Test Drove an R-Class Earlier This Week

[gmercoleza]

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?