[Skylude]

I still need more info whether or not to go ahead and order the 2010 Mercedes ML350. I read a bunch of consumer reviews online and most suggest Mercedes in general quality has gone downhill and not being reliable. Any one owns or know someone that drives a MB? Any suggestions will be great. My other possible option is the Lexus RX 350 or 450 Thanks :)

[Supafly]

with the experience of owning a MB, i would much prefer you get a lexus...more bang for the buck...

my mb experience has been nothing but problems for the first 2 yrs to sort out all the defects.

edit: but after all the electrical problems and malfunctioning parts are replaced, the car is such a nice piece of art..:)...sexy to say the least.

[Skylude]

Thanks for the reply, It just too bad to hear a brand like MB have problems for the money you pay for these vehicles. I do agree with you they do look sexy. I will do more research on the Lexus, if I cant find anything I just keep my BMW. I just need something more spacious and reliable as I got a new born this year. Thanks

[shenmecar]

First of all its "whether" and second of all I would prefer a Lexus too if those were my only two choices. But I kinda like the X5 more....maybe because of the look of the car and those wide motherfucking rims + tires. =)

[xpl0sive]

ML 350 bluetec > lexus RX 450 hybrid... diesel is the future, hybrid is a waste of time... that motor REQUIRES premium fuel, so you really arent saving any money by having a hybrid. Lexus is always going to be more reliable than any german car, but it all depends on what you're looking for... if all you care about is reliability, Lexus is your choice... if you want to drive a MB, well then get the ML 350 bluetec

[Timpo]

Lexus is better in terms of reliability. Personally I prefer Lexus interior as well.

[too_slow]

The new RX350's interior is so damn ugly!!! i hate the center console (looks like the Toyota venza-> ugly as sin as well)

Have you considered the Audi Q5, and LR3 V6 as well?

[too_slow]

Lexus is better in terms of reliability. Personally I prefer Lexus interior as well.

Didn't the RX300/330 have oil sluding problems (same with the ES300/330) ?

[bcedhk]

rather buy a toyota camry than a lexus es, and the toyota suv than lexus rx350..

benz would be my pick

[Edison_Chen]

Value wise, I would probably pick the RX 350, its pretty good for it's costing you, and probably least maintenance/problems than the ML in the long run. But the RX does feel kinda boring, which is probably normal in most Lexus vehicles.

[thumper]

Didn't the RX300/330 have oil sluding problems (same with the ES300/330) ?

the rx300 did, because of owners who tried to stretch out their oil service intervals. if you followed the schedule, this will never happen to you.

the 330 did not have the same problem (different engine/head design).

i love the ML, but all the reliability horror stories about them.... read:

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/mercedes-benz/m-class/

and then there is the resale value. the old ML is almost worthless on the used car market compared to when it was new. i worry that the new one won't fare any better.

[azn_boix]

ML350, cause i just love look compare to the lexus

[AVS_Racing]

get a lexus if u dont want ur car to fall apart and a billion electronic problems

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

ML, if you can afford a ML u better be able to afford the maintenance

[godwin]

The problem with reliability statistics is it is very much based on the model and years.

Mercedes has improved drastically ever since the current ML. The first gen was crap, but this generation is pretty good.

Lexus has "billion electronic problems" like Mercedes. All modern cars have tons of electronics in them. That's why it is very important to buy extra service / warranty since they are not standard., so you get the latest service packs and bug fixes..

[threezero]

rx is the boreset suv money can buy.

ML is everywhere, go for X5, or just go for fx50s beats all the the suv you mentioned for less, just as luxurious

[jigga250]

the rx300 did, because of owners who tried to stretch out their oil service intervals. if you followed the schedule, this will never happen to you.

the 330 did not have the same problem (different engine/head design).

i love the ML, but all the reliability horror stories about them.... read:

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/mercedes-benz/m-class/

and then there is the resale value. the old ML is almost worthless on the used car market compared to when it was new. i worry that the new one won't fare any better.

you can't look at those old reviews of the first gen ML, the 2nd gen is a completely different animal

[taylor192]

If you're buying a $60K SUV does it matter? I doubt you'll keep it past the first 4 years, people with that kinda money don't keep cars long. So buy whatever you like and enjoy the warranty period.

[thumper]

Lexus has "billion electronic problems" like Mercedes

um.... what problems? :confused:

the first few years for the rx330 were not good. at some point production was shifted from japan to canada, and during that transistion there were problems. later models and then the rx350 were generally okay after that.

my mom drives a 2000 rx300, and it's only had one warranty claim since new (blown speaker). everything else has been scheduled maintenance (and one stupid mouse we won't talk about)... i'm not sure if any MB owner can match that. i know lexus is boring as hell, but it's no fun either if the car is busted and always sitting at the shop :(

[thumper]

you can't look at those old reviews of the first gen ML, the 2nd gen is a completely different animal

you're right... there is only one review for the 2nd gen:

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/mercedes-benz/m-class/r122906/

it's ironic to see that that the owner used to have a lexus :rolleyes:

don't get me wrong... i think the ML looks way better than the current RX:

http://www.dragtimes.com/images/11366-2007-Mercedes-Benz-ML63-AMG.jpg
http://www.tunedautos.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Branew-Lexus-RX-1.jpg

[slammer111]

The Lexus looks like a cross between a IS250 and Pontiac Vibe? Ick. Yeah I admit I'm biased.

The 2nd gen ML is nice. Yeah, the 1st gen had a ton of electrical problems. I blame Chrysler. All of MB's cars between 1999-2007 had a ton of problems. Thank goodness they've cleaned up for 2008+.

BMW isn't bad though. How about the X6?

[godwin]

1st Gen ML was finalised way before Chrysler got involved. The MB problems were attributed to communication (or lack there of) between MB and its primary OE, ie Bosch.

In fact the current new gen Grand Cherokee, and ML are the only Mercedes / Chrysler offspring that shares development. They are both doing well. No 300 doesn't count because, it was Chrysler reusing previous Mercedes E class.


The 2nd gen ML is nice. Yeah, the 1st gen had a ton of electrical problems. I blame Chrysler. All of MB's cars between 1999-2007 had a ton of problems. Thank goodness they've cleaned up for 2008+.

[thumper]

The Lexus looks like a cross between a IS250 and Pontiac Vibe? Ick. Yeah I admit I'm biased.


you're being nice... i've heard some say aztec, not vibe :o

[taylor192]

my mom drives a 2000 rx300, and it's only had one warranty claim since new (blown speaker). everything else has been scheduled maintenance (and one stupid mouse we won't talk about)... i'm not sure if any MB owner can match that. i know lexus is boring as hell, but it's no fun either if the car is busted and always sitting at the shop :(

That SUV is a ticking timebomb. My roommate had one, blew up the transmission. Look it up online, most of the early RX300s are dead in junkyards cause the transmission blew after 100K kms.

If she wants to keep it in good shape, get the tranny serviced. That includes a flush and changing the filter.

[shenmecar]

BMW isn't bad though. How about the X6?

I hope you meant X5. The X6 is UGLY.

http://www.tunedautos.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Branew-Lexus-RX-1.jpg

That's pretty neat. We don't have those headlights here though....

[threezero]

^ i'm pretty sure that custom.

harrier is pretty popular in japan.

not bad, if only it as exciting as it looks.

[StylinRed]

Audi Q7/Q5

[hirevtuner]

acura MDX is pimped

[Jeffield]

I have driven both, and to be honest I prefer the ML350 A LOT MORE

I love the car, as a daily driver its amazing, fun and comfortable..

The gadgets in the car are fun...

also are you leasing or financing the car?

If leasing just get the ML without a doubt...

Also Mercedes comes with 3 years warranty if i remembered correctly, even your break pads are covered for the first 2 year

Wear and tear

also

Their warranty and service is amazing.


Also having the car for 2 years now... I did not have many problems with it

Only 1 big thing that happened to the car was the CD player got jammed but that was because my mom screwed somethign up..

Old Mercedes do have a bad name in electronics and they have stepped up their game.


Also for winter the car tears through everything!

[Jeffield]

Also if your budget can be moved around...

the new ML550 has packages that make it look like a ML63 AMG

Its stunning...

It looks so nice.

[ilvtofu]

Have you considered the X5?
BMW generally more reliable than mercedes, I've had long term experience with both ML and GL in recent years, airmatic is not trustable...
Plus the ML is a bit older isn't it?

and technically I'd say mercedes is going uphill in quality, if you bought one from say 5 -10 years ago you'd know

I say get the RX just because the extra style of the ML won't get you far when it's parked at the service department run by assholes...

[TRD Rs200]

^^ we dont give a fuck about what your ass has driven, especially when its power by mom and dad

and to the OP, LEXUS FTW! maintenance cost way too much on the MB my frd has one, and hes so regreting it.

I hope you meant X5. The X6 is UGLY.

http://www.tunedautos.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Branew-Lexus-RX-1.jpg

That's pretty neat. We don't have those headlights here though....

I think we do have them here, its an option on RX450h

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200811/2010-lexus-rx450h-2_460x0w.jpg

[thumper]

^ i'm pretty sure that custom.

harrier is pretty popular in japan.

not bad, if only it as exciting as it looks.

someone correct me if i'm wrong, but i think the toyota harrier name is dead nowsince they finally brought out the lexus brand in japan :confused:

[thumper]

That SUV is a ticking timebomb. My roommate had one, blew up the transmission. Look it up online, most of the early RX300s are dead in junkyards cause the transmission blew after 100K kms.

If she wants to keep it in good shape, get the tranny serviced. That includes a flush and changing the filter.

i'm aware of it. been following the revised service schedule religiously and it's been fine. however i know of 3 other people who have grenaded their transmissions... one was replaced under warranty, the other was a rebuilt out of his own pocket. as for the 3rd... well, my uncle is searching for a junkyard tranny right now so that he can get it running again and dump it at a used car lot on kingsway :(

[Jun_Y]

gotta go with toyota reliability. and just chek the vins for japan built models and not any other. i went to the plant that makes the new SUV's when i was in japan last month.

even consider the venza its nicer than the RX in my opinion and insurance won't kill you either.

[StylinRed]

Audi Q7/Q5

http://mediaservice.audi.com/media/live/50720/xi/4lb5dl-2-wb6wb6-lra2zm/2010/14+1r1r/aaue4j/bav1lf/dae1bw/dar3s1/dei3fa/eil7m8/hsw8eh/radcs8/sfs2k8/ssh4kf/swr8x1/zie4zb.png?alt=http://mediaservice.audi.com/media/b2c/v6-common/img-velocity.zip/v6/uk/no-exterior-uk.jpg

q7 with the SLine sport package

[ilvtofu]

^^ we dont give a fuck about what your ass has driven, especially when its power by mom and dad

and to the OP, LEXUS FTW! maintenance cost way too much on the MB my frd has one, and hes so regreting it.



I think we do have them here, its an option on RX450h

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200811/2010-lexus-rx450h-2_460x0w.jpg

I'm just warning the OP from getting himself into a lot of trouble buying a merc
here's a pic from my recent road trip to seattle
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/3918239151_a49136c1e0.jpg

And Like i said get the lexus
The hybrid and 350 look pretty much the same but it seems like the hybrid is better value than before, either one is a pretty good bet.

EDIT: Lol @ being failed by the guy who asked for black zipties !

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

I have driven both, and to be honest I prefer the ML350 A LOT MORE

I love the car, as a daily driver its amazing, fun and comfortable..

The gadgets in the car are fun...

also are you leasing or financing the car?

If leasing just get the ML without a doubt...

Also Mercedes comes with 3 years warranty if i remembered correctly, even your break pads are covered for the first 2 year

Wear and tear

also

Their warranty and service is amazing.


Also having the car for 2 years now... I did not have many problems with it

Only 1 big thing that happened to the car was the CD player got jammed but that was because my mom screwed somethign up..

Old Mercedes do have a bad name in electronics and they have stepped up their game.


Also for winter the car tears through everything!

Quick everyone, listen to the 18 years old's advice


get the MB

:thumbsup:

[NNT]

Bang for the buck -- Lexus
Engine -- Lexus
Looks -- personal perference
reliability -- Lexus
Long term maintenance -- Lexus
Class -- Mercedes

Now ask yourself what you really want. I would say the Lexus is a better buy but class is something money can't buy. ask yourself what you really wants. (Also I think Lexus have better 2nd hang value)

[threezero]

^^ we dont give a fuck about what your ass has driven, especially when its power by mom and dad

and to the OP, LEXUS FTW! maintenance cost way too much on the MB my frd has one, and hes so regreting it.



I think we do have them here, its an option on RX450h

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200811/2010-lexus-rx450h-2_460x0w.jpg

stock and mod is like night and day difference.if OP is dead set of either of these 2 cars and will only be leaving it stock. don't get the rx unless your a marry female over the age of 40. 60g can buy u lot better looking suv from merc, bmw, audi, infiniti

[orange7]

get an infiniti!!!

[ilvtofu]

If you don't mind the strange look the MDX with all the discounts is a good deal too, and 3rd row seating?

[Skylude]

If you're buying a $60K SUV does it matter? I doubt you'll keep it past the first 4 years, people with that kinda money don't keep cars long. So buy whatever you like and enjoy the warranty period.
I thought about that to, however my goal is to pay off my house mortgage within the next ten years and I want to get a car that I can rely on during this time frame. :)

[Skylude]

Also if your budget can be moved around...

the new ML550 has packages that make it look like a ML63 AMG

Its stunning...

It looks so nice. Its about 12 g more to get the AMG package. You get AMG front and back bumper as well 20 inch AMG wheels. The interior is real leather and upgrade Harmo Kardon sound. Plus greater horse power.

[Skylude]

Have you considered the X5?
BMW generally more reliable than mercedes, I've had long term experience with both ML and GL in recent years, airmatic is not trustable...
Plus the ML is a bit older isn't it?

and technically I'd say mercedes is going uphill in quality, if you bought one from say 5 -10 years ago you'd know

I say get the RX just because the extra style of the ML won't get you far when it's parked at the service department run by assholes...

I did consider the X5, its just I currently drive a BMW and want to try something different.

[threezero]

Its about 12 g more to get the AMG package. You get AMG front and back bumper as well 20 inch AMG wheels. The interior is real leather and upgrade Harmo Kardon sound. Plus greater horse power.

excuse me 12g???????? where does the hp come from don't it have the same engine just dress up parts and maybe exhaust???? sounds like an overprice poser package

OP should really try out the offering from Audi infiniti hell even a VW if you are want to stray away from BMW. even the MDX have more personality and soul than the RX

just because you are getting a SUV doesn't mean you have to forfeit the fun factor


also anybody know what kind of wheel is on the modded rx posted above?

[ilvtofu]

I did consider the X5, its just I currently drive a BMW and want to try something different.

Have you checked out the Cadillac SRX, seems pretty nice, only thing not a big fan of is the bonging and the rear seat isn't very comfortable. But damn it looks good!

and as I said ML is at least half way through it's life cycle. And frankly a base model for 60k is nowhere near as well equipped as the MDX, SRX, Infiniti, or the RX.

you can get a used ML for pretty cheap though, but when it comes down to new car value...

[J32A2-S]

my family has a ml350 and my fiance's family have an rx 400h

the lexus is very quiet and smooth...but somehow I don't enjoy driving it as much as the ML. There is just no feel to it. And to me, the interior looks like a glorified Camry..lots of plastics ...

The build on the benz feels much more solid too

but to each of their own...both have their benefits! :)