SndsoftheSbrbs

Would you purchase a pre-owned R-Class today with them out of production?

gforaker

Why not? After a few years, every used car is essentially "out of production". Anyway, it shares much of the parts with the ML series which is still made.

I would only buy one from 2009 or later, though.

SndsoftheSbrbs

What issues, if any, have you had with your 2010? Is it your first R-Class?

gforaker

The sunroof switch broke several years ago while under warranty. The dealer also replaced a key under warranty because the dashboard kept showing the temp in Celsius instead of Fahrenheit. They said it was the key. At about 90,000 miles the front right wheel bearing and the left rear gas shock needed replacement. Both added up to about $800 together. I also had a tire stem valve need replacement, but that was probably my fault. That is about it for 100k miles.

Yes, my first Benz, but I have had other German and European cars.

Urnzonebait

Yes I would buy another one a 500 only!!! I need to feel some power!!!

gforaker

Yes, I'd love an R500 if only they made one in 2010 or later.

It is amazing how much power the 350 delivers, though. I drive around 4 times per year from our home in Ohio to our house in Florida. The car is filled completely with furniture and contents going back and forth. We cruise at 80 to 85 and occasionally zip up to 100 to get around and away from "packs" of slow cars. I can't think of any other car which could haul that much and still have the performance, control, and safety of this car.

SndsoftheSbrbs

My 2005 E500W4 has been reliable (I am its only owner), but has certainly cost me several times more than that in repairs. It only has 74k miles on it too.

I am happy to hear about all of your positive experiences with your R-Classes.

DHH

Mine has 125k miles on it and I would absolutely buy another one. It is the perfect minivan.

jahquan3

I'm seriously thinking of getting a R500 since I've seen quite a few in my area. I never took into consideration that parts etc. maybe an issue.

dinfung

I bought a 2011 R350 around March this year, put on about 6000KM so far. Drove from Vancouver to portland this pass weekend and got myself into some off-roading at Mt. St Helen. It drove perfect and I got 22.6mpg at this trip. I don't think there is really anything out there to really complete with the R-class market now. So the answer is Yes, I would buy a preowned R-class

stugilmour

2012 R350 BlueTec here, with about 50,000 km's. First and only MB in the family after several BMW's.

Love it! Absolutely would buy one. Dealer wants me to "trade up", but I say "trade up to what?" .

Two or three long highway trips per year, where this car absolutely rocks. Can feel a bit heavy / ponderous / 'Super Sized' around town as a DD. Unstoppable snow car that easily starts at -30 degrees. Very durable interior. On balance it makes a great Minivan alternative (which was the trade-in).

I think the only issues I have had were one recurring CEL code (addressed free at routine service with a software update) and a failed rear wiper arm (the new part appears better than the original). Based on suggestions here I bought the transferable extended warranty, but I don't think it has been required; would still recommend if available though. MB dealer experience has been excellent (even if a bit spendy).

Definitely keeping this car after the payments are done, and would absolutely look at MB again for our next vehicle, which will be likely some sort of smaller SUV to replace an aging Infiniti sedan.

Stu

thetonka

I have had my 2009 R320 Bluetec for over a year now. I have had some experience service done, mostly due to lack of records from previous owner. I have also had a couple of expensive issues from the cooling system, suspect abuse or neglect from previous owner. I got a good deal when we bought it so the cost has not really past that SELL IT NOW, mark.

Overall, I love this car. Big, comfortable, quiet, eats long freeway miles, great looking, good fuel mileage for as big as it is. I'd buy another one, but probably get a good extended warranty next time.

08R320CDI

Only thing I would do differently is find a newer one that has more options. I love my big heavy R! The torque from the diesel makes up for the weight, easily. I just find it a super comfortable, and actually pretty fun car to drive, no matter what the weather is like outside.

benzR350NYC

Yes I will get another one.. I have a 09 that I purchased back in 2012. It's the gas model but I will sell mines next year and get a bluetec either 2010-2012 model

thetonka

And now after saying I would buy another one, mine is back in the shop with another coolant leak. I am not sure if this is all because of abuse, neglect, or what? I'm hoping I can get through these problems and put some serious miles on my R320. I drive a lot and that is why I stepped up to a Mercedes Diesel. Even with the emissions hardware issues I know they are long life vehicles, and when you drive 100+ miles a day and spend 2-4 hours a day in your car, you want something nice.

Please, someone tell me I can get past these issues and have a nice long run of reliability, I am starting to lose faith.

darkflash

Right now I wouldn't. Love how it handles in the snow, very relaxing cruiser, nice to drive in rush-hour... But the amount of failed components for a sub 120k vechilce and the time I've spent working on it instead of de-stressing from a busy week makes it a total burden.

This will likely be my last Mercedes.

bborg

Well here it is. I traded in my VW Passat for a 2012 E350 last year. Now we are expecting a third child and my wife would like Merc. to replace the Nissan Rogue. Well the R class is perfect but I am nervous about reliability. I might just take the jump as I can find one for around 25K with 110,000 kms. or jump a bit higher to get it in the 80,000 km range. Well I figure the air suspension is going to go but now I am hearing cooling leaks and also turbo issues. What does everyone think? We test drove one last week and we almost jumped on it but we are going to wait a couple months and do some more research as we are not in a rush...

SndsoftheSbrbs

This applies to any pre-owned vehicle: search for a car with a good history of regular maintenance, do your own basic evaluation visually and by taking a test drive, and make sure to have it inspected by a trusted mechanic (preferably one that works on Mercedes-Benzes) before signing an agreement to purchase. I don't agree with the above poster, who is very negative on Mercedes-Benz quality. I am curious to know about the history of his vehicle. Mercedes-Benz' components probably benefit from regular maintenance and a consistent driving style more than any other major luxury automotive brand.