ML400 CDI - newbie question

[rapunzel]

Hello folks, newbie here!

For practical reasons we're contemplating going back to a "proper" 4x4 (currently don't have a vehicle that can transport two large dogs, as well as luggage and/or passengers). In the past we've had an Isuzu Trooper, a Grand Cherokee, a Discovery and 3 Range Rovers. We're in the fortunate position of being able to change car on a cost-neutral (or better) basis atm and are looking at something about 5 years old with a view to running it until it dies.

We were disappointed with the 03 Grand Cherokee we drove last week, but pleasantly surprised by the ML400. This coming w/e we're driving the ML again, back to back with a Range Rover 30th anniversary, identical to the last RR we had. The RR is a known quantity, the ML less so.

I would very much appreciate any thoughts /pointers anyone might have on the ML. I have tried the search function to little avail. The car is a Dec 01 (MY 02, new facelift with the blinkers in the door mirrors), has 77,000 km on the clock and looks like it's been looked after and had an easy life, fully loaded with accessories (incl. nav), only lacking parking sensors (which I presume one can retro-fit?), price ca. GBP 16K.

What's the ML400 like to live with? Economy? Longevity? Known faults/problems? Cost of parts? The RR is same age, same mileage but nearly GBP 5K cheaper - is the ML worth the extra money for the longer term prospect of lower running costs?

Thanks in advance for any comments

 

[kebo57]

What's the ML400 like to live with? Economy? Longevity? Known faults/problems? Cost of parts? The RR is same age, same mileage but nearly GBP 5K cheaper - is the ML worth the extra money for the longer term prospect of lower running costs?

Hi is the RR a p38 v8 petrol our a 2.5 Deisel
What was disappointed with the 03 Grand Cherokee
kevin

 

[rapunzel]

The RR is the 4.6 V8 petrol (when we bought our first Swiss RR, the dealer had never even seen a diesel version).

We loved our '96 Grand and it was a real wrench to part with it, even though it cost us an arm and a leg on finance (company car came along (the disco)). This '03 one admittedly had clearly had a hard life. Suspension typically soft rolling American style, which we didn't notice on the '96, and my husband found the seats very uncomfortable, too unsupportive and too short for his long legs. I liked it better than him but the nav system looked like an afterthought, almost obscuring some forward vision for me, and the overall visibility was much better in the ML

 

[Bolide]

I've been told by someone who had one that glowplugs are a problem and that, in general, they're expensive cars to fix

I'd be wanting a serious warranty, with the option to extend it, if I bought one

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[psmart]

Ive been looking into these for quite some time, but not yet owned one.

Basing on the 270cdi and judging from the differences, the main differences will be fuel economy, insurance and repair bills. Very similar cars, except for uprated suspension, brakes and engine. The engine is a V8 with twin turbo's, twin exhausts (read: catalytic converters) etc, so anything going wrong will cost a pretty penny. Ive not heard anything bad about the ML400 other than the usual anti-4x4 or anti-ML brigade rethoric, and as the ML400 is facelifted, will be much better. Take a look at www.whnet.com/4x4 - Wolfgangs page for a run down of the vehicles.

Good luck. I've seen several on Ebay Germany and my local Dealer has got 2, there are plenty of examples around.