Mercedes-Benz M-Class (1998 - 2004) ML430 5d Tip Auto (2000/V) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
I can't afford an X5 or a Range Rover.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They all think it's a real status symbol - not sure why as you can pick them up for peanuts these days.....
Would you buy this car again and why?
More chance of me burning my backside on a snowball.
What are you likely to buy next?
Anything other than a V8 4x4. No one wants them so you will struggle to sell it. I ended up selling mine for a 10 grand loss after about a year of owning it. Not the best choice of vehicle I have ever made. I now have a Ford S-Max 2.5T - Ten times better than the Merc.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£14,995
When did you buy the car?
February 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
The price I paid was about right at the time. Paid a bit of a premium as the car had a 1 year platinum warranty.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Needed a 7-seater and fancied a V8 as never had one before
What was the dealer like?
Very helpful, but then they were taking 15 grand off me........
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Very comfortable on long trips - even in the 3rd row of seats (so the kids tell me). Lots of power (V8) but comes at a price - prepare to get on first name terms with your local petrol station cashier. Does not corner too well - even with upgraded suspension package - but it's not a car you would want to chuck about. Same height as a Range Rover when you're sitting in it, so the road presence makes you feel superior to lesser mortals in their hatchbacks....
What's it like to park?
One piece of advice - fit parking sensors.....
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
New exhaust system including cat - done under warranty (thank God!!!) Air conditioning pump failure - £500 for a new one from MB.
What's most practical about your car?
7 seats with lots of pulling power. Did a week in Cornwall with 4 kids and luggage - no trouble at all (apart from the fuel bill)
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Tiptronic Box and Sports suspension - I test drove an ML320 with no suspension upgrade and it was wallowing around like a muddied hippo.........
