To Purchase Mercedes GLE300d or Toyota Kluger 2.5l Hybrid

LBotaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 09:04
Last edited 21/07/2021 - 09:17

Hear me out, I know these are totally different cars in terms of brand class but I can’t make up my mind. What would you do if you could have either? Or are there any more points I should consider I’ve missed? I wake up every day having flipped sides. My Pros and cons below

Merc
Pros
Better technology
Looks great
Smooth drive
Electronic rear seats to get to 3rd row
Leather seats
Nicer exterior and interior
5 years road side assist

Cons
Running costs more than the hybrid
Service costs more

Kluger
Pros
Hybrid, low fuel running costs
Lower service costs (250 for 5 years)
2.5L so slightly more powerful
Heads up display felt less offensive

Cons
No roadside aside
No wireless charging
Dash and internal tech less
Uglier for sure
Combination of natural and synthetic leather in the grande
Manual adjust back seats
Felt a bit revvy/not as smooth to drive

Poll Options expired

  • 48
    Mercedes GLE300 d SUV
  • 57
    Toyota Kluger Grande Hybrid
Automotive Car Mercedes-Benz Toyota

Comments

  • MS Paint on 21/07/2021 - 09:07
    +4

    What is the purchase price delta?

    Are you leasing or buying outright?

    How long do you plan on keeping your choice?

    What is your other ozbargain account username?

    Add a poll.

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 09:15

      I’m not sure what you mean or how to calculate the delta? Googled but sorry still confused!

      Buying outright

      As long as I possibly can. If it weren’t for needing a bigger family car I’d be keeping my 2015 vw Tiguan. I’m certainly not a turn over cars quickly person

      I have no other user name, this is the first time I’ve purchased a car since my Tiguan I don’t have other reasons to be on automotive forums

      I will work out how to add a poll now thanks

      • Islund on 21/07/2021 - 09:22

        as you are already in the VW family how about a VW Tourag

        • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 09:28

          I was superbly disappointed when looking at both the Tiguan allspace and toureg. Has the quality dropped or is it just me? I have always been super happy with my r line interior but sitting in the new ones they just felt…. Cheaper. I just thought to myself ‘how is this any better than a Toyota’ in terms of how it felt inside. I also felt the allspace wasn’t worth upgrading for an extra 20cm boot space and then the toureg is a huge price jump that I thought the merc felt better value for money from that aspect. Although not a deal breaker the 7 seater is attractive to me for in the event I need to pick up any of my nieces or nephews alongside our daughter and soon to be sibling. And obviously the toureg doesn’t offer the 7 seater so as much as being a devoted Volkswagen driver going from golf to polo to Tiguan (to my own detriment at times) it just didn’t seem the right fit for me this time around

          • Islund on 21/07/2021 - 10:41
            +1

            @Botaniclea: Other alternatives relatives considered when looking for a 7 seater are the Skoda Kodiaq and a slightly older Audi Q7.

      • JimB on 21/07/2021 - 09:23
        +2

        The Merc is a beautiful car.

        If I was trading it in after 5 years, I'd get the Merc over the Kluger, actually, I'd get the BMW X5 over both.

        However if you plan to keep the car 'As long as I possibly can', then it will be Kluger all day.

        Boring but reliable with low running costs. If you want more power, get the 3.5L V6.

        If you have money to burn and can accept high depreciation, repair and maintenance costs, by all means get the Merc (or even better X5).

        • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 09:31

          Thanks in honesty I haven’t looked at the bmw as Mercedes is a more familiar brand to me but I’ll check it out. One of the points that attracts me to the kluger is in fact the hybrid however I believe that only comes in the 2.5 but I look into that to make sure I haven’t got my wires crossed. In honesty the power is not a huge deal for me I’ve been pretty happy with the feel of my current 2L diesel and I don’t do any towing (partner has a work horse for that kind of job)

          • JimB on 21/07/2021 - 09:40
            +2

            @Botaniclea: Reason why I suggested the 3.5L V6 is that you mentioned the 2.5L is lower powered as a Con.

            Hybrid Kluger is 2.5L only.

            2.5L Hybrid will have much lower fuel consumption and also superior resale value. In 10 years time it will be still worth something and for people buying a 10 yo car, low fuel consumption is more important than 10 yo technology and electric rear seats (in the Merc).

            If you don't need the badge, the Kluger all day. The Merc badge is nice and for some people that matters, there's nothing wrong with wanting a nice badge on the driveway, just be honest that it matters.

            The X5 is much more sportier and drives better than the Merc.

            https://www.caradvice.com.au/796273/2019-bmw-x5-xdrive30d-v-…

            • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 09:49

              @JimB: Thanks great article will read it in more detail later

  • payless69 on 21/07/2021 - 09:12

    Poll please!

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 09:17
      +1

      Done sorry didn’t even see it to be an option when origjnally posting

  • iamherenow on 21/07/2021 - 09:12
    +1

    Toyota, knowing you are buying a very reliable vehicle that does just what it needs to - transport you from a to b.

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 09:19

      Thanks for your thoughts. My sister has a kluger and has been happy with it but had it for under a year. Whereas my extended family are MB drivers from way back yonder hence the strange brand comparison 😆

  • Duckie2hh on 21/07/2021 - 09:12

    Looks great

    LOL

    Better technology

    Are you sure about that?

    5 years road side assist

    paid by yourself in the purchase price of the car

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 09:37
      +3

      I guess the point is I find the merc looks a lot better than the kluger but I guess these things are personal preference after all.

      The internal/drive technology felt a lot better in the drive of the Mercedes but will be the first to admit I’m no expert

      Yes about road side assist, but at the end of the day is still a cost I’d put on top of the kluger so will pay either way and was just thinking of any point I could for either.

      • Duckie2hh on 21/07/2021 - 10:36

        Fair points.

        Just ignore me. I am a luxury car hater.

  • mapax on 21/07/2021 - 09:13
    -2

    Obligatory -

    Member Since
    27 min ago

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 09:16
      +5

      Are new members not welcome here? I don’t get the attacks over being a new member please see my reply to first commenter. I rarely buy cars I don’t have other reasons to be on an automotive forum sorry if that’s an issue

      • MS Paint on 21/07/2021 - 09:19
        +1

        New members are always welcome.

        Legit question if you don't mind…

        What phrase did you google to find ozbargain forums to raise your topic?

        • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 09:20
          +8

          Car buyers forum Australia

          • MS Paint on 21/07/2021 - 09:20
            +14

            @Botaniclea: Awesome.

            I tried it. It's the first hit. Well I'll be damned. Made my week. Cheers

            • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 09:22
              +1

              @MS Paint: I was surprised whirlpool didn’t beat it! That’s what i was expecting to come up I’ve never heard of this place until now

              • MS Paint on 21/07/2021 - 09:23
                +1

                @Botaniclea: Well welcome aboard to the slippery slide to the rest of your life aka ozbargain forums.

                Put on your big boy pants and enjoy the ride.

      • mapax on 21/07/2021 - 09:30
        -3

        Of course new members are welcome.

        Not sure why you would feel “attacked” by that though.

        And buy the Toyota.

  • Marcsie on 21/07/2021 - 09:14
    +3

    Buy smart, buy Japanese !

  • Therage on 21/07/2021 - 09:22
    +1

    Went and had a look at the GLE the other weekend, its really a nice car, looks great outside and the interior is very nice. Was a bit too nice for us though as I dont want the kid wrecking the interior.
    This would be my pic if you planning on keeping it for a while.

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 09:24

      Thanks, I agree it’s very nice. In retrospect it shouldn’t have been the first car I test drove as now I’ve got myself in this situation ha!

      • Therage on 21/07/2021 - 09:38
        +1

        Not sure what else you have looked at - specifically 7 seaters?

        Some cars we looked at incase this helps
        Lexus Hybrid (comes in 5 and 7 seats), much cheaper than the GLE.

        VW Tourag (only 5 seats) but was surprised at how nice the inside was.

        • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 09:41

          I’ll look into Lexus.

          I felt the opposite about the toureg having driven VW my entire ‘driving life’ I felt interior quality had dropped. Although the 7 seats isn’t a deal breaker it would be handy in the event I need to pick up my nieces and nephews. I also felt that for a little bit more I could get the merc and get a lot nicer interior plus 7 seaters so the toureg just didn’t seem to fit this tjme

          • Therage on 21/07/2021 - 09:52

            @Botaniclea: Fair call. I dont think you will be sad in the Merc, it really was a nice place to sit.

  • inherentchoice on 21/07/2021 - 09:30
    -1

    any more points I should consider I’ve missed?

    This is OzBargain and you don't seem to have mentioned any indication of purchase prices? What is the drive away cost for each?

    Kluger will depreciate much less long term.

    Kluger will be much more reliable long term.

    Pretty sure roadside assistance is like $100 a year.

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 09:33
      +1

      Gle300d with 7 seater option would be around 140k drive away as 7 seater only available with amg package but I wouldn’t need any other ‘upgrades’ beyond that

      Kluger hybrid grande around $80k drive away.

      I haven’t started any sort of price negotiations with either so this is probably max price for both

      • inherentchoice on 21/07/2021 - 09:39
        -1

        I feel like the $60k price difference isn't really justified for better looks or amg badge. I feel like this merc doesn't look that amazing anyway?

        Would be nicer to go out your driveway silently in a hybrid.

        • JimB on 21/07/2021 - 09:51

          No AMG badge on the Gle300d unless you order one from Ebay to impress the less knowledgeable.

          GLE with AMG badge will start with a $2… or about 3 times the price of the Kluger.

      • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2021 - 10:45
        +1

        $140k for a 4 cylinder GLE is nuts. Should be more in the $100k range. Maybe for a GLE400 you might pay $140k.

  • pegaxs on 21/07/2021 - 09:38
    +4

    MB if you don't want to keep it past warranty end date and don't care about being reamed out with a dry, splintery stick at service time and like fighting dealers over warranty issues.

    Toyota if you want to keep it for a long time.

    The reason Toyota don't offer road side assistance is because they don't need it. MB on the other hand… And I am sure with the money you will save on servicing and running costs, you could afford your own roadside assistance on the Toyota.

  • mskeggs on 21/07/2021 - 09:50
    +4

    If I was a marketer, OzB would be the place I went to observe the way people buy cars.
    So often it is a crazy mix of feelings and misunderstandings.

    “Should I get a Hayman Reece or a no name towbar to maximise resale value on my new Ferrari that I am buying for my drive-in/drive-out mining job?”

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 10:02

      They are very different cars. I was definitely expecting some more flack for my seemingly strange comparison. A very emotional attachment driven by family to MB. We were in a very serious accident when I was a child where I probably would have been dead if we weren’t in a car with the safety features it had back in the day compared to some competitors. That being said the car had rear facing dickie seats and I certainly would have been dead if I was in those. I understand the safety is probably more of an even ground now with cars now but there’s definitely a soft spot for the brand driven by a few factors

      • mskeggs on 21/07/2021 - 10:40

        Good points, and I was exaggerating, but I can imagine how the marketing department try to work out just what goes on in people’s heads when they come to buy a car.

        • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 10:46
          +1

          Mercedes sales people sure know it’s an emotional journey for people to spend that much on a car. I have to say their service was second to none compared to the other dealerships. Barely got a look in the eye at Volkswagen on the other hand! Unsure why I continue to expect better from VW

          • mini2 on 21/07/2021 - 14:25

            @Botaniclea:

            Barely got a look in the eye at Volkswagen on the other hand! Unsure why I continue to expect better from VW

            You're probably thinking VW is an aspirational brand (at least their pricing is getting up there) and elevated your expectations?

            • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 14:51

              @mini2: I was just thinking that I’d spark at least some interest in someone at the mention of upgrading my current VW…. Would have thought people sticking to the same brand would be an easier sale for them. They didn’t even offer me an ounce of information outside the questions I was asking about both the allspace and the toureg

              • mini2 on 22/07/2021 - 14:42

                @Botaniclea: That's where I was 10 years ago. I thought upgrading from a Golf R32 to a Passat R36 seems logical and should be a relatively simple transaction for the salesperson. Your experience is identical to mine so I thought screw this and ended up at the Mercedes dealer down the road. I've been buying Mercedes ever since but even they're now doing what VW was doing so I'll need to look for another brand.

  • boomramada on 21/07/2021 - 10:02
    +2

    OP, go ask from a Merc forum as well just as you are asking from a Toyota forum.

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 11:09

      I think MOST comments have been pretty fair and helpful. Might be Pretty hard to find a forum that sits exactly central to the topic. I’m not getting much help in the way of opinions from my partner so I’m open to hearing the good and the bad

  • MS Paint on 21/07/2021 - 10:09

    What is the delivery wait time for each car?

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 10:21
      +1

      They’re the same surprisingly. Both say around December so in my head I’m saying feb. it’s not a huge issue bub 2 due in December but we can certainly tolerate the Tiguan until early next year as ideally won’t be leaving the house a great deal in the first couple treacherous months

  • mskeggs on 21/07/2021 - 10:44

    As an aside, I sure wish I had the coin to drop on new cars when I was having kids. That was when I had the biggest struggles with reduced income and growing expenses!

  • netjock on 21/07/2021 - 10:44
    +2

    Merc is $100k vs Kluger probably $60k. I would recommend you buy the Merc every day of the week. Makes you look good and makes me look richer once you destroy your finances.

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 10:58
      +2

      I should have put you on my cons list damn! I guess not too late to modify my post

  • websterp on 21/07/2021 - 10:58
    +3

    If you do not do any towing or frequent freeway driving my suggestion is not to get a diesel. Nothing against diesel motors as they can't be beaten for certain applications and industries but if you are mostly driving short distances or stuck in stop-start city traffic I will go petrol or hybrid. I too had a 2015 diesel car till last week which was great to look at and super fun to drive but every time the engine check light comes up my heart sank thinking about the 12K+ DPF replacement because it saw very little long distance driving in the 5 years I had it. In my opinion car manufacturers never figured out a reliable and cost effective(or legal - remember VW?) method in meeting newer and much more stricter emission regulations for diesel passenger cars and the DPF was a workaround where the buyer is burdened with a very expensive repair cost if it fails. On top of that small diesel engines are gradually being phased by pretty much all car manufacturers so buying a diesel car (Gle300d ) may not be the best option right now.

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 11:01

      I actually should have put the diesel as a con to be honest. No petrol in the 300 is a downside and it’s coming from a current diesel car driver. They have an adblue (spelling?) in the new diesel which apparently in laymen’s terms drops something in to reduce emissions. So the thought of having to fill that is annoying however it does get done at the services and I think it would be unlikely I’d need to fill it up in between. But good points.

      • websterp on 21/07/2021 - 11:12
        +3

        Here is another thought. Since you are looking at spending approx 120k on the GLE perhaps you could stick with the Tiguan for 2 more years as there would be an onslaught of electric cars and suvs within the next 2-3 years form practically every car brand. As you would know there aren't many options for mid size electric SUVs at the moment (only the model X) but the landscape would dramatically change sooner than you would expect since every auto manufacturer seems to be racing to have an electric car out the door before the competition does.

        I would also expect the second hand market of high end ICE cars to plummet heavily in the next few years as buyers who could afford to pay the electric premium would most certainly take that option over an ICE counterpart.

  • brendanm on 21/07/2021 - 11:03

    Wolfsburg Touareg.

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 11:05

      I did look at the standard toureg and was a little bit disappointed also didn’t know if I wanted to punish myself being a 4th time VW owner? Is the wolsburg available yet? I haven’t done research into that edition specifically but I’ll look into it

      • whitelie on 21/07/2021 - 11:38

        It would have to at least be an R Line to be on par with the other options here?
        The 310 would be an absolute cracker (if you don't mind parting with the asking price of the Benz).
        This one but the price is eye watering for a VW

      • brendanm on 21/07/2021 - 12:19

        Yeah Wolfsburg is available. Not sure what sort of equipment the Benz has, but the Wolfsburg has everything under the sun from my short look. Nothing wrong with being a vw owner 😉

  • whitelie on 21/07/2021 - 11:11

    I'm a bit confused by the completely different price brackets.
    Sure a Kluger Grande is a nice car but nothing at all compared to the Benz.

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 11:55

      That’s the reason I posted here. I know I’m comparing apples to oranges so I wanted to gather more information to make a decision am I going more of a dream car or something way more practical. I’ve replied to a couple other comments but the mb brand is an emotional attachment plus is obviously pretty beautiful

      • whitelie on 21/07/2021 - 12:04
        +1

        I think a lot of people on here will vote for the Kluger because it's a better value for money proposition (we are on a bargain site after all), cheaper running costs, lower depreciation etc but owning an MB, it is clearly a cut above any other top spec car we've owned and that goes for Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Holden/HSV.

  • pharkurnell on 21/07/2021 - 11:15

    No optioni in the poll for neither ?

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 11:24

      Open to suggestions, this is my preferences of what I’ve looked at and driven so far. Unfortunately don’t have all the time in the world to test drive every make and model on the Australian market with a youngen

  • mini2 on 21/07/2021 - 11:32
    +1

    I'll add a cons for the Merc - tyre cost (20/21"?) and replacement brakes. Can be a little eye-watering.

  • apple2016 on 21/07/2021 - 11:34

    2.5L so slightly more powerful

    actually the GLE 300d 180Kw /4200rpm & 500Nm/1600-2400rpm is better than 218kw/6600rpm & 350Nm/4700rpm for most real life scenario.
    Also if you are towing or carrying heavy loads often the GLE might be more economical as it has a higher torque at quite low rpm.

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 14:46

      Thanks! Good to know, because.,, I literally don’t know this stuff!

  • OpayuOnam on 21/07/2021 - 14:21

    If you are after something more how about looking at the Lexus RX long wheel base?
    RX450hL and RX350L Sports Luxury are the ones to look for, they will cost similar to the GLE.
    The last row is not that roomy, but you get the Toyota reliability and very quiet cabin.

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 14:47

      I will check it out Lexus was mentioned by someone earlier too

    • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2021 - 19:19

      You would be nuts to buy a RX over a GLE. The GLE is a much better, more up to date car.

    • zrmx on 22/07/2021 - 10:00

      The Lexus does offer Hybrid option as well, but the RX (and other) lines are expected to be renewed next year. So like some comment above, if you can wait until next year if not two, you'll have quite some more good options.

      • OpayuOnam on 22/07/2021 - 11:37

        True but we don't know when the release is specially with current supply issues, and he needs a car now. He's fed up with his current car and level of service be gets from his dealer. He won't be happy with Mercedes Service, it's expensive and they treat you like shit. Lexus service has been super amazing for me in VIC.

        • zrmx on 22/07/2021 - 11:57

          Yea fair enough

  • csimpson on 21/07/2021 - 18:00

    Of those two, the Toyota is the smarter choice if you intend to keep it as long as possible. They're such different cars that it's really hard to make a comparison other than reliability and servicing costs over a long period.

    Either one could have huge advantages depending on your needs. I think that if you share more about your needs, we commenters can be more helpful because then it's not a clean-sheet comparison of two cars, one of which you could buy two of for the price of the other.

    • Botaniclea on 21/07/2021 - 19:10

      Basically have a 2015 dieselgate defeat device Tiguan at the moment which in honesty I do love but once I have the pram in the back there is zero room for anything else, it’s got such a shitty boot space! I did look at the current Volkswagen’s but the allspace didn’t seem worthy of an upgrade to gaining really only 20cm length in boot space and the toureg didn’t seem all that great. So with my lack of boot space my solution has been to kind of hook the pram a little bit over the rear seat but baby number 2 due in dec so not only will that not work with a second car seat in but there will be another pram chair. I figure it’s a good time for us to upgrade now for ease of use with the kids and also because we want to be able to take it on family holidays with us four plus the two dogs plus luggage. My partner has a work Ute with a canopy and it’s just not suitable for those holiday trips. I live on the outskirts of metropolitan Melbourne so I’m not often in a lot of stop start traffic a lot of 70-80km roads around, obviously using it for getting from a-b as well as the holidays. The 7 seaters aren’t a deal breaker but do really appeal to me as my sister lives around the corner with 3 kids who are not far off not needing seats so being able to run them around with our two if needed has a big advantage. I think we will most likely just have the two kids but never say never I guess! I think that’s kind of it about our situation but if you think there is anything else worth noting happy to answer.

  • Myone888 on 22/07/2021 - 08:42

    Mercedes is a different class and of course higher. The tech in it is incredible. Having said that, my after sale service experience with Mercedes Australia has been very poor, given status of car. Enquiries on their apps haven taken weeks and sometimes not answered!

    • Botaniclea on 22/07/2021 - 09:45

      Thanks for the honest feedback, and I must say I feel the same about my current VW. I travel past two service centres to get to a third who actually are half decent. It seems a common thread in the car industry, Years ago I had to push hard when my polo had a diesel filter issue literally months out of warranty that would have seen a 2k repair cost, safe to say I won’t ever show my face to that service centre again, it got way too ugly 😂

  • zrmx on 22/07/2021 - 10:09

    Welcome to OzBargain! Hopefully if you browse more as you go, this place will enhance your daily habits for the better rather than stressing you with FOMOs.

    There is a page where the users here partake in polls about some categories of product: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/what-should-i-buy (which I guess kind of reflect what people rave about on here lol).

    There's a page for 7-seater cars: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/618674 and while it is sort of restricting itself to $50k budget, but if you are still open for consideration, I think checking some of the top voted options may be nice to get some ideas. And yea, as this is a bargain forum, you'll probably know already that there's be more emphasis on value in general.

    Personally I don't know much about cars, all the cars that have happened were parent/extended family decisions except for the most recent one which I'd call our own (between wife and I), and that was an easy decision as we wanted a hybrid (too hard to go EV as we live in apartment), and the Toyota Corolla was the most affordable option for new and in terms of what it offered (tech etc).

    I suppose what I can offer is just some comments/questions to help reflect what you may want, need and prioritise. It sounds like it'll be the main family car. Safety is assumed, in terms that hopefully the ones you'll pick from all have a recent 5 star ancaps rating (note on recent as ancaps rating are only for the year they are tested and not carried forward to new standards).

    With the main purpose of transporting the kids and family around, reliability and accessibility to repair seems like an important point. To be real, all brands of car can break and can have defects to get recalls, how accessible the repairs and parts are, with help determine how long you'll be without the car that gets the family around.

    You mention of 7 seater, so there'll be a third row. How easily accessible they'll be with two baby seat? Are there any features/aspects that you really think will make your life easier getting the family around, being a parent can be tiring enough, and it'll be good if your car won't become the extra baby, but to help out. Anything else that you need/want? Then prioritise.

    Sorry that I can't offer more, and all the best with your second bub =)

  • MyOtherOtter on 22/07/2021 - 10:38

    I'll just throw this in here that as much as my wife and I would like a new car, our 17 year old Kluger won't die. It just keeps going, and going and going.

    If you're looking long term, Kluger is the way to go.

  • OzHunterNSW on 22/07/2021 - 15:26

    Go the Merc

  • Botaniclea on 22/07/2021 - 18:31

    Thanks all for your comments and info. Question. Would you get the tow bar put in even if you have no intention of towing in the near future but knowing it will be a long term car? I guess I am overthinking it a bit because from memory to get the tow bar on the MB was around 2K but aftermarket he said it would cost around 8K because they need to take the whole ass off the car. I’ve never towed anything in my life but I guess I’m just worried if it’s a dumb idea to not get it….

  • [Deactivated] on 23/07/2021 - 23:09

    Lexus RX.

  • mr-anderson on 25/07/2021 - 09:27
    +1

    Heart says GLE, brain says Kluger.

    Klugers/Toyotas will last forever - My dad's '95 Prado has nil issues all its life, work's '03 Yaris doesn't want to die (only had a $200 VVTI actuator replaced in its life), wife's '13 Prius still drives like new, sister's '09 Lexus RX still drives like new.

    On the other hand, BIL's '11 Merc C250 has had multiple issues - been in the workshop about 3 times in the last 5 years. Each repair has been more than $5k. He complains about the servicing costs, costs of part replacements - eg. wiper blades ($250 -must be gold plated), etc.

    We're talking about a 10 year old Merc though and I'm sure newer Mercs would be more reliable as tech/QA improves over time.

    I think get what you want. You only live once.

    I'm currently deciding between a Kluger Grande Hybrid and a RX450HL. $80k vs $110k. 2.5L Hybrid vs 3.5L Hybrid. I just can't stand the puny 8" touchscreen in the Kluger.

    • Botaniclea on 25/07/2021 - 14:56
      +1

      Your first line sums up my thoughts exactly. Like love the GLE but also am like ‘be more logical, you’ll be less upset when someone scratches a kluger with their trolley in a carpark than with the GLE’ haha. In the many family members that have had MB I can’t think of any major concerns repair wise but will double check.

      I just had a look at the RX but it’s getting even longer (albeit narrower) than the GLE which I didn’t really want to do but at the same time the hybrid is super appealing. From the pictures I don’t love the look but once our lockdown is over I might go check it out as I guess you never know and a few have mentioned Lexus now. The next size down doesn’t allow for the 7 seats which is a pain

  • sunnyc on 25/07/2021 - 12:16

    GLE, the problem with the Toyota family is the non-existent thought into comfort. The maximum height of a driver can't be more than 1.8m unless you're in the lx or van as your head would always touch the ceiling. Road trips are basically driving in coach class, I haven't been able to fall asleep in a Toyota during the long road trips.

    I change out cars every 5-10 years. Buy the GLB250.

    • Botaniclea on 25/07/2021 - 14:40

      I did originally look at the glb but I felt that while yes it had more boot space it didn’t feel worthy of the upgrade from the current Tiguan… felt a bit like a sideways step, in fact it felt narrower from the inside. Is there a reason you’re a fan of the glb?

      • sunnyc on 25/07/2021 - 16:57

        For the price, it's good value. For a GLE300D, you're looking at 140-160k.

  • FocusRider on 26/07/2021 - 08:01

    Audi RSQ8

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