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Size of family (if any?), hauling requirements, budget? Driving style?
Over the years I'd had many SUVs, Jeep, Jimmy, Yukon, Mercedes ML-320, Acura MDX, 2007 Honda CR-V and now 2012 Honda CR-V. I'd agree with the last post about hauling requirements and driving style. I'm driving lots (at least temporarily until a move early next year) and really like the comfort, storage and gas mileage of the CR-V. Yes, it is a 4 cylinder and has just 185HP so it does not have the pick-up I had with the MDX or ML-320 but takes regular gas and on highway driving when it is 65MPH or below I'll get over 30MPG. Mercedes, if you intend to keep it out-of-warranty can be a repair cost issue. My (Mercedes) sales guy told me the average repair bill out-of-warranty is $3.5k (and that was several years ago). European vehicles tend to cost more to repair vs. American or Japanese.
I'd say if you really liked the ML350............then get an ML350! Preferably a Certified Pre-Owned one so that you don't have to eat so much of the depreciation and still have a decent warranty / maintenance plan. Have bought some BMW's that way & the factory extended warranty + maintenance plan really paid out. If you must get new, I've noticed my credit union (USAA) get's members $2K off Mercedes ML models and has a car buying service to assist members. Perhaps if you have or are eligible for USAA or your credit union / bank has something similar, it would be worth looking in to. Usually I'd be skeptical of these things, but unless your particularly good at haggling or have the time to do so, you're probably not going to be that far off. Luxury vehicles have greater margins than the run of the mill econoboxes, but not that great of margins. Best of luck to you. I've been in an ML350 about two years back, and it's a sweet ride.
yes i work in a company and it has same thing with mercedes but with only new cars only...no CPO....it is a sweet ride though...but wondering spending 45k is worth it...if ic an get another SUV for 25k....20K can be spend on MUSIC V
If it were me, that's what I would do. I.e. I'd get a 3-4 yr ol CPO ML350 / ML320 diesel or even ML550 & save the $20K+ for A/V gear and music. You'll likely get a lot more use / enjoyment from the AV gear / music - and if the gear is bought second hand, also won't suffer the wrath of depreciation. At least that's what I've done and haven't regretted it, even if I am a bit of a gearhead.
My 2 cents... Lease or CPO Audi A6 or Q5 (if you prefer SUV body style). Why? -Build quality -interior comfort, design, fit, and finish.-good performance to efficiency ratio (especially the turbo 4 in the Q5)-Good looks (personal taste, obviously)-Stock sound systems are AWESOME - come on, we are audio guys, right?*disclaimer- no affiliation with Audi, just drove them for six years, now have a VW, and boy do I miss the quality.
been interested in the Q5 for a while but has a concern about it's reliability. my weekend/toy car is a Cayenne GTS, daily driver is a very reliable Rav4.. we will be evaluating candidates sometime soon and the Q5 & X3 are very high on my list, holding back for Macan..
