Hey gang,

My wife's Honda Pilot appears to be on it's last legs after 7 years and 120k+ miles. We're looking at doing the used car thing this time around and we've found a nicely loaded 2006 R350 with like 65K on it. I know this was the first model year that these were made, so I am a little concerned with there being issues that I may not be aware of since I only JUST started researching this vehicle. Are there any particular things I should be sure to take a look at/put through it's paces on the test drive/inspection before we pull the trigger?

This will be our first Mercedes, if we do pull the trigger, and I believe this one is not made in Germany, so I am a little leary of that, as well. Need I be?

Also, I've heard read that a simple oil change runs like $150?!?!? Is that right? Do you HAVE to take this vehicle to the dealer or can one of those 30-minute places like Jiffy Lube and such do it, too?

Thanks for any and all help that you can throw my way.

Regards,
Jeff

 

I think SliderJeff probably already purchased a vehicle since he posted this thread. However, I am writing my recent experience with R350 for future readers as a reference.
I am currently driving a 1998 E320 sedan with 123,000 miles. I have done most of the maintenance of this car myself; shocks, engine & tranny mounts, 12 spark plugs, oil change, front and rear anti-sway bars and links. The car has a lot of power and drives smoothly. It has a lot of room under the hood to work on it.
I am in the market for another Mercedes. Preferably, a 7 seater. As, I was comparing a E320 wagon and R350. I know the wagon has a 3rd seat on the back and most of them are all wheel drive. Therefore, it will depend on the year of the car, condition of the wagon, mileage and the price that a owner is willing to sell it to me "Cheap". I was fortunate to have the opportunity to test drive a private party 2006 R350 last Sunday. The body of the vehicle looks great, but then after checking out the interior of the R350, it looks like a Chrysler, no sun-roof, no memory buttons for the seats, no side air bags, on and on...The worst part of it, it doesn't have power. Yes, I understand that it is heavier than my E320. But when I put my foot down and pressed on the accelerator, it just rolled, not zoomed. It might be that the owner didn't take good care of it or is it that how it's made? The R350 was almost 90,000 miles on it. So, anyone who has 2006 R350, please tell me that I am wrong about the power. R350 looks good, but what I wanted in a Mercedes, it just doesn't have them. I think I will stick with a E320 wagon.

 

Yep, lots has happened since then. "Wife" is on the road to being "Ex-wife" and the Mercedes is 6 months gone after she moved out on her own and realized that maybe it wasn't the most practical purchase of vehicles for a newly single mom. Whatever. I appreciate all the help for the short time I was here. FWIW, the R350 was a nice ride, but I think my own 2011 Acura MDX had better amenities and cheaper overall upkeep and maintenance.

Good luck in your purchase.

Regards,
Jeff