I am looking for a car for the wife to drive and want it to be a birthday surprise. About 6 years ago we had a 2008 GL320 which we loved. I ended up selling it and ever since she has complained about me selling it ever since. I have a buddy of mine who is retiring and has offered to sell me his 14 GLK350 with 130k for $6500. It is in good shape but is red and has the clear coat peeling issue, mainly on the hood. I asked her off hand the other days if she liked the GLK and she said she preferred the GL. A 2008 GL320 with 207k miles has turned up for sale for $5900. This particular one has had tons of work done on all the failure points by the PO, it has already had the transfer case done, timing chain, all new air struts. I am not sure if the oil cooler has been done but it does have a small oil leak so it likely will need the oil cooler done soon. My other 642 powered car also currently needs the oil cooler done.



I have never had a GLK and am not sure which way to go. I like the fact the GLK is newer and lower miles, but I honestly prefer the GL myself as it has more cargo room and can actually tow something. I am also more of a diesel guy. As far as values go, both are under book but the GLK appears to be way under book, even with the clear coat issue. Unfortunately it will need to have paint work done at some point which is not something I can do. Anything mechanical with the GL I can handle. My thought is maybe the wife would like the smaller GLK because it is newer, but might not like the peeling clear coat. Just looking for thoughts as to if I am crazy for considering going with the older GL over this newer GLK. I would ask her opinion but it is supposed to be a surprise.