Mid-size Diesel SUV Advice

"Scott Keelan" (ScottKeelan)
12/28/2013 at 05:12 • Filed to: None

Oppo,

A good friend of mine is in the market for a used mid-size diesel SUV and he came to me for advice. I personally do not have much experience with diesel SUV's so I am requesting your input.

He showed interest in a used 2008/2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the slightly newer 2010 Mercedes ML350 BlueTec.

He has a flexible budget but would like to maximize his money.

I think I will also bring the VW Touareg TDI to his attention. I know they made a V10 but I think the 3.0 V6 would be a little more realistic.

I think the Porsche will be out of his price range.

What thinks you Oppo? Do any of you have experience with any of these automobiles?

DISCUSSION (28)

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Scott Keelan
12/28/2013 at 05:29

I don't have experience with any but a quick google search turned up this which might be helpful:
http://www.fourwheeler.com/project-vehicl…

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Scott Keelan
12/28/2013 at 05:38

I can't help you, sorry 'bout that.. But.. Touareg/Cayenne would be considered a large SUV up here in northern Europe...

But yeah... Uhm... I'd go for a MB or a VW Diesel :)

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
12/28/2013 at 05:39

FYI the Jeep Diesel is a MB diesel from the Daimler Chrysler days.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
12/28/2013 at 05:40

I know :) Just thought that might be a sore subject.

Hoccy > Scott Keelan
12/28/2013 at 05:43

I don't know what you get where you live, but I'd consider the XC60 with either the 2.4D or the D5.

Kinja'd!!!

It might be too small though, since you already mentioned some big SUV's there. What about the BMW X5? I've heard good things about the 3.0D engine, and that would still be quite modern today.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Scott Keelan
12/28/2013 at 05:49

Could the Toyota Landcruiser be a thing for him? That's a great car..

m2m, apex detective > Scott Keelan
12/28/2013 at 06:00

Cayenne > Touareg > ML > GC

Looks-wise: Cayenne > GC > Touareg > .... ... > ML

Takuro Spirit > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
12/28/2013 at 07:14

Yeah but the rest of the truck is still a Jeep....

Nibby > Scott Keelan
12/28/2013 at 08:30

Touaregs are overrated.

Flat Six > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
12/28/2013 at 09:12

True for '09, but actually the current Jeep diesel is Italian made. It is shared with the Maserati Ghibli

Flat Six > Scott Keelan
12/28/2013 at 09:27

I have the diesel X5. Love the torque and all the cool features. Maybe it is due to driving style but MPG is on the lower end of advertised range - 20 MPG average. I got the third row seating option which is handy for visiting family.

RW53104 > Scott Keelan
12/28/2013 at 10:03

This may help.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs…

Edit: I think this is where your picture is from...

Road Magazine > Scott Keelan
12/28/2013 at 10:06

My choice would be the Porsche Cayenne Diesel, but realistically price wise, it'd be the ML350 with the AMG Pack (just to enhance cosmetics). It's comfortable on-road, capable off road, fairly cheap to run and has plenty of performance too. Mind you, the Diesel may be a bit sluggish in terms of performance. But obviously not everyone gives a toss about performance so maybe try stretch the budget a little bit and get a Cayenne Diesel.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Nibby
12/28/2013 at 10:16

How is a Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 for 10k cheaper over rated?

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Scott Keelan
12/28/2013 at 10:17

Get the Touareg TDi. It will be more than enough luxury, has a solid performing and reliable engine, and gets you the most bang for your buck. (It is after all a Cayenne and Q7 underneath).

Brian Silvestro > Scott Keelan
12/28/2013 at 10:17

Clearly his only option (if he can't afford the Porsche) is to get the V10 TDI VW. This way he can say he has a V10. And a shitload of torque.

Nibby > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
12/28/2013 at 10:29

I've driven one. Boring and not even that roomy inside. Should note it's the 1st-gen Touareg.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Nibby
12/28/2013 at 10:44

The first gen is okay. I'm inclined to agree that they're not quite as nice though. However, if you ever get the chance to drive the current gen, take it. It's an amazing vehicle. Especially with the 3.0 TDi.

Scott Keelan > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
12/28/2013 at 10:50

I thought so too but he's pretty set on buying a diesel and unfortunately that's not available in the US.

Scott Keelan > Hoccy
12/28/2013 at 10:52

Unfortunately we don't get any diesel Volvos here in the US.

Scott Keelan > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
12/28/2013 at 10:54

That's what I tried to tell him but he's a little apprehensive towards the VW due to preconceived notions of unreliability.

Scott Keelan > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
12/28/2013 at 10:55

Thanks! I don't know if he's read this article or not but I will send it his way.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Scott Keelan
12/28/2013 at 13:36

He shouldn't be. The Touaregs are still built in Europe. Most of the actual European VWs are bulletproof.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Scott Keelan
12/28/2013 at 16:24

Ahh, didn't think ano

Milky > Scott Keelan
12/29/2013 at 18:34

Not sure if you've seen this video or not …. but I am a fan of the GC, great SUV IMO.

JohnPlayerSpecial > Scott Keelan
12/29/2013 at 18:57

My long-trip vehicle is a 2012 GL350 Bluetec (X164 chassis, related to the 2010 W164 ML350 your friend is looking at), finally settling on it after looking at the Q7 TDI, Touareg TDI, and GC Diesel. That vehicle is extremely solid and as quiet (about 50 dB at 65-70 mph cruise) as a library, and at 32000 miles I have encountered zero problems whatsoever. The OM642 diesel is quite torquey, allowing the vehicle to pass briskly on the freeway. The air suspension performs very well, dampening just about every bump. Finally, the interior has superb fit and finish, and there are no rattles thus far. If it's anything to go by, the ML350 would be a spectacular choice for your friend.

Since he's buying used, here's some advice if he's going to go for the Benz:

-Check to see if there are any air suspension problems. Costly, but one can remedy this with aftermarket, high-quality air shocks from Arnott.

-Make sure the fuel injectors are in good shape, as low-quality diesel can cause errors with them.

-Check for fresh AdBlue/Urea

Somewhat relevant issues:

-I heard there are some transmission problems with high-mileage vehicles (100k+), but those are only with the V8 variants AFAIK.

-Make sure that the vehicle has a good-superb maintenance record, as there have been reported crankshaft problems (again only with the V8 thus far)

(P.S. Some good news is that most Mercedes-Benz forums have an abundance of knowledgeable diesel and diesel SUV members (more than TDI groups), who would gladly assist your friend if he had any questions. Hopefully he wouldn't have any because the OM642 in the Mercedes ML has proven to be quite reliable thus far ;)

kol-klink > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
12/30/2013 at 02:24

Not to mention that the touareg, Q7 and cayenne are made in same factory, on the same platform from the same parts.

that being said, he should stay away from all of the vwp71 cars and the X5.

tell him to get the ml350 or cherokee. 2010 or newer if he can afford it.

Scott Keelan > JohnPlayerSpecial
12/30/2013 at 07:36

Great information! Thank you for the input, I will pass it along to my friend.