Hi I am considering buying a used Mercedes R type or used GL 450. I Am a little leary about buying one though from a maintenance stand point. I am hoping you may be able to help me make up my mind. I'm 40 rears old and have been doing all of the maintenance and repairs on all my own vehicles because I enjoy it and find it rewarding. With that said I need to know what repair manuals you would recommend. I am fond of HELM inc for the vehicles I have now as they have signifiantly empowered me to make all the repairs I have ever needed to make. Is there a good retail parts supplier I shoud know about. Also are you aware of any chronic probles with either of the formentioned vehicles I shoud be aware of. Also I generally keep my vehicles for 10 years or better and what concerns me is that I don't seem to see many older mercedes on the road (er maybe I would'nt know them if I saw them). Thanks in advance for your time.
Sincerely. John

 

My advice for you is to forget that notion.

I have a C230, 2003. only 6 years old and it has cost me $7-8,000 in the past year and I do all regular maintenance.

Now my car is wonderful to drive and performs well, but so costly. I will not return to the MB family.

Good luck

Trygve

 

Actually an overpriced Chrysler Pacifica, no less...

If you enjoy doing your own maintenance, there is a Star DVD for the 251 (R) series at www.mercedesmanuals.com

Autohaus AZ is a good parts source.

Or, save some $$ and get a Honda

 

Thanks for the honesty and the advice all. I really like the looks of the R Class as something that will be nice to travel with two kids and a family pet. The though of a Honda oddessy makes me sick. I would prefer something sportier. Maybe an Audi Q7 might be the better choice. Jury is still out I have plenty of time to research.

 

I have also drive Mercedes car, about car kit, Do you know update this for your car. It's great when you have it. It's easy to use

 

I'm not so sure about the newer MBs, but the older ones ( pre 2000) are very reliable & comfortable. My SLK230 is now 11 years old, the only bits I have had to replace are tyres, brakes pads & discs, and just recently the windscreen wiper linkage.

In the UK there are plenty of 20 year MBs still running & looking really nice.