Good value second hand cars - COVID times, Falcon/Commodore tax

[Citroënbender]

ML320 Benz can be had for $3-5k.
Might need to spend some money on preventative maintenance but everything is cheap out of the USA.

I think you’ve probably called it there, it looks like the facelift W164 through early W166 are the ones to seek. Aesthetically out-of-date for people who want to show off a Benz SUV, too old for intrusive nannying tech, new enough to have some life/comfort in them yet. Just need to find a hailed one with panels like a Top Flite golfball.

[smoo]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

I think you’ve probably called it there, it looks like the facelift W164 through early W166 are the ones to seek. Aesthetically out-of-date for people who want to show off a Benz SUV, too old for intrusive nannying tech, new enough to have some life/comfort in them yet. Just need to find a hailed one with panels like a Top Flite golfball.

Oh, I was thinking W163, as have the more basic and reliable M112 V6 or 113 V8 and no air suspension. Plus these all have centre diff lock and low range, where from memory the 164 MLs had to have that optioned as an off road pack, the vast majority don’t have it.
But yeah, a 164 ML in V6 diesel with air suspension and off road pack would probably be a competent long distance tow vehicle, providing the upkeep isn’t an issue.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by smoo

Oh, I was thinking W163, as have the more basic and reliable M112 V6 or 113 V8 and no air suspension. Plus these all have centre diff lock and low range, where from memory the 164 MLs had to have that optioned as an off road pack, the vast majority don’t have it.
But yeah, a 164 ML in V6 diesel with air suspension and off road pack would probably be a competent long distance tow vehicle, providing the upkeep isn’t an issue.

The W163's were also body on frame.

It's so interesting how BMW and Mercedes went in completely different directions for their "first" SUV's (I know, MB had the G-Class).

Mercedes took the view that ML needed to be fully capable off-road, so gave it a full separate chassis and heavy-duty transfer cases. BMW went with a 5-series based approach and a more road-going AWD system. History will show BMW (and later Ford with the Territory) figured people didn't necessarily want a heavy duty 4WD, they just wanted the higher driving position.

[smoo]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

The W163's were also body on frame.

It's so interesting how BMW and Mercedes went in completely different directions for their "first" SUV's (I know, MB had the G-Class).

Mercedes took the view that ML needed to be fully capable off-road, so gave it a full separate chassis and heavy-duty transfer cases. BMW went with a 5-series based approach and a more road-going AWD system. History will show BMW (and later Ford with the Territory) figured people didn't necessarily want a heavy duty 4WD, they just wanted the higher driving position.

Yep, and unless people had regular use for the extra 400kg towing capacity, or the AWD. They’d have rocks in their head to choose one over an E39 540 or E60 530d wagons.
Especially as the first X5 had interior space comparable to a 3 series wagon.

There was also the Honda MDX and Lexus RX350 around the same time.
Maybe Mercedes missed the mark while everyone else were investing in soft roaders. Volvo with XC90 as well.

[Citroënbender]

I think Mercedes underestimated the level of cosplay, and were too serious in their specifications/design brief.