I see what you mean, I was sort of looking at an X3 and I had one as a loaner at one point. It's ok but it's just unattractive to me. I drove a friends new Pilot and I just don't have any desire at all for that, I'd much prefer an older Landcruiser.
I was really looking for a 2010 535Xi m-sport wagon but there were so few made, it's difficult to find one. Also it's an older design and not great from that perspective.
The S550 popped up at a local MB dealer P2, AMG and it was really nice, no accidents, 1 owner, low mileage, no rim damage, new OEM tires, batteries, services, trans fluid changed on time. Not too expensive.

I test drove a used 4S convertible a couple of years ago. It might have been that specific car but it was disappointing, numb steering, floppy suspension, and rattly.
On another occasion I had driven a Boxster S which I thought was a great driving car, but it was smoked in and had a transmission/ clutch issue. I think I'd like a GT3. Maybe if I'm feeling rich at some point.

2015 GT3RS....a few guys around here have those with about 200 miles on them as they are garage queens lol.

I see the ferraris and lambos being driven as daily drivers a lot.

Something close or closer to 50k:
http://m.cars.com/vehicledetail/#vdp...ngId=653887613
We're pretty far from the OP though.

That's decent. I know my fleet will down to 1 daily driver and 1 exotic car when I do get it...because it will be that same model year that I buy it. I'm only 33 though so I'm enjoying testing all of these different car brands for now and I don't have to hear my wife...once I for out 100k+ in cash she is going to tell me it better last forever and never break down lol

She must know zero about Euro exotics. Always in the shop and cost a mint to maintain.

lol

I specifically avoided mentioning you by name. 😊

PM me! We can talk .........

I owned a 07 ml350 andnd 03 e320 and traded them both in for what i now own which is a 2009 S550 and ill have to say go for the ml550 or even a 350. Much more reliable and has much more cargo space. I love my S550 but like others have said there are alot of hidden costs in owning one. And incurance aint cheap for the S. I bought it more for the bling bling factor and wasnt really thinking. I can fix cars so it hasnt costed me too much so far but in the long run even parts for these cars can run quite a bit.

On a side note i live in rochester and have done numerous repairs on the ML and have some DIY threads in the w164 forum. hit me up if you need help with repairs.

I find it amusing that you guys are recommending an ML over an S. The ML has been making those "Worst to own" and "least reliable" lists for several years. And take a look at Consumer Reports for a history of them. It aint pretty.

Agreed but the OP sounds like he wants a Benz. After having two kids I can say though that the ML would be far better than the S with kids, especially with car seats. Personally I would never own a Benz if I had to figure out a way to afford it. I had Honda's and Toyota's when my girls were younger because that is what I could afford and wanted ultra reliable, cheap, safe transportation. Now that they are teenagers and I have a few bucks, I figure what the hell, enjoy it. But I am the guy that could go out and pay cash for a new S whatever and I still purchased a low mileage S550 with an extended MB warranty for half the cost of new. My wife says I am a tightwad but I just cannot see spending over 100K on such a rapidly depreciating asset. My advise to anyone on cars and houses for that matter is, if you have to figure out a way to afford it, you are looking in the wrong neighborhood.

We're probably doing him a favor. After buying a 100k car for 30k last thing he needs is to be stranded on the expressway in his flashy car with a newborn in blistering cold buffalo weather only to be handed a 4500 dollar bill to have a air strut replaced to ruin the holiday. As for ml's being unreliable certain past years had failures but the newer models have a much better rating. And more cargo room to stow away stroller etc. Just makes more sense than getting an S. I'd suggest a 2010+

Similar to Mike, hate to be a buzzkill...

...go buy a new Honda -- at this point in your life/situation you'd be fool to max yourself out and buy a used MB...

...in fact, go buy a nice used Honda for $10k or $15k and save the rest...

Exactly...

I was kinda thinking the same thing. A minivan actually makes the most sense for a growing family. And if you insist on AWD, you can go with a Toyota Sienna. Otherwise, a Honda Pilot would be a good choice if you want a SUV.