ml 320 worth it?
 

My grandma is getting rid of her 99 ml 320. It has 128k miles on it and she only wants $3500 for it. My gramps did recently have the transmission overhauled ($4600), new brakes ($1600) and new tires ($600), which he admitted was a waste but he said it was worthless without it. If I were to buy it I would sell my 08 aveo stick shift with 99k miles and minor electrical problems. I'm only worried because I can fix small problems but if something major happens to the engine I'd be out $3500. Do you guys think I should go for it? The 99 ml 320's seem to have quite a few problems and it basically has a new transmission. Also aveo's don't have much better reliability ratings.

The worst place to be is in an ageing Mercedes-Benz, that you are getting a very favorable deal on, only to have repairs come up that tap you out of even being able to do the repairs, because of their costs, because you believed that the initial purchase price was it, with no big expenditures needing to be made. That's the rub. It's almost impossible to accurately predict the when of what repair surprises our ageing MBs will throw at us from time to time. No real help, just agreeing with you to beware of coming costs on a used MB.:(

The good news is that you know the previous owners, and how exactly they cared for it over the years. That is worth a lot, as well as maybe getting a price break because they're kinfolk.:)

That is a good price! Used ML's can eat their weight in $$ though.
Many ML's do go a lot of miles on just oil changes.

$1600,00 sounds like a rip-off for a small job as brakes. Having the transmission out of the way is a big plus. $3500,00 is great deal in my opinion. You should be able to get a break at a good reputable Independent shop in your area who specializes in Mercedes versus dealer labor rates. Even if it cost money in the long run to fix the car in the future, it's going outlast that Aveo. Take the plunge on it.

Just as a point of reference, I am the original owner of a 99 ML 320 and it has just under 300,000 miles on the clock. It's my daily driver for my 50 mile (round trip) commute.

In spite of this year and model's less than stellar reputation, I'm an extremely satisfied customer. Over all, this vehicle has cost me less to keep on the road than most. Sadly, it is developing more nagging issues and the next major repair will be the end of it. I am in the market for a new vehicle and a newer ML is tops on my list.

When Brand New,just rolling off the production line in Vance Alabama
 

It was a Mechanical "Train Wreck" awaiting the conductor's signal.

Why do you think they're known as "Alabama Trash Cans" ?

Your G'pa was right.

Start looking for a nice W123 and have it professionally checked out pre-purchase.

My two cents.

Smarter to put the money down on a loan or lease of a KIA Soul. What you save in fuel cost will probably make the payments. If it brakes they fix it. It is the lowest full in cost new car you can buy and it is fun.

Lets put it this way. Used german cars w/o a warantee can take away all your money. Or, almost live forever. Spin the wheel. (I know it is not really german.)

However, I have had my 2000ML from new with 150k. I think I have had $1000-$1500 repair bills about 3 times during its life. They can have problems but I think they can be a great used car if you can do some work yourself. Because they have been around a while and typically have the same issues I actually get better dignostics info on the web than from the dealer. Parts are not to bad if you shop. I think front rotors and pads bought here was just over $100 and was delivered fast to my door.

What vehicle make doesn't have it's share of lemons? I bought my 99 ML320 at the end of '98. (It had 11 miles on it). It now has 386,000 on it and has only been in the shop for minor issues (The most expensive being a $700 invoice for O2 sensors and Catalytic brake work).
My wife drives it every day because she wants to drive it. We have an Audi TT Quattro Roadster and a 2005 C-class.

Last weekend, I decided to do my own work on it. I replaced the leaking radiator and hoses. Not being a mechanic, but able to access the internet, I did the whole job (solo) in two hours.
Sunday, I replced all brake pads and front rotors...2 hours, total.
I love that car.

I had a 2000 ML320 that I purchased new and drove it for 86,000 miles. Only did normal maintenance on it with the exception of the Harmonic Balancer (replaced under recall campaign) and the Camshaft Position Sensor. When I traded it, I had never even replaced the brake pads. On the highway, I would get 27 mpg. I only sold it because I "fell in love" with a 2006 ML350 with AMG Design package on it that the Mercedes dealer had CPO'd. This car was previously owned by a local elderly gentlement who had 3 Mercedes vehicles and was told by his Doctor that he did not have long to live. The vehicle was his "toy" and was impeccably maintained. I have owned this vehicle for 2 years now with no issues during that time. The only thing I have done is change the oil and oil filter.

Judging form your experience, I probably could have kept my 2000 ML 320 for many more miles/years. However, I have really enjoyed my 2006 ML 350 as it drives much nicer, has more power and is quieter when driving down the highway.

how are MLs in the dirt?
 

Do they do good in slippery places.Does the velocity joints where out fast?