Potential ML purchase
 

I am considering the purchase of a 2000 ML with 28000 miles.
This would replace a 99 GMC Yukon. I am looking for input from
fellow listmembers.
Tom Viemont
99 SLK
ninety miles south of Chicago on Route 66

The driving experience is definitely different. The MB is more like a car than a guided missile.

We service lots of MLs and a few GM suvs. Other than balancer failures we have had great revues from our ML owners, including my wife. She bought hers new in late 98 and has 40k on it now. Its been out of warrantee for two years and so far nothing has failed.

Our 2000 ML 320 has really turned me off to the brand. While we have not had any major failures, the list of problems during our 4 years of ownership tells me that quality is just not there.

You should check out the ML section of this forum.

Since you asked............. I'd get another GMC. This Mercedes Experience isn't all its cracked up to be. Although I have made a lot of new friends in the dealers service department. :D

With out a doubt.....
 

Get the ML. You get it for safety, ease of handling, comfort, and all around great SUV. Most other SUV's and cars don't even offer the safety systems that are standard on this vehicle. I get 15-16 mpg around town and 23-25 on long trips. My wife would rather drive the ML, than our car. In the four years that I've had my 2000 320 ML, it has never let me down. I've had some things fixed under warranty mainly because of what I've read on this forum. As stated, the harmonic balancer may have to be replaced, but that should be about it. Don't get it if you carry more than 4-5 people (forget the 3od seat!) or if you tow heavy trailers. A longer wheel base would be better for towing. It is rated for 5000#, though. Also, the 2000+ models have had fewer problems and major updates in content. Is it perfect? No. Is it one of the safest vehicles on the road? Probably.

Not much to add to this thread, but I bought my 99 ML new in 11/98. Out of warranty as of this year, but it hasn't asked for much more than regular fluid transfusions.

Most of the factory anomalies have been corrected during the waranty period, and I too, discovered the harmonic balancer problem earlier this year from this forum and had it corrected.

There is also a recall on the power steering pump clamp, and that should be fixed for free.

Brakes were a bit more complicated to service than the W124 pads, but still a DIY.

Still looks and drives like new! :)

The 2000+ models have improved interior appointments...I will have to admit, the plastic interior components on the 98-99 series is a bit un-Mercedeslike, and I would have expected more from a $40K+ vehicle when new. :rolleyes:

Overall, a fine vehicle IMHO...

I like mine. Just turned 42,000 miles and all is well.