I cant decide which I like/want more. The 2005 Acura RL or the 2005 Mercedes ML500 special edition. They both are coming to about the same price. I know some of you are thinking well one is an SUV and the other is a luxary car, but I like them both. Any ideas on when the ML is getting a redesign? anytime soon? Any input on which you think would be a better choice. Thanks

 

I think the ML500 has far more reliability issues. Waiting for a redesign may not help in this area neither as MB has been having problems in this area. But reliability may not be your most important consideration.

 

.....and several car mags have pictures of it. It will be available as a 2006 model in a few months. However, the ML has a reputation for having the WORST POSSIBLE QUALITY with major reliability issues. I would, without batting an eyelid, go in for the RL (but that's just me)!!

 

Don't get the ML--you'd be sorry.

 

Read automobile magazine, page 62 " Losing the luster". This may help you decide about the Germans. I owned 2 very pricy german cars now, but I have far more respect for the Japanese automakers at this point.

 

Have you driven both? If not, that's the starting point.

 

YES YES...this is a very good article for GaddAMIT to read. It actually makes for a sad read, to be honest. The German automakers have such heritage...so such a blyte in their history really is a sad thing. Karl Benz is probably rolling in his grave right now.

Bust as for the ML500--I probably should have explained more. The M-class has been known for its notoriously HORRIBLE reliability. Mechanically it is not a sound decision, but further, it is one of the worst quality MBZs you can buy right now. The interior is attrocious and a Mercedes-Benz embarassment. Plastics are hard and brittle, and overall quality is just really low. Take a look at used MLs and see how the materials hold up. I sat in a lightly used ML500 last year that was only a year old or so. Its interior just look worn out...and not from abuse, but rather just aging badly.

Besides quality issues, I know that the car is rather comfortable. It provides for a decent drive and the engine is liquid smooth. I remember an article in a magazine absolutely praising the 5.0 V8 over the old 4.3 that was in the M-class. It most certainly looks pretty good, as well. I think the exterior design is aging pretty gracefully. Especially with the sport package.

But with that being said, I think the ML would be a big mistake in the end. Poor reliability, cheap materials, and HORRIBLE depreciation make for a bad purchase, in my opinion. On the other hand, if you don't mind the reliability issues and like everything else about the car, I say check out VERY lightly used 04s or 05s that are Starmark pre-owned. And if you buy one used, you MUST get an extended warranty. You might be able to get a pretty decent deal, considering the 06 should be coming to showrooms in the near future. You might also consider the 06--it looks pretty darned good, in my opinion. http://www.mbusa.com/main/container....lass/index.jsp That should take you to the new M-class

But if I were you, I'd get the RL

 

I think the first thing for GaddAMIT to do is figure out if he/she wants a car or a SUV. Comparing two such different vehicles is always going to be tough, much tougher than comparing two similar vehicles, because you are comparing apples and oranges.

Think about your lifestyle and your needs, and what you will most likely use the vehicle for 90% of the time. Are you looking for a car to take you to work and do your weekly "things"? Are you an active person that needs 4 wheel drive? Do you plan to go on long trips where comfort will become a major factor? Do you need to put "stuff " on a roofrack?

Maybe it would help to think about what will bug you the most

For example, you have said that you like them both...OK list down the likes of each vehicle in a separate list and then think what life will be like without the "likes" for each vehicle. Does one list bug more?

Just my $0.02

Pete

 

I have a friend that won an E500 thru a sales incentive; he was given a ML500 to drive while he waited for the E500. I was surprised at what a piece of crap that I thought the ML was - really, I couldn't believe that people would buy that car for what MB charged. Just my (literally) seat of the pants experience with the ML.

BTW - I have to say that the user name of Gaddamit is somewhat offensive to many people.

 

and --it is somewhat offensive, though none of my business, I suppose

 

You know Karl, I was thinking the same thing. I know we have a freedon of speech here but it just seems inappropiate-IMO. I hope there is some underlying meaning other than what it appears to be.

 

Yet another thing I wondered about, as well...I hope so as well.

On another note, it is assuring to know that I'm not the only one who felt his username was offensive.

 

Doesn't offend me. First, it could mean something diff than what is assumed here. Second, even if it is what we think then hey, no sweat off my back. Just words and I don't get my panties in a bunch over stuff like that. I tend to believe in the freedom of speech that us North Americans go on and on about rather than complain when someone says something that could possibly (I personally dont say it but that is just me and my personal beliefs) offend me...sorta defeats the whole point of freedom of speech if people just complain something is inappropriate or offensive to them. I find 95% of the world population offensive (the stupidity aspect of people is what offends me) but I do not make comments to try and censor others or anything like that. Then again, I am a Canadian and it appears we're a lot looser here with the "this offends me" type complaints.

No wonder Dubbya is in office and things like the Janet Jackson titty show get overhyped so much...

Sorry for my rant.

 

I'm enjoying the discussion of the gaddamit moniker. I suppose it is natural to assume it's a rewrite/code for the most popular of American curses. Where does gaddamit rank among other laundered versions, such as gosh durn, doggone, dadgum and other dainty terms for the same thing? None of these suffice for my neighbors, by the way. He was unfortuante enough to buy the ML and when he opens up, it gets REALLY salty.

 

Which part of Freedom of Speech are people having a hard time understanding?

A guy posts on the board for help and gets criticized over his username...give me a break

Pete

 

So how about that RL? Pretty special, isn't it?

 

sorry if I offended anyone, its just that peops have been calling me gaddamit since high school, my name is Amit....see where it fits now. But anyways, thanks for all the advice, I was actually looking at articles on how well the reliabilty of the ML is, and you guys are right, most say not good. I just sold my 2002TLS and well, that car wasn't that great for me either, it was in the shop all the time, twice for transmission problems, and then once for a check engine light, even though nothing was wrong. Im assuming all cars are going to have their problems. I went to the mercedes dealer today, and the salesman I always deal with said wait for the 2006. He went to some mercedes meeting, I forgot where, and he said he loved the new ML. He was actually being honest, he even said he hated the 2005 ML. We have bought several cars from him, so he wouldn't try to sell me something that he knew I would not like. Well all in all, sorry for the long post, I think Im going to wait for the 2006 ML, 2006 RL, 2006 GS and compare them. Hopefully some of the qwirks that some of you have been having with the RL will be gone by then. Thanks again for all your advice, and again if I offended any of you, my appoligies.

 

Please show where I criticized. I only pointed out that such a term is going to be considered offensive to a number of people - I made no personal attack nor even an admonishment. I say this as an agnostic that sometimes curses like a sailor on leave so I claim no moral high ground. However I count among my friends a number of devout Christians that I know find such phrasing quite offensive. "Damn" isn't too bad to them but add "God" to that and they ask you to stop - and I have, out of deference to their sensibilities that I feel bound to respect.

The OP responded with a history of how he obtained his nickname and I have no reason to question that. I am not personally offended (I'm pretty hard to offend!) I was merely sharing that from my experience there are a number of people that might find the username and it's similarity to a common curse somewhat grating.

Back to cars - GD I think you have a good approach with the wait and see on the '06's (assuming you don't have a pressing need for a vehicle now). Personally I'm hoping the '06 RL has the AC seats in the US that are currently only available in Canada (there's a marketing genius somewhere that understands that logic). I picked up my RL on the last day in January and (knock on wood) mine has been trouble free aside from attracting people that want to scrape the bodywork.

 

Karl,

To be honest, I was disappointed, and a bit embarassed, that someone who comes to this website simply asking an innocent question was challenged in this way, which is why I questioned freedom of speech.

I agree, back to cars for me too.

Pete

 

yea, not in a huge rush, my Lincoln LS lease doesn't go out till december. It was just an extra car around the house, so I dont mind driving it till the 06s come out. Hopefully all the new model problems will be fixed by 2006.

 

Basically in the same boat. Going to start buidling a new home this summer, so we're looking for a car when the new house is done (December, probably). The '06 is already known to have pre-collision, so I'm crossing my fingers that the seats are ventilated as well (and I'd also like to see headlamp washers). Good things come to those who wait.

BTW--was looking on Ebaymotors and found a 2005 ML500 Special Edition for only $43k...only 3k miles. They are somewhat of a deal...but there's a reason why they depreciate so much

 

yea I saw that one for 43k as well, made me wonder. Maybe the 2006's will be more reliable, but only time will tell. I just love the way mercedes 4matics handle in the snow. My bro's C320 4matic is excellant in the winter, so maybe now that they are making the E350 instead of the E320, I might take a look at those in 2006 as well! So many choices, Im going to go insane!

 

No kidding...I was planning on having my family go out to testdrive the RL along with the GS AWD, M35x, E350, 530i, and A6 3.2. There are so many vehicles in this bracket, and all are superb cars. I just think we'll end up with a Japanese vehicle because of reliability.

BTW, how has reliability been on your brother's 4Matic? I keep hearing how bad MBZ has been here recently, but want to know how bad it is...

 

actually my bros C320 4matic has been flawless, no problems. Great vehicle. My dad has a E500 and it has been excellent as well. Just normal maint has been done, but no problems, ex: brakes, tires, oil changes. Our family has had serveal mercedes, and have never had any problems with any of them. If anything, my TLS had a lot of problems as well has my LS. This makes me want to stick wit mercedes in the family. My dad keeps telling me to buy nothing other then a benz, so we will see.

 

actually the more I think about it, every japanese car my family has owned has given us problems except my dad's old accord that he had several years ago. My TLS, my mom's camry, my mom's avalon, my bro's accord. The 2 E class benz's we have had, the 2 C class benz's and the SLK were great, no problems at all. Makes me wonder on all the statements of german quality going down. But maybe we have just been getting lucky with benz, and not so lucky with the japanese. I dunno. Still WAY too many choices, I want ALL OF THEM!

 

No offence but if you don't need an SUV, don't buy one.

You will pay more for gas, have a tougher time parking, have less safety due to higher chance of rollover, and will be looked at as a soccer mom.

It's really quite simple :-)

P.S. My uncle is a life long Mercedes buyer. When he wanted to buy the ML, his trusted advisor told him not to buy the ML and to go buy a Toyota instead. He said the American built ML has been the black sheep of the Mercedes family.

 

after reading many of people's post on the relibility of the ML, it is a very slim chance Im going to purchase it, I will def still test drive it, but the E350 4matic is def still an option. Maybe if I can save enough up, the E500 4matic! Well thanks for all the advice.

Spud: let me know what u decide and for what reason.....trying to choose is making me go insane, and its killing me to wait for the 06's!!!

 

Definitely will let you know...it's pretty much down to the GS and RL...but who knows...