Howdy all,

I currently have a 2015 ML550 fully loaded with ~60000kms on it. My lease will be coming due this summer and I am contemplating on whether to buyout the car or to lease another. The car has been fantastic to me and trouble free. Aside from the usual wear and tear (ie. rock chips, little bit of curb rash on the rims) the car is in great condition as I've tried to baby it. Buyout is about $44k (incl tax) by the time the lease ends (btw this is in Canadian dollars).

I drove a new GLE43 AMG to see how the twin turbo V6 compares and honestly I was a little disappointed. I'm sure I would've been perfectly happy if I didn't drive the v8 beforehand, but it just doesn't feel the same. The V6 is rougher than the v8 (if u haven't driven the v8 before, it's buttery smooth) and there's simply no low end....takes time for everything to rev up (and that's in Sport+ mode too). Other than that, the car was ok. I could get another 550 or perhaps the GLE63 I guess, but IMO there just isn't enough of a dramatic difference to make me "really want it". The headlights, steering wheel, LCD screen are different, but other than that the car is very similar to my current.

Which leads me to my question.....should I just buyout my current lease and pay the extra $4.5k for an extra 3yr manufacturer warranty? Or lease another? Thanks in advance!

SC

 

Are there any options you regret not having ? The 550 was pretty complete.
How does the used value look compared to buyout price ?

 

new lease

 

Keep the 550 with the V8. I'd rather have a 2014 ML550 than any ML or GLE they make now. It has the power but does not broadcast to the world, its a killer engine.

 

The 550 was fully loaded. The only thing it didn't have was the auto stop-start....I'm actually glad it didn't have that cuz I just don't like it (my cousins GLK has it and I'm just simply not a fan).

From what I see on Autotrader, a comparable ML550 still sells for ~$70-75k (mine was about $100k new).


SC

 

I would buy it, get the warranty and it is paid for by the taxes you save on the new one.Also get the low finance rates from MB if possible and invest the $ 45 k.if you decide later to get a new one or life changes you are not locked into a lease. Your ahead of the game because its a good Suv and you have equity in it.

 

Yeah, I'm leaning towards just buying it out as well. Nothing on the market currently makes me really really want it. Actually if the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with the Hellcat engine was out this year I would've gotten that, but I don't think it's coming till next year. Having said that, how has the long term reliability been for the W166's? From chatting with the dealer, they said that the petrol models have been pretty good.....the diesels are another story though.


SC

 

Good for you. You can choose it because you've loved the car already. For me, it is really worth to buy it. Or, change it with the most latest model, but you need to spend buck again.

 

plus one

 

Buy it.

 

Shopped a few dealers in my area and bought out my ml350 bluetech for 2k under residual including tags tax and 7 yr warranty. Shop around and tell them the other guy under priced them. When you get a good price then you can make a easier decision.

 

If you are the original owner and took care of it from day one, keeping it is by FAR the most viable and rewarding option. The new GLE 43s feel anaemic (plus IMHO an AMG SUV is borderline vulgar), and the 9G Tronic is not without its challenges, not to mention the ugly iPad on the dash and the absolutely idiotic Comand touchpad downgrade. You've got the best SUV of the bunch... unless you have a pressing urge to get a new car, a late-gen ML550 will likely outlast any GLE that you can currently buy and is a much nicer car to be in and operate.

 

Buy-buy-buy. For $1000 CAD you can get the front of your car painted by a certified MB shop if you want to get rid of the stone chips. $600 CAD get all of your rims refinished. $350 for a 2 stage polish. $150 for a complete interior spa and your car will look brand new. $3500 for a 3 year extended warranty which will cover you like a new car warranty.

Assume that you will spend $5450 to get it near show room condition + the buy-out of $44k that is still way cheaper than buying a new GLE 550 (yes we canadians can still get the mighty V8 - take that Americans!) Build a GLE 550 close to what your ML550 have and you will be amaze how much it will cost including tax - you will go past $100k CAD + if you are in BC you pay 15% luxury tax!