I did the same and went for a two year old ML 430.

The MDX is priced higher as the re-sell value and quality are a lot better.

Unfortunately the Alabama made Mercedes are not very solid, lots of hardware integridy problems and other annoying issues, but with a bit of patience and this great forum, most things can be fixed.

You'll have a good warrantee package for 50K miles or 4 years whatver come first, and that will help you.

Resell value expectation around 50% of new pirce within 2 to 3 years, is rather poor for a Benz. That's more like Mitsubishi!!!

My ML 430 cost new 46K in Oct 2000, I bought it for just over $23K at an auction with 55K miles.

Have fun with your Benz!!!