Hello all, I would like all your suggestions to help with getting a used MB SUV within a 35k budget.
I've read and heard of ML having issues with build etc. I could not confirm the sources and if any of the models prior 2011 had issues with tailgate access and recalled for other reasons?
I was looking at GLC & ML models, but I'm sure people on this forum are much knowledgeable than myself on MB, please help.
Thank you all.
yeah… popcorn time for sure
don't want to spoil the mood of long hold owners of MB, I'm happy to take it down and do my own research…again.
My advice is probably what you expect, don’t do it. Buying a GLC or ML model for $35k or under is going to either get you a car which is almost 15 years old with 100,000kms on it or a car which is 6 or 7 years old with 200,000kms on it. For the same money you can buy a brand new SUV from a non euro brand which will easily outlast the Mercedes, save you a huge pile of money and probably be more comfortable and have better features.
If you really want a Mercedes just to look like a fancy pants rich guy then go for it. Otherwise it sounds like you can’t afford a decent one.
Thank you, this does sound a good advise and agree for the money I could end up with a new / almost new non-EU SUV.
Advise lol
Hope you have deep pockets for the repairs.
Even if they don't break, your tyres and brakes expenses are going to hurt…a bit.
Electric windows stop working - that'll be $3,000 please
I think if you're spending 35k on a used Benz SUV, you're like to find the same features and safety options in a new mainstream SUV that's around that price or slightly higher.
I bought a used SUV - a current shape XC90 - and it's been mostly OK but there's a few niggly things that would have been fixed under warranty that I can't justify paying to get fixed. I also feel like I've dodged a bullet a bit as nothing mechanically significant has gone wrong (eg air suspension has been problematic in particular markets) but I have still spent a few grand on some items that needed doing - pads/rotors, engine mounts (I know).
Buying a premium vehicle out of warranty is rolling the dice a bit. Most cars are pretty reliable these days but when things go wrong on cars like BMWs, MBs, Volvos, Audis etc the sting to the wallet is definitely going to be felt.
I'm unlikely to do it again. If your heart's set on an MB then you really need to be aware what you might be committing yourself to.
Can you buy a current shape XC90 for $35k though? Thought they are a fair bit more than $35k.
Thank you dj for your comments and advise, I agree with the previous posters comments and yours, that it could be a risky game…I believe I will stick to the advise from the majority on this forum….which is no used MB (under 35k), if yes, then at my own risk…
My advice to you is that it is "advice".
Also, unless you are handy on the spanners or happy to budget $3k-$5k a year for unplanned repairs, stay away from an old Mercedes.
get renault koleos for euro suv
Just go buy a new or near new Rav4 / CX5 and have (near) worry free motoring for the next two decades.
Why?
New modern SUV or thrashed unreliable 10 year old $#Itbox moneypit with taxi miles on it.
Hard choice that one.
2015 GLC around 35k but you will find them with high miles. Look for one under 40k and negotiate to 35
Isn't 'Help" usually what you ask AFTER you've bought a used 35k mercedes?
I'm yet to decide which way to go..I've not bought one yet…
Problem is, Mercedes have raised their prices twice this year and they’re still selling like hot cakes which has an on-flow effect to used cars value.
OP might have to pick a different brand. X3/X5 seems to fit their price range a bit more (even though they themselves have gone up since May/June).
Are those dealer vs private prices correct?
A while ago, I thought it was a bit strange when I noticed that private some asking prices seemed to be higher than dealers' prices. Way back, it was the case that the dealer's asking price was always quite a bit higher because they obviously needed to make a profit.
I have a 2016 GLC250 so it is pushing 4.5 years now. I would not recommend buying a MB second hand with a budget of 35k.
Basically it is starting to slowly die with bits and pieces needing to be replaced. This year alone I have spent: 2k on tyres (premature and uneven wear due to crabbing design fault), 500 on changing the auxiliary 'battery' (it's really a capacitor you can buy from AliExpress for 50 bucks) and the stealership tried to charge 300 bucks for a wheel alignment after replacing the knuckles under warranty.
One of the plastic buttons in my console is peeling and I am ignoring it.
I want to sell it as I have many interested friends who are having babies etc. but I just can't do it knowing that it's probably going to be a moneypit.
Thank you so much for the insights on maintenance of the MB GLC, I was certain that once ts aged it will start to hurt my pockets but I wanted my mind and heart to read the comments and convince myself not to go for 2nd hand German make, when I'm limited on my spending and budget. Also may be ending up spending twice as much on service later on :(
I don't think you need to be sad. It's not a plush or luxurious as it's made out to be, in my personal view A B C GLA GLC are made with volume in mind and not so much quality. A colleague has an E and another one has GLE, they are much nicer than my GLC. I am in a position to keep it and afford this ridiculous maintenance but I don't think I will come back to MB anytime soon, unless one day I can afford an AMG.
I believe in this case I will have turn my head to the ever reliable Toyota, but I think i pick a wrong time, where all is expensive. do any of you know when prices would stabilize both dealer and used cars, I believe definitely not during this holiday season where everyone is throwing cash to buying cars like no tomorrow. And Toyota used then its gone….
If anyone could predict when ‘normal’ pricing will resume they’d not be trolling on ozbargain, they’d be rolling in cash.
My guess is, at least 12 months until we have some normality back. Ie vaccines distributed globally, international travel starting to return etc.
right now there are people with money who can’t spend it on travel, so are buying vehicles. Factories are behind in orders, used cars have higher demand because new cars aren’t available and more cash available.
Does a Toyota LC Prado have much issues past 100k kms.?
List of what you need in a car might help
Just the Toyota high resale value.
That's a brave question.
Microwave popcorn ready in 3,2,1…