I am considering buying a 99 ML430 from a car lot. The car has 81k showing. It also has the big sunroof option (whatsit called) any pointers or warnings would be greatly appreciated.

Hi,

My $.25 would be to get an extended warranty in on the deal. The Skyview is a great, unique option which unfortunately went to the wayside.... People could justify spending $1300 on a sunroof option????, but not $2500 on the power roof as it was also known. A great feature and precursor to my Cab!

However, 1999 was the first year of the 430 and buying the first model year always has some risk. If the truck has factory warranty left on it, get a good price and go for it. Otherwise negotiate the price down on an after-market warranty.

Then, to check out the Skyview, find a stretch where you can hit 90-100mph. Mine has the sound of air leak at over 100mph, don't ask me how I know. There is an updated replacement and I'm going to get it before my warranty runs out.

I love the V8, it's a sweet motor with a sweet growl, it just sucks gas though. But you know the old saying....if you drive a MBZ you shouldn't be worrying about the price of gas....environmental issues aside

Rgds, Ed

__________________
Ed "Don't Benz's just feel better..."

Current wives...
2000 ML430 Skyview "The Mel"
2000 CLK430 Cab "The Cab"
85 300D Turbo "The Diesel"

Past wives...
92 300E
85 190E

"One should as a rule respect public opinion in so far as is necessary to
avoid starvation and to keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond
this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyranny, and is likely to
interfere with happiness in all kinds of ways."
Bertrand Russell

The V8's have seemed to fare slightly better than the V6's as far as problems, I prefer the V8 if you can afford it, plus the aforementioned gas costs, insurance, etc.
I'd shy away from the Skyview roof though.

Gilly

i have a 2000ml430 your best bet is to buy 2000 and up

it has the newrer interior and better built with most

bugs out. i would not buy plus that roof option is not worth

it

It's your choice of course, but I have the Skyview and it's great.

Everyone finds it a neat feature and no other SUV offers it, a great conversation piece for your rear seat passengers on a nice day....

If they break, the replacement part costs about $7k, that's probably why Gilly would shy you away from it. But as I said before, if you have factory warranty or you pass the little test I mentioned for air leaking sounds, you're going to really like the open air feeling you get with all the windows down and the roof open.

jmo, Ed

__________________
Ed "Don't Benz's just feel better..."

Current wives...
2000 ML430 Skyview "The Mel"
2000 CLK430 Cab "The Cab"
85 300D Turbo "The Diesel"

Past wives...
92 300E
85 190E

"One should as a rule respect public opinion in so far as is necessary to
avoid starvation and to keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond
this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyranny, and is likely to
interfere with happiness in all kinds of ways."
Bertrand Russell

I really appreciate all of ya'lls input. Seeing as how the truck is at the dealer getting the roof fixed as we speak, I will probably shy away. Unless the dealer gives me a good warranty I wont buy it. Thanks for all.