Originally Posted by WINGAS

Local car dealer has had this 09 on his lot for long time. 88k, looks mint. My Audi allroad, as much as I love it, is in constant need of care. And at 178K on oem turbos, well....

The oil cooler seals have been redone by the dealer. I dig this is a every other year PITA job.

My indie mechanic ( Audi,BMW,MBZ ) warns me to NOT touch the MLs.

Unfortunately, I am seeking a small diesel ( 3L) suv/pickup. Many models are due, ( Jeep/Ram/Explorer/Colorado) but not yet in resale markets. ( I'm too poor to pay stiff depreciation on new cars.) I've loved my old MBZ grease cars, but acknowledge the build quality of a 2009 ML is not like my 1995-97 E300Ds.

Bucking my "expert's" advice is troubling, my used allroad has swamped me in repairs the last few years. As one of the indie techs said, " you want to relive that!?"

Up here in winter salt country, the indie said he's done rear brake lines on these MLs, which is a PITA (read $$$) job.

I LOVE the way it drives. And I dont mind my own maintenance. ( although I'll likely punt the next time oil cooler seals need redone)

Tell me the reasons I should not buy this car, which I'd plan on keeping until 300K at least. Hell, at near 55 years of age, I may die with it.

Yeah, I hate runflats. It has them on it. Took a long time for the flat spot to run out on the test drive. Never went WOT , but being used to n/a 606's , Blutec got some snot. 1st gear must be high, as take off is sluggish. ( Used to my 01 allroad with some crazy 3.5:1 1st gear) . But again, on a cold northern day, and a short test drive loop, I didnt "exersize" the beast.

Please tell me why I shouldn't.