Test Drove an R-Class Earlier This Week - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

gmercoleza · #1 01-05-2008, 10:57 AM

Took the family to a local dealer, complete with car seats and all, and test drove an R350. We were blown away. It was nothing like a minivan or SUV. The only thing I can of that can best describe the experience is first-class on an airliner. There was so much legroom - it was great. And the panorama roof made the whole vehicle seem open and airy.

The R handled sharply, not at all what you would expect from a 5,000 pound vehicle. It was not neck-snapping fast, but it was surprisingly quick. Best of all, the ride was controlled, smooth, hushed and quiet, even at highway speeds. Just a tad bit of body roll on sudden maneuvers, but again for a 2.5 ton vehicle it was outstanding.

Since this would be my wife's daily vehicle, she drove it as well. She too felt the same. It is a perfect people mover.

I was ready to sign on the spot. But something bugged me about this vehicle. It was a 2007 and in-service date was May of 2007. It was traded in just a week or two ago with only 13K on the odometer. This was puzzling. I had the salesman pull the vehicle service history - he wouldn't print it out for me but let me see his computer screen. I was SHOCKED. There were about 30 line items for warranty repairs. While some of the items were for minor things like adjusting the rear gate, others were not so minor. IIRC, it looked like the K1 clutch had been replaced 3 or 4 times (the first time was within the first 2,000 miles) and the valve body once. Also various electrical and CAN issues. I was actually amazed that the owner was able to put 13K on the vehicle, since it seemed to live mostly at the shop. No wonder he traded it back in.

We REALLY REALLY like the R-class, but I am leery of Mercedes' recent reliability issues. I can handle squeaks, rattles, the occasional inop switch, etc. My wife does not work, so this would be a grocery-getter, but she still wouldn't appreciate getting stranded somewhere. Not to mention she could get killed if something happens while she's in traffic. And how could I have any peace of mind taking such a vehicle on a road trip with small children?

The Starmark would cover the vehicle up to 100,000 miles through May of 2012, so it's not like the repairs wouldn't be covered. But that's not the point. I buy a vehicle because I want to drive it, and not the loaner car they will give me.

Are these types of issues common on the newer MBZs?

#2 01-05-2008, 11:19 AM

Interesting question as our household is intrigued by the R as well.

I have read some about transmission issues with the very early production run Rs. The price has been cut on the newer ones as they are not moving. May be worth waiting another six to twelve months and see how things go.

I am very interested in these cars though - wish there wasn't so much of a $$ premium for the CDI as the CDI version is about perfect for what we need.

raymr · #3 01-05-2008, 11:43 AM

It's just as well. Have you seen what children can do to the inside of a car? It's the reason most minivans are throwaways after 5-6 years of family service. Unless you insist on swaddling your tikes in luxury, get something practical (easy to clean and no regrets about spilled juice boxes) and reliable.

gmercoleza · #4 01-05-2008, 11:56 AM

Our kids are well trained, and our current minivan's light tan interior looks close to showroom new - our friends always marvel at how clean it is. (It also helps that it gets steam cleaned and scotchgarded every 3 to 4 months). Reliability is what concerns me.

raymr · #5 01-05-2008, 12:17 PM

They marvel for good reason. Most minivans smell like old french fries and wet dog.

Anyway it looks like MB is still not the source for the kind of reliability you are looking for. Its a shame because the R-class looks and feels like a personal rocket ship.

dkveuro · #6 01-05-2008, 12:25 PM

Don't like the look of it....seems to be heavy Japanese styling.

You don't suppose someone from Kia designed it just before Mercedes bailed !

or was that Hyundai ?

http://www.mbusa.com/models/class-overview.do?modelCode=r_class_main

.

t walgamuth · #7 01-05-2008, 12:53 PM

I think it is pretty handsome. 5000# is suburban territory though. Not for me.

Tom W

gmercoleza · #8 01-05-2008, 01:15 PM

Earlier in the day we had test driven an older (2003) ML with the third-row seat option. Coming from a minivan, I can say it was tight. I am 6' 1" and was able to fit in the third row reasonably well, but only if the middle row was put in the forward position. This made the middle row a bit tight. Do-able, but definitely tight. It definitely wouldn't be as comfortable as the minivan, and comfort is important to us since we frequently carry a full load of passengers. We could still consider an ML since it is a bit more proven mechanically than the R, but we just wouldn't be thrilled giving up the spaciousness of a minivan. The ride was also not on par with the minivan. Though it was reasonably smooth, it was a bit jiggly and busy. Emergency handling was actually pretty good, but overall the ride just seemed busy. It is a body-on-frame truck after all.

As maligned as minivans are, I will say they certainly do fill a need.

suginami · #9 01-05-2008, 01:36 PM

Have you looked at any of the Lambda platform GM crossover (car-based) SUVs?

The GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook share the new GM Lambda platform.

http://www.edmunds.com/gmc/acadia/review.html

http://www.gmc.com/acadia/acadia/index.jsp

As much as I've been leery of GM vehicles in the past, these are the best designed vehicles I've seen from them in a looooong time, and I'd put them on my list if I was looking for a minivan / SUV / crossover vehicle.

Skid Row Joe · #10 01-05-2008, 01:42 PM

Have you considered the G Class?

On the vehicle in question? No, I'd pass on it.
There's a reason the salesman won't print-out a copy for you to ponder.

Mike552 · #11 01-05-2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami

Buick Enclave

Yes sir!

gmercoleza · #12 01-05-2008, 02:40 PM

We have a Consumer Reports subscription, and they have nothing but good things to say about the Buick Enclave/GMC Acadio/Saturn Outlook vehicles, in fact they are recommended for better than average reliability IIRC. Still, I just don't get the warm fuzzies with GM products. Ditto the Ford Explorer XLT and Taurus X (Freestyle redesign). They too are supposedly pretty reliable, but bad experiences with Ford put me off...

gmercoleza · #13 01-05-2008, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

Have you considered the G Class?

GL would be perfect, but used ones are still in the neighborhood of $55K to $75K. Unfortunately, I'm not willing to part with that much money over the R. The particular R we looked at was around $42K *negotiable*, and I see used ones all the time for mid to high $30Ks. My wife does not work, and we want to keep it that way.

iwrock · #14 01-05-2008, 03:34 PM

My boss has an R350. Its fun to drive, and as far as I know he has had very few problems with it. He had the dealer perform the recalls and standard services... Other than that, its has yet to be in the shop for major mechanical problems.

Hatterasguy · #15 01-05-2008, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmercoleza

GL would be perfect, but used ones are still in the neighborhood of $55K to $75K. Unfortunately, I'm not willing to part with that much money over the R. The particular R we looked at was around $42K *negotiable*, and I see used ones all the time for mid to high $30Ks. My wife does not work, and we want to keep it that way.

No, no not a GL, a G.

The G is the only MB SUV that I would ever consider. I have no comment on the R.