If your heart is set on new I'd try another ML to see if they all suck, and if so, probably go with the Caddy. But American iron is not intended for 10 years of use as a rule. Alternatives might be the big Toyota/Lexus SUV. Another alternative would be a mid to late 90s iteration G wagon. I’m told they are almost cheap at the cost, an excellent value, and supremely well built. I'm going to be retiring one of our SUV's in a couple of years and will most likley get a late 90's G as a replacement.

This said, the ML is going with a new chasis in '05 or '06 and it is never a good idea to buy a first year iteration of *any* vehicle....

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"