Hi Paul (or anyone else who might know)

 

Ive been doing a bit of car shopping with the Mrs. We were looking at small SUV and picked out an Audi Q5 - seems like a great car, and probably our pic of the SUV bunch.

 

However, we popped into Mercedes yesterday and checked out the ML. We hadnt previouslly looked at these as we thought they were a bit big/pricey, but there were some great deals on.

 

I realise there is a new model due for April 2012, so i guess thats the reason for the good deals.

 

We seem to be swaying towards the ML but it would be great to get some feedback of someone in the know.

 

Would you recommend the ML? Whats the best model to go for?

Is depreciation a big worry etc....

 

Any info you have would be great

The new ML is a really nice vehicle - get a facelift one if poss (mid/late 08 onwards from memory).

 

Look for one with COMAND & telephone installation if poss - later facelift vehicles have basic bluetooth built in - early cars do not & need full phone prep. Both of these options are sought after & will help sell the car if you ever want to sell it.

 

CDI versions are the most popular - the 320 CDI is probably the most common model we see - if you want some fun & can get one then the 420 V8 twin turbo CDI has enough torque to raise the Titanic!! :D

 

We see problems with the V6 CDI turbos failing - big bucks when the actuator goes although I have now found a company that can repair these rather than fitting a new turbo at around £1600

 

seal off the turbo leaks into the inlet port actuator - kills the motor & needs replacing. A new seal fitted early on will prevent this failure.

 

see a few gearbox issues - new electrical repair kit will usually cure this problem.

 

rear shocks are prone to leaking

 

Airmatic vehicles ride nice but suspension failure can be costly

 

 

Let me know if you find one & I can run the VIN number to check history etc :)

The new ML is a really nice vehicle - get a facelift one if poss (mid/late 08 onwards from memory).

 

Look for one with COMAND & telephone installation if poss - later facelift vehicles have basic bluetooth built in - early cars do not & need full phone prep. Both of these options are sought after & will help sell the car if you ever want to sell it.

 

CDI versions are the most popular - the 320 CDI is probably the most common model we see - if you want some fun & can get one then the 420 V8 twin turbo CDI has enough torque to raise the Titanic!! :D

 

We see problems with the V6 CDI turbos failing - big bucks when the actuator goes although I have now found a company that can repair these rather than fitting a new turbo at around £1600

 

seal off the turbo leaks into the inlet port actuator - kills the motor & needs replacing. A new seal fitted early on will prevent this failure.

 

see a few gearbox issues - new electrical repair kit will usually cure this problem.

 

rear shocks are prone to leaking

 

Airmatic vehicles ride nice but suspension failure can be costly

 

 

Let me know if you find one & I can run the VIN number to check history etc :)

 

cheers for that Paul. I reckon we will buy one straight out the box. Our local dealer had some good deals (at least i thought they were good :) ).

 

Thats why i'm worried about depreciation. The Q5 in comparison seems to hold its value a lot better.

 

I had a small blast a few years back in the old model and found it very 'wollowey'. Is this still and issue?

 

We were considering the 300 Sport. Then we seen a Grand Edition. Wow! Thats a nice interior, and plenty toys to play with

 

The sales guy was trying to steer us towards the 350. More power but the same efficiency. How does that work???

Do you mean diesel engines still? New ones have petrol 300 & 350 or CDI versions.

 

where abouts are you?? Are you only looking at brand new or would you consider used??

 

if you are comparing to the old W163 model ML there is no comparison - I had one for a while (bought it as a trade in bargain LOL!) - was a right old bus to drive LOL!!

Do you mean diesel engines still? New ones have petrol 300 & 350 or CDI versions.

 

where abouts are you?? Are you only looking at brand new or would you consider used??

 

if you are comparing to the old W163 model ML there is no comparison - I had one for a while (bought it as a trade in bargain LOL!) - was a right old bus to drive LOL!!

 

Yup, they were diesels. The car will basically be the daily drive so fuel efficiency is a consideration.

 

We would defo consider used. Our initial intention was to look at ex-demos but with the deals we were offered, an ex-demo wouldnt make financial sense when compared to brand new.

 

We are in Edinburgh.

Yup, they were diesels. The car will basically be the daily drive so fuel efficiency is a consideration.

 

We would defo consider used. Our initial intention was to look at ex-demos but with the deals we were offered, an ex-demo wouldnt make financial sense when compared to brand new.

 

We are in Edinburgh.

 

probably a bit to far to look at our stock down in Kent then!! :D

 

Just in case tho: :innocent: http://www.vikingscanterbury.co.uk/used_mercedes_cars.htm?model=M-Class&search=qsearch&fuel=&trans=&Submit=Search

 

We have shipped to Cyprus quite often so could probably accomodate delivery if you so wished!! :yes:

probably a bit to far to look at our stock down in Kent then!! :D

 

Just in case tho: :innocent: http://www.vikingscanterbury.co.uk/used_mercedes_cars.htm?model=M-Class&search=qsearch&fuel=&trans=&Submit=Search

 

We have shipped to Cyprus quite often so could probably accomodate delivery if you so wished!! :yes:

 

None of them completely doing it for me. The AMG one is nice, but it is older than our current car and higher mileage. I also wanna stay well clear of silver - :sleep1:

 

If you look at this one........ http://www.vikingscanterbury.co.uk/used_detail.htm?id=3&numri=0&ppage=8&search=qsearch&search2=&make=&loca=&trans=&loca1=&trans1=&fuel=&sort=&model1=&model=M-Class&make1=&fuel1=&item=6&page=1&bfile=index.htm&search3=

 

This is an 11 plate. 5k miles. 300 sport. The deal we have for the 300 Grand Edition, brand new, is not much more £ than this.

None of them completely doing it for me. The AMG one is nice, but it is older than our current car and higher mileage. I also wanna stay well clear of silver - :sleep1:

 

If you look at this one........ http://www.vikingscanterbury.co.uk/used_detail.htm?id=3&numri=0&ppage=8&search=qsearch&search2=&make=&loca=&trans=&loca1=&trans1=&fuel=&sort=&model1=&model=M-Class&make1=&fuel1=&item=6&page=1&bfile=index.htm&search3=

 

This is an 11 plate. 5k miles. 300 sport. The deal we have for the 300 Grand Edition, brand new, is not much more £ than this.

 

often happens near the launch of a new model - all the dealers start selling off stock at reduced prices so they are not stuck with them LOL!

 

am sure we will have to start dropping our prices to match soon!

 

no brainer for you then! :rockon:

often happens near the launch of a new model - all the dealers start selling off stock at reduced prices so they are not stuck with them LOL!

 

am sure we will have to start dropping our prices to match soon!

 

no brainer for you then! :rockon:

 

Yeah, thats exactly what i thought they were doing. Its a benefit because you get a great car for less money - but then its out of date 6 months later.

 

Oh well, i think i'll commence the haggling :)

 

Cheers for your input