Keep the 99 or is it time to buy a new ML320 (or used ML55)?
 

When I bought my ML, I financed it under the 48 month plan with normal payments for 47 months and the balloon payment at the end.

That balloon comes due in Nov 2002.

The question is, should I refinance the balloon and keep the ML, or should I head to the dealership and look at something to replace it with?

It's currently at about 36K miles, and is in very nice condition, inside and out. So I am not opposed to keeping it. It gets driven lightly on weekends, but serves mainly as the bi-annual long hauler during vacations.

If I decide to keep it, I will keep it for good, but otherwise, there are some nice features in the later models that I like...the optional media system for instance, which I found out can not be retrofitted in the 98 or 99 models.

There is also a low-mileage 01 ML55 sitting in the lot that is going for what a heavily loaded ML320 tops out. Worth a second look...

Any opinions would be appreciated...

To trade in or not to trade in.
 

That is a matter of choice. I own a 320 and I think it is a little under power. I wish I had gotton the v8. But that is said done.

So if I were to trade in my 320 I would not get another 320 for sure.

The extra features are not worth it. Because you lose a tone of money when you trade in.

So my opinion is that if you are going to trade in and if there is a ml 55 or 430, 500 near you at a reasonable price, and you got the money to spend trade it in for those not another 320.

blau

I would pass on the 55 if you use it for vacation travel. The problem with the 55 is that the spare is in the cargo area and takes up a lot of space. The best buy right now is the ML500, super fast and about $50k loaded. I would say it is a great buy if the ML appeals to you.

G-Man: Thanks for the info on the ML55...didn't know about the spare tire deal (I guess it needed more room for the exhaust plumbing)? Need all of the cargo area the ML has to offer...wife and daughter pack like crazy, and we also load up my daughter's motorcycle...

...thanks to all for the ML320 info...I forgot how mad I got when it came time to talk about trading in (translation: nada for your vehicle).

I guess I will refinance the balloon, and put in a custom video entertainment system instead!

G-Benz:

I share your dilemma somewhat...but would favor the new ML500. The vehicle's performance is awesome and the interior luxurious. Also its not as single-purpose as the ML55, IMHO.

Besides, what a great tow vehicle for the E500 :D

GBenz,

It's the old adage "it's cheaper to keep her", however, it does depend on the feature differences.
If all you care about is the sound system/MCS, then you're right, the aftermarket will provide equal or superior options for you.

If however, you like that the new models have climate control, auto-open/close windows, better air venting for rear passengers, more power, and general fit and finish improvements. Then, the factory will be hard to match. No more Skyview though! :(

Another old adage though, "Money talks..."

Good Luck! Ed

"Fit and finish" wasn't an issue, since my first MB purchase was the ML. A big step up from the Honda Passport, so I couldn't gripe about the interior. I have seen the difference when I looked at the new models, but it's not enough to entice me.

Auto-control windows are cool, but my daughter plays with the power windows too much, so it's best not to have them in the rear!

I'm plenty happy with the climate control (more heat than I ever need down here), and the A/C is better in this vehicle than any of my other MBs.

My 99 gets around fine in the highway where I use it most, and I don't tow anything so power is ample for me.

Ironically, I came home with a 99 "skyview" model, and both my wife and daughter hated it! So I took it back and they found a similar ML and painted the bumpers body color as a $$$ allowance for the step down. It came with stainless brush guards and side steps, and I added the chrome wheel package to complete the deal.

That leaves the sound system as the only desire to trade for a new model...not much incentive there...cheaper to keep it and spend the one-time $$$ to get a superior aftermarket media system installed.

Well how do you think this one will hold up? Have you used synthetic oil since the beginning or only since the recommended change to synth a year ago? Everything still running OK? Engine at correct RPM, no rough idling at standstill? Notice a rise in operating temperature? My turn signal broke at 60k and my driver side window has intermitent problems going up. I kinda have to fiddle with it a bit. Trim pieces all staying in place? Frame rust? Rides OK, no increased wind noise from sunroof or doors? Brakes still feeling OK?

I'm gonna trade mine in next year right before Starmark warranty expires. We'll see if I get another ML :)

Kuan

Most of the typical ML problems have been solved early on during the first year of ownership (rear window washer seal, anti-carjack-auto-lock disabled). Synthetic has been documented as the oil of choice since the first 7500 mi service interval.

I had a weird ASR/BAS light come on a few months ago, which required a component replaced under warranty. Other than that, adhesive failure on most of the sound deadener panels that required reattachment.

Mostly trouble free, but I don't put a lot of miles on it, so I probably haven't put it through enough for problems to crop up.

I DO know that I will purchase an extended warranty before the remainder of my 50K warranty ends...

Heh, your adhesive problem will remain if they used the recommended adhesive :) I think you need to switch to the 3M stuff. There have been a number of reported incidents of adhesive smearing.

Good luck on the keeper!

Kuan

warranty cost
 

I just spoke to Mercedes today. On used cars, Mercedes does not offer a Mercedes after market extended warranty. You have to purchase one before it is 1 year old. They sell Fireman's Fund extended warranty at Greenwich, CT for $3500 for 2 tears and $4000 for 3 years. That's a bite! I am going to re-lease my 1999 ML320 for another 36 months at $302 which includes CT sales tax. My SUV currently has 37K miles so this will take me to 75K. It has the Skyview that I, my wife, and my three boys love. Has heated leather seats, Bose CD changer, so we're happy. I just hope it will make it to 75K without major repairs. The engine rings were done at 33K miles. Wish me luck.;)

Some of the members on this forum have had good luck purchasing extended warranties. Warranty gold is a name which springs to mind. Maybe ask on open discussion... I'm sure I've heard it mentioned before.

Kuan

I am going to shop around on refinancing and extended warranties...before I have to get desperate in a few short months...

http://pstr-m05.ygpweb.aol.com:80/da...w6rUPW0180.jpg

I was in the same boat as you back in Nov. wether to keep 98 ML320 with 37K mi. which was paid for, or sell/ trade it in. I was looking at the 02 ML500 because ML 320 engine not enough. Great gas mileage but that's not critical. Wanted comand system and was deciding between ML 55 leftover 01.
So now let me say that everyone that posts a comparison of an AMG modified model to another is comparing two totally different cars. It's like trying to figure out wether to buy a sports car or a sedan.
The ML55 will not give you good gas mileage for your long trips, the seats are different and better and of course the ride. My wife always complained the 320 seats in the back were hard and you could feel the bumps hard. When we test drove the 55 she loved it.
Even the ML500 is a different car than the 55 because it is very good better value than the ML430. Make sure you get Comand if not all the other goodies.
01 ML 55 700 mi.
98 ML320 40K
87 560 SL 17K- cond.1

Kuan,

you seem to have put a lot of miles on your ML - how do you rate its build quality - will it last you 250K miles without making you bankrupt?