Local car dealer has had this 09 on his lot for long time. 88k, looks mint. My Audi allroad, as much as I love it, is in constant need of care. And at 178K on oem turbos, well....

The oil cooler seals have been redone by the dealer. I dig this is a every other year PITA job.

My indie mechanic ( Audi,BMW,MBZ ) warns me to NOT touch the MLs.

Unfortunately, I am seeking a small diesel ( 3L) suv/pickup. Many models are due, ( Jeep/Ram/Explorer/Colorado) but not yet in resale markets. ( I'm too poor to pay stiff depreciation on new cars.) I've loved my old MBZ grease cars, but acknowledge the build quality of a 2009 ML is not like my 1995-97 E300Ds.

Bucking my "expert's" advice is troubling, my used allroad has swamped me in repairs the last few years. As one of the indie techs said, " you want to relive that!?"

Up here in winter salt country, the indie said he's done rear brake lines on these MLs, which is a PITA (read $$$) job.

I LOVE the way it drives. And I dont mind my own maintenance. ( although I'll likely punt the next time oil cooler seals need redone)

Tell me the reasons I should not buy this car, which I'd plan on keeping until 300K at least. Hell, at near 55 years of age, I may die with it.

Yeah, I hate runflats. It has them on it. Took a long time for the flat spot to run out on the test drive. Never went WOT , but being used to n/a 606's , Blutec got some snot. 1st gear must be high, as take off is sluggish. ( Used to my 01 allroad with some crazy 3.5:1 1st gear) . But again, on a cold northern day, and a short test drive loop, I didnt "exersize" the beast.

Please tell me why I shouldn't.

Too old, try to get one with factory warranty....
If you own an allroad you know what you are in for. Mercedes suspension is far better and longer lasting (balljoints and control arms). Engine is easier to work on should something come up. I am 5 years into a 2008 R320, love it but problems are never easy you need factory software for true fixes not guesses. I have not heard of rust or salt issues with the 164, news to me they are made but could understand lines would be hard to replace. Mine is at the point of constant care- painting suspension and arms that are starting to rust, chasing rust that is starting to form (jacking points hold dirt and moisture), keeping on top of stuff is getting harder but I keep it very tidy and obsess over it, cannot afford to replace it! I got mine just out of warranty and full dealer history that was upto date, it took a long time to find a nice one that was going to be a good purchase

I hear ya. Test drove it ( love it), but it went up on the lift for an undercarriage inspection, and found a decent oil leak. No go.