Merc ML
 

Hi Guys,
Thinking of buying a Merc ML(ideally 270TD), any information as regards to practicality, reliability, ownership satisfaction, model etc would be greatly appreciated.

Shof

Old or new model?

old, got a budget of about 8k

Shof

We had the ML320 for a bit, big daft thing, not that fast but crap on petrol, the 270 will be better but still not what you could call economical. They arent that well made, the X5 3.0 D is a lot better proposition but quite a lot dearer I expect. It drove I suppose and was fairly spacious.

If you really need an off roader, go for it, but if you could get away with an estate you get a much less compromised car. We sold ours and bought a diesel MPV which did the same job and 35/40 mpg.

The reliability on the early models is on a par with the Sunday Sport.

D

Family member has had a 2001 270CDi from new, and it's been very good. Few small things fixed under warranty, in 75K miles it's had nothing major go wrong.

Went on a trip recently to tow a Wrangler back from Wales on a trailer, you didn't know it was there.

Their not changing it for another, but that's only as they fancy something different.

Allan

Bought one for the wife a couple of months ago it's a 2002 ML 270 CDI, But with the full factory fitted AMG 55 Bodykit including the bulged bonnet and 18" AMG alloys. Low miles, Dealer history and with a huge spec. I paid bigish money for it but only because she previously had a 2000 year model on a W and it was absooutley brilliant never went wrong in the 90,000 miles she had in it apart from wear and tear (obviously). Sold it with 205,000 miles on it and it never used a drop of oil or coolant or anything else. That's why i paid so much for the latest one. She goes abroad a lot in it and averages 35 mpg at 80-85 on the motorway and around 20-25 mpg around town (it's a big car). Highly recommended and very easy to live with. Suss out a local specialist and get them to have a look at the one you choose.