Yay or nay? Mercedes GL450 Edition.

"LJ909" (lj909) 07/05/2016 at 00:32 • Filed to: None

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This starts my first post I’m a series called Yay or Nay in which I ask you guys opinions on cars. Specifically my affinity for high mileage luxury cars.

So I spent my weekend car shopping (still at it) trying to capitalize on some sales specials (with someone close to me making a surprising purchase that I’ll post about tomorrow). This one dealership I went too in Orange county had quite a few that I liked staring with this 2007 MB GL450.

$12,950 with 144k on the odo. I've never really heard anything good or bad about the GL aside from the fact that it's pretty much an S Class SUV. So is this a Yay or Nay?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 00:37

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Nay, if we’re talking about opportunity cost. I’d probably buy a slightly older Land Cruiser with comparable mileage if I needed a full-size guzzler.

LJ909 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/05/2016 at 00:40

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I thought about it. The same dealer has two RRs at the same price that I'll post soon too. But Jaguar/RR reliability. GL actually has a usable 3rd row too. German Suburban.

Birddog > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 00:46

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First post? And you already have shiße figured out?

Best to you.

LJ909 > Birddog 07/05/2016 at 00:47

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Noo noo far from it. I've been shopping for months and I'm no done yet. I just like the opinions I get from you guys on here.

AM3R shamefully returns > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 00:48

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2 years ago my parents were looking to replace their odyssey. All the kids are big now so no need for a minivan, but it’s nice to have a 3rd row for when everyone is home, so they looked at the GL, Q7, Escalade ESV, basically they were looking for a luxury 3 row SUV. I really liked the GL’s, but man the reliability looked down right scary. There were multiple forum posts about GL’s literally just catching on fire in the garage. I hope someone proves me wrong, because I really like the GL.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 00:51

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I’d go for it. Surprisingly good car.

LJ909 > AM3R shamefully returns 07/05/2016 at 00:51

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Wow really? I didn't think it would be that bad. If it seriously bad reliability then I'll pass.

MultiplaOrgasms > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 00:56

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I always wanted to pull a 629 out of one of these and swap it into an old american landyacht. V8 awesomeness and all of the MPG.

greenagain > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 01:01

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Can you work on it yourself? Then its a maybe. Go to Pelican Parts and sniff around. Make sure it has a good service history.

LJ909 > greenagain 07/05/2016 at 01:08

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I would. But aside from not having the time too, it's pretty huge. But I am in the process of checking for the service history just in case.

AM3R shamefully returns > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 01:10

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It’s been a while since I last checked, so it's at least worth doing your research.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 01:16

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1st gen MDX has a usable 3rd row and is cheap and well-put together— if you find one with a recently rebuilt transmission.

LJ909 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/05/2016 at 01:24

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I like the last gen MDX. I heard they drive pretty good can't get past the Odyssey underpinnings though.

CRider > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 01:31

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Land Cruiser  Land Rover/RR. The Land Cruiser is a giant cockroach in terms of reliability.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AM3R shamefully returns 07/05/2016 at 02:30

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Weird. I’ve never heard of such a thing.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > MultiplaOrgasms 07/05/2016 at 02:33

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Unfortunately us yanks never got that engine. 642 was our only diesel option for quite a while.

AM3R shamefully returns > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/05/2016 at 02:41

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http://mbworld.org/forums/gl-clas…

AM3R shamefully returns > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/05/2016 at 02:44

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2 more http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/942…

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 02:46

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Good cars, but have issues to be aware of for sure. Not particularly cheap to own, though very unlikely to leave you stranded. Check service history, if it hasn’t had a transmission service done every 40-50k, run away (interval is 40k). Air springs and compressor are problematic, but if it had already had the fronts done I wouldn’t worry too much about it because the rest is very cheap comparatively. For ‘07 only I suggest checking to see if the engine is within the timing chain idler sprocket problem range, or if it has already been done. Have an MB tech do a pre-purchase inspection that includes checking the intake manifold tumble flap linkages for damage, the steering system for leaks, as well as signs of accident/flood damage.

Mercedes are very susceptible to maintenance neglect, but when the maintenance schedules are adhered to they tend to last a very long time and tend to have far fewer issues than neglected examples. If you really want one, get the nicest and newest one of a specific generation that you can afford. Mercedes is excellent about fixing issues during production, so newer ones almost always will inherently have far fewer problems than older ones. Even spending another 5k on one a couple years newer with lower miles would save you at least that much over the course of a few years.

MultiplaOrgasms > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/05/2016 at 02:55

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I don’t mind the 642. My dad has a 642 powered Benz Vito (one of the very last ever built).

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AM3R shamefully returns 07/05/2016 at 03:01

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I feel sorry for those people, that’s a terrible thing to have happen. But I’m really curious to know what caused the fires, I’ve honestly never heard mention of it.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > MultiplaOrgasms 07/05/2016 at 03:04

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Cool! We didn’t get vito’s either. The 642, especially non-bluetec versions, are pretty nice. Just make sure he doesn’t go over on service intervals.

MultiplaOrgasms > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/05/2016 at 04:29

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My dad is many things, but he’s pretty serious when it comes to cars since his profession requires loads of driving and thus total reliability. His DD is an ‘08 Renault Espace (200k miles and counting #frenchreliability) and the Viano is basically just the roadtrip mobile. He deliberately chose the 3.0 CDI because the engine is less stressed with the 5.000lb box, and so far the it didn’t make any problems, then again it is only two years old with about 30.000 miles.

Nibby > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 08:14

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Avoid cause it’ll likely cost you another $13k in repairs/maintenance alone

hike > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 08:33

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The GL drives incredibly well, probably the smoothest riding large suv. That generation had a horrible COMAND system though. It’s very clunky to use and I’ve come across plenty of stupid issues. If you aren’t too worried about it and just plan on listening it the radio, it’s no big deal.

GE90man > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 09:11

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i dunno, i've heard it's really not reliable. i'd only lease one new, and i really like the GL, as it's one of the only comfy 3 row SUVs

LJ909 > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/05/2016 at 09:31

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Very comprehensive thanks. I didn't know that these had the problematic Aire suspension like the S Class. I've heard that's an expensive repair.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 10:07

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These probably have the most problematic suspension, the cars are nothing comparatively. And yes, very expensive. ~$300-500 for rear air springs and 2-3 times that for fronts, IIRC (I don’t really deal with costs).

LJ909 > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/05/2016 at 10:15

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Wow. So basically if this car doesn't have an extensive service history it's a pass.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 10:22

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Yeah. Unless you want to budget $3k for repairs at any given time or get a warranty for it. FYI ‘09 and newer are considerably more reliable and better equipped, though it would be wise to have that repair budget for any used European vehicle to be honest. Also, the prices I list are my rough guesses for what it would cost at a dealer for parts and labor. Doing work yourself would obviously reduce that significantly.

LJ909 > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/05/2016 at 12:01

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This seems like the type of vehicle where something would fail randomly and it would be a major fail. Don't want a money pit and since your display name is AMGtech I'll take your word for it and pass on this.

LJ909 > AM3R shamefully returns 07/05/2016 at 12:05

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Yea that's crazy scary. Especially considering that the tow truck driver said that it was his 6th that he'd seen.

AM3R shamefully returns > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/05/2016 at 13:08

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It seems like they start under the drivers seat or around that area, do you know what's located around there?

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 14:14

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They’re great vehicles to own, as long as you know what you’re getting into and prepare for eventualities. If you really want one, take the time and effort to find the best one possible. And again, 09 and newer are worlds better.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AM3R shamefully returns 07/05/2016 at 14:17

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Thought it said passenger seat. Under the passenger seat is a fuse box and battery, as well as some control units. That area doesn’t usually have problems unless the vehicle has a water leak that fills the space up or somebody messes with things in that area, like after an accident. Weirder things have happened though.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 17:02

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If you decide you like them enough and find one you are seriously interested in I could look up dealer service history with a VIN for you.

robm > LJ909 07/05/2016 at 17:20

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Buy a newer one with warranty. Mercedes and all the Germans are known for reliability issues. Esp more so since the majority of these cars are leased. That’s why they are worth less than 50% of their value within 4 years of leaving the dealership new. Or go buy a Lexus if you crave high-mileage lux vehicles. A Lexus will last you much longer.

LJ909 > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/05/2016 at 19:04

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Wow really? Thanks. Just for kicks let's start with the one I posted about. The vin is 4JGBF71EX7A204928

LJ909 > robm 07/05/2016 at 19:09

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Agreed. LS460s have been on my short list.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/05/2016 at 19:29

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Decent history up to 60k in 2012. Hasn’t seen a dealer since. So unless you can verify the last 80k worth of services I would avoid it. None of the big ticket items had been taken care of at that point either.

syaieya > LJ909 07/06/2016 at 22:08

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My only worry with this year of Gl, all things aside mile and service history. Is that this was the first year of that model and very near the first year of that V8.

Now the GL is pretty much just a stretch ML and by that generation Mercedes had started to claw back from it’s quality issues. But it’s really hard to say with a car thats about to hit it’s tenth birthday.

The Ja Rule of Kinja > LJ909 07/06/2016 at 23:16

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Nay. As a commenter below pointed out, 2009 and up is the way to go. specially at $12k, 144K miles for a ‘meh’ version of the wagon.

Dana > LJ909 07/07/2016 at 07:29

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No. Pass on this one.

Tony_1215 > LJ909 07/07/2016 at 14:26

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My parents currently own a 2010 GL550. We looked at an LX570, the Land Cruiser, the Q7, the Escalade, the Sequoia Platinum, and ultimately decided on the GL. Overall, its been a great car, as long as you can look past the reliability issues. We have 90,000 miles on it. The air suspension has had multiple strut failures (If I’m not mistaken, 3 front struts so far and 2 rears), and we’ve had to replace the transfer case seals twice, power steering line, two control arms, and the seat pump for the multi contour seating. The car has a lot more power than you need, its really comfortable, and to be honest the only “real” 7-seater we looked at. I’m 5-11 and I don’t mind sitting in the third row. Features like three zone climate and heated rear seats (550 standard, 450 option for both) are always nice for passengers and guests. The driving dynamics are good for a car of the size, especially with the larger wheels and tires (550 standard) and the suspension modes (I think adjustable suspension is 550 only). Keep up with the maintenance though and it won’t cause you too many problems. My parents now take the car to a great independent in our area, and costs have decreased a lot. Luckily all the repairs were done on our warranty/extended warranty. To give you an idea of how much we like it, they said they’ll probably end up getting the GLS550 CPO in a few years, even after the reliability of our current one. Nothing else in the class really held a candle to it in our opinion, at the time we bought it. The LX and LC had bad third rows and were too floaty, the Q7 had a third row too small as well, and the Escalade and Sequoia felt too cheap for the asking price. I’d definitely keep the prior owner(s) maintenance in mind, so get records if possible, it could make or break the car. Good luck hunting!

P.S.

Also, depending on the cost, if you’re buying for yourself, I don’t think getting a GL550 would be a bad idea either. It offers a lot more imo. Are you planning on purchasing for yourself or just flipping if I may ask?

TexEx > LJ909 07/07/2016 at 15:17

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Had a 2007 as well. Bought it used with 42K on the odo. When everything worked, it was a dream to drive. But, the AirMatic suspension was a continual problem. The engine leaked oil - very surprising. And, bits like the clear coat layer on the exterior window sills would cloud, release and chip. For a car of this stature, it was ridiculous. But, the biggest (and costliest because no warranty) pain was tire wear. We had the P2 package which came with 19" wheels. Several trips to the dealership for alignment. Install mystery shim because “European roads are tapered differently than ours”. Still, only 9K miles out of a set of Pirelli Scorpions. Twice!

We left an Expedition to get into the GL and two years later were back in an Expedition. Sometimes, simpler is better. All that said, owning something with a Three Pointed Star (heartache and all) was pretty dang cool.

Beach Bum > LJ909 07/07/2016 at 16:53

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Nay all the way.

I would buy anything with over 90k on the clock., and damn sure no salvage titled crap, unless I had FULL disclosure, and it was down around 25% or less of NADA retail.

Aaron Curry > robm 07/08/2016 at 07:37

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Reliability isn’t the cause of price drops..rather, it’s maintenance costs and the fact that those in the market for 60k+ cars will usually want the newest, shiniest one.

Chris@Carlypso > LJ909 01/23/2017 at 01:10

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An older German car is the gift that keeps taking.