Should i get one?
 

Hey yall. I had an RX7 put up for sale and this guy wants to trade me with 98 ML320 with 91k miles. He says it has no problems and he had it for last 5 years. What i need is a daily driver. A car that i can just start and go. and not have problem for years. How's the reliabilty of these cars? How about the maintenance? is it expensive to maintain? I can do most of the simple things myself (plugs, sensors, fluids, etc.) Do you think it's the car for me? oh and btw, If you are interested in an RX7 here you go. http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=206402004&dealer_id=58193407&car_year=1993&mod_bookmark_id=null&search_type=both&num_ records=25&make=MAZDA&distance=10&model=RX7&address=48202&certified=&advanced=&max_price=14000&bkms= 1155054951722&min_price=1&end_year=1993&start_year=1993&lang=en&cardist=0
Thanks a bunch.

Nuts to that
 

I like your FD, hold out for someone to buy it and shop around. I havent heard rave reviews of the early ML's.

Ill trade ya for an 82 300D and an 85 4Runner.:dizzy2:


-OB

Hold out, the 98 ML's are the worst ones made. They're incredibly safe, that's about it.

Safe?
 

Are they safe because it's difficult to get hurt in a vehicle that is standing still? Is that what you're saying?

The 98's are only the worst of the W163 series simply because it was the first introduction of the model, and therefore had the most bugs to work out. Suffice to say, about 98% of the issues were worked out under warranty, and those that weren't eventually came up before the 100K mark.

Compared to the later years, the interior was a bit cheap (more Honda than MB). Parts CAN be expensive, but in line with parts for other MB models.

I've had my 99 since new, and I can recall about six or seven issues that had to be corrected during the warranty period, but none were dramatic. Otherwise, it's been flawless.

On the other hand, prices are going below $9K for the 98 models, so I would hold out for a later improved model...

If you're handy with a wrench, otherwise it will nickle and dime you death.

I have a 98 ml320 since new, now with 135k miles. Once the initial bugs were fixed, usually within 60k miles by mb under warranty, vehicle has been reliable and repair free. And its very comfortable for long trips, and unusually fuel-efficient (appx 23.5 at reasonable highway speeds). Hope this helps.

A guy who knows his way around these trucks and can buy one cheap will be able to make it good. Resale will still suck because of the reputation. If you can't work on it much yourself and aren't willing to put up with any incomvenience initially you probably want something else. Unless you really do like it.
Gilly

For a drive it and forget it, probably a Subaru Outback, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis is a MUCH better choice than a '98 ML. '98 was the first year for those, in the new Alabama factory, and some examples were fine, JustinWrock has a great one, but others were horrible, too many not so good ones to make them a safe bet. They had the MB safety, but not the reliability. Go for a later year ML, if you really want one, or maybe get something else more to your liking.