I am willing to accept the fact that depreciation applies to 'just about' any vehicle you can purchase new. At the rate I was going I'd have spent that much in the 5 or 6 years that I plan on driving the Ford in repairs of the ML had I chose to keep it. I've no doubt that I could have easily put another 80K+ miles on the ML but at what expense?? I feel comfortable knowing that the vehicle I bought has been the best selling (domestic) SUV for many many years and that I can count on moderate costs of repairs compared to that of Benz. Not knocking MB in any form or fashion; just stating that every man has to draw the line somewhere when repair bills start piling up. Had I done my homework I'd have known the reputation that the early model year ML's had and would have steered clear of them and bought a different model instead. I'm convinced that if I'd purchased ANY model of MB aside of the ML that my experience would have been more positive. Anyways I may give them another shot in the future on a car (not SUV) and see how it goes.