My 1999 ML320 has close to 200k miles. Now we're starting to run into real money to fix it and keep it running. What do you advise a this point? Do I keep pouring money in it, or let it go?

Right now it needs a right rear wheel bearing, the power steering pump is leaking, transmission lines are leaking and there's an oil leak. My local mechanic says this is right at $2000!

This doesn't include the alignment it needs or the fact that the AC hasn't worked in three years. Just had to put all new pads and rotors too.

I'm a poor single mom. Help!
Are there any independent St. Louis mechanics out there??

 

Just my opinion, but a single mom should not own a Mercedes unless she makes really good money. Trade it in on a reliable minivan or suv. One that has a great record and is not expensive to repair (like a Mercedes is).

 

Yeah, that's what I've been thinking. I used to make really good money, especially with two of us while married. But times, and the economy, have changed. I'm looking at a Prius.

 

I really like the Prius. I think it is much better for intown driving than highway, but I love the car. It is a bit expensive ($22 - $29,000) but should be relatively maintenance free. Just got my consumer reports magazine which lists the Prius at the top for reliability and customer satisfaction. Other reports that I have seen say the batteries last well over 150,000 miles. I think it is a much more practical vehicle. If you can afford the purchase, you will love the low cost of driving it.

 

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize that the Prius was better for intown than highway though. I do a LOT of highway driving. Maybe I should reconsider my options. I would like a "green" car, and this one seemed affordable. I'll probably drive the car 150k miles, so what's the replacement cost for the battery?

 

if you like the SUVs... you can try the mercury mountainer hybrid(ford has one as well)... gets about 32mpg on the hwy, and it is relatively inexpensive and comes with a nice new car warranty and about $30k (less if you haggle and ad a trade in)... plus low low financing available to boost

 

Almost all hybrids are better in town than on the highway because redlights are when the car switches to battery power. You start off in battery power then thegas enginetakes over as you accelerate up to speed. If you drive mostly on the highway you would do way better with like a Honda HF model or a simple four cylinder Toyota as well.Also, you can get better mileage with a manual transmission. On the other note about your 99 ML, If youresearch consumer reports or wikipedia you will see that 98 and 99 were the worst production models for reliability of the ML models. So bad that Mercedes put $600 million dollars into the plant to revamp the model. If you have started into the higher dollar repairs you should probably cut and run before you can't sell it or trade it in for a reasonable amount. I spent long hours reading reviews before buying a 2003 ML 350 and the 98 and 99 models came up over and over again with long lists of problems and recurring problems. All other research indicated that they improved significantly from year to year after that. For example, the 06 and 07 models seem to be getting great reviews with very few problems. And yes there are always exceptions.

 

sorry to hear of the 99ML troubles. I have a 99 ML320 that just turned 100K. I have been thoroughly happy with the car to day. Hopefully i have one of the "exceptions" discussed. I would echo the comments on the Mercury. I have an 03 Escape with 105K on it. I have yet to spend the first dollar on any kind of repair. Just gave it to my daughter, so I expect that to change!

 

I need a tune up on my 1999 ML320. What is it going to include? I know I need the brakes done completely and may be a new battery. How much will all of this cost me in total?