I am going to be in need of another vehicle since my younger son is going to be getting his license soon.

(These would not be for him, he would get one of my other vehicles and either one of these would be for my wife or myself to drive...)

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 3.0L CDI - Dick Dyer Mercedes Benz Volvo Columbia SC

Pros:
Diesel powered (CDI engine, no AdBlue )
Just had the cat replaced
Looks to be a local car in good shape from the photos

Cons:
None that I can see other than not knowing if this price is in line with its value
I would have to take out a loan for this and I would not want to finance a lemon

2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 3.2L - Dick Dyer Mercedes Benz Volvo Columbia SC

Pros:
Just had "A" service done, new battery, new drivers seat
Also looks to be in nice condition for the price (I've seen similar era CR-Vs on sale for similar amounts locally...)

Cons:
Its gas powered, 14 mpg on premium
Its a 2003 2nd gen W163 body
Lived its life in Pennsylvania then Myrtle Beach, worried about hidden corrosion


OK I will throw this out to the W163/W164 experts on the board

- What are the pitfalls I need to worry about with each of these
- Do the prices seem to be in line, I know the dealer has to make money and in each case they put about $3k of work into these to get them ready to sell

Earliest I could get by the dealer to look at these is on Wednesday afternoon. Assuming they don't sell by then, I would like to hear your opinions...

Or the other option - lease a new GLK Diesel, saw a lease deal on their homepage for $429/mo for 30 mo, but only 10k miles/yr

__________________
The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech