned.
I've got no room in the driveway for a third vehicle.
I drove the Lexus GX and was unfortunately disappointed. The third row seat takes up a lot room in the back, so it really doesn't have that much cargo capacity given the size of the vehicle. The GX's drivetrain is far more refined than the 2015 4Runner's drivetrain, but it was surprisingly slow. Like the 4Runner, the GX just felt heavy and truckish.
I drove an ML350 and that felt far better. It was quicker than either the 4Runner or GX. The engine sound was refined -- it was never coarse. The ML350 was nimbler and rode better.
I'm leaning towards the ML350. It's just the reliability that has me concerned.
I've got no room in the driveway for a third vehicle.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
2011 GL350BT
I test drove a few vehicles over the weekend. The 2015 4Runner Limited felt significantly more trucky than my '03. The V6 was noisy and coarse, compared to my '03 V8. All in all, I just wasn't that impressed with it.
I drove the Lexus GX and was unfortunately disappointed. The third row seat takes up a lot room in the back, so it really doesn't have that much cargo capacity given the size of the vehicle. The GX's drivetrain is far more refined than the 2015 4Runner's drivetrain, but it was surprisingly slow. Like the 4Runner, the GX just felt heavy and truckish.
I drove an ML350 and that felt far better. It was quicker than either the 4Runner or GX. The engine sound was refined -- it was never coarse. The ML350 was nimbler and rode better.
I'm leaning towards the ML350. It's just the reliability that has me concerned.
I've got no room in the driveway for a third vehicle.
I drove the Lexus GX and was unfortunately disappointed. The third row seat takes up a lot room in the back, so it really doesn't have that much cargo capacity given the size of the vehicle. The GX's drivetrain is far more refined than the 2015 4Runner's drivetrain, but it was surprisingly slow. Like the 4Runner, the GX just felt heavy and truckish.
I drove an ML350 and that felt far better. It was quicker than either the 4Runner or GX. The engine sound was refined -- it was never coarse. The ML350 was nimbler and rode better.
I'm leaning towards the ML350. It's just the reliability that has me concerned.
I've got no room in the driveway for a third vehicle.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
'03 4Runner
I definitely agree the ML would drive better comparing to most of other SUVs, it really depends on how long you want to own it, if you were to lease one then I'd say you have nothing to worry about, if you want to keep it for a longer period of time, it wouldn't hurt to consider the extended warranty.
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 105
Likes: 6
ML 320 CDI
Jin, if you age a 10 year old 4runner and the ML - they are going to be too far from each other with respect to reliability. Secondly, yours is a solid axle 4wd the ML is a modern AWD independent suspension and rides more like a car. That also makes one more off road capable than the other. I think your rust issues will affect both vehicles because of your frequent trips to the beach. Third - 4runner and ML are on both extremes of the luxury spectrum. Not a fair comparison.
Do you need to tow anything ? Do you really need a big SUV? If not, you might want to consider a Subaru Tribeca, Forester or Mazda CX-9. The ML will depreciate $30k on the first 3 years of purchase. A better comparison to the ML is the Highlander (in driving abilities). Depreciation of a Toyota SUV will cost about $18k the first 3 years. The only logical reason for the ML is towing abilities of the diesel v6. Also, diesels are a LOT more efficient in stop/go traffic because it sips far less fuel while idling (compared to gas). Your decision depends on what you need vs what your SUV is able to do.
Do you need to tow anything ? Do you really need a big SUV? If not, you might want to consider a Subaru Tribeca, Forester or Mazda CX-9. The ML will depreciate $30k on the first 3 years of purchase. A better comparison to the ML is the Highlander (in driving abilities). Depreciation of a Toyota SUV will cost about $18k the first 3 years. The only logical reason for the ML is towing abilities of the diesel v6. Also, diesels are a LOT more efficient in stop/go traffic because it sips far less fuel while idling (compared to gas). Your decision depends on what you need vs what your SUV is able to do.
