thenew3

Wife and I are thinking about picking up a 2008 R350 with 50k miles. It's pretty well optioned, looks to be clean, and is priced in the mid $20k range (aka within our budget).

We currently drive a 2007 VW Passat 2.0T (her daily driver), and 2008 VW Passat 3.6 4motion wagon (my daily driver). We've owned them both since new, and have had 0 issues (knock on wood).

but we're thinking about having a 2nd child and 2 child seats would max out the rear seats of both our cars, and we wouldn't be able to bring the grandparents on long road trips like we currently do.

Thus the need for a larger 7 seat vehicle.

Local dealer had some new 2012 R350 bluetec for $10k off sticker, but at $50k it was really a stretch of our budget. and we blinked now all 5 they had in stock are sold.

So they recently got in a 2008 R350 (gas) with 50k miles. so no warranty.

Anything we should look out for? is the 2008 model year R350 pretty reliable? we don't want to be stuck with something that spends more time in the shop then on the road (been there before)

Our other option is a brand new 2011 GL350 bluetec. It seems the dealer has had this on the lot for quite some time and is trying to get rid of it. It stickers at $73k but I'm sure we can get it down to $50k or so (again it would be stretching the budget, but it will come with 4 year warranty, and better mileage).

appreciate any input!

efzauner

I would only buy an Rclass of that vintage with a bumber to bumper extended warranty. I have had mine for less than a year and the repairs so far would have been almost $4k. all under warranty. and you have to fight for it too!
Consider a 2009 that still has factory warranty on it, then get an extended warranty before it expires.

thenew3

Thanks for the input. If we do end up getting that 2008 R350, we'll likely negotiate an extended warranty contract of some sort into the purchase price.

The dealer showed us the service record list for this vehicle. besides regular maintenance, it looks like it hasn't been in the shop all that much for anything else. Which could suggest it was a fairly reliable sample, but who knows....

aa240sx

warranty or no - i'm currently driving an 08 r350 without a parachute (warranty). bought it used back in march of this year with a very low 34K miles.

I did post on this thread a couple of issues related to the middle row, but otherwise, the car has been trouble free for us. Make sure you go 08 or newer as the one common thing I've heard about these vehicles is an issue with some internal transmission related part on certain 06 and 07 models. Also that earlier models have had tailgate issues too.

thenew3

Found a CPO 2009 R320 bluetec with 9k miles on it and all options. Going to see if I can get it for a decent price.

Also been talking to a private seller of a 2011 R350 with 11k miles. So far he is about $15k above market value on that vehicle.

Thanks for the input!