Newbie here from Sheffield

[royye]

Hi guys!! Thanks for having me here. I'm contemplating of buying my first used ML270 end of Feb or perhaps March and saw a few advertised on Autotrader, Ebay and the like for £3,000-4000 with FSH with varying mileage of 80,000 to 130,000 miles. These are within my budget of 3 to 4 k. I am aware of the varying problems of buying old vehicles but guided by the very helpful forums here regarding mechanical, electrical and the like (MAF, Fuel filters, EGR valve, etc), I am still hoping to get a decent used ML270 that will last the next 3-5 years maybe. I don't want to go above 130k mileage to be honest as I am aware that they can be a nightmare to maintain. I've seen one at £3,200 with 130,000 miles and FSH and tbh I am tempted. I am sure there's a room for haggling here too I hope.

If I am buying the higher mileage ML say 110,000 up to say 130,000 mileage, or if I'm lucky to get a genuine low mileage, what are the things to look for and watch out ? I'm sure for a start I'll check for the service history ; the last 3 to 5 MOT's and see the highlighted Amber/ warning / faults that needed addressing / replacing. Apart from the usual leaky engine, injection problems, rust, etc. , what other USEFUL TIPS to check before committing to buy one?

Many thanks for your time guys. Much appreciated in advance.

Kind regards.

Roy

 

[Rungles]

Hi Roy,

I'm sure someone will be along with some good advice regarding the model you are looking for but I would check that it goes (and stops) in a straight line without pulling either way. I bought and old Merc (older than yours will be) and had a good look underneath. Mine had a full main dealer service history and had all receipts for any work done so I'm confident that the engine has been looked after.

Above all, you'll love it here so a big welcome to you!

Scott

 

[flango]

Welcome on board from another Yorshireman unfortunately my knowledge of ML's is not that great

 

[Rungles]

Don't despair mate - you'll get so much help and advice from this place that you won't know what to with it.

 

[royye]

Thanks guys for the warm welcome!!

I am seriously considering getting my first 4x4 but I've got that ambivalent feeling of being scared / cautious but at the same time excited! I've been driving mid-sized cars & mpv's for years but not 4x4. With the help of MB forums like this one, I'm hoping I'll be more than happy to own one a ML270 7 seater rather than regret it. I am in a look out now & hope to be testing one in the next fortnight & maybe buy my first 4x4 !
Thanks again.

Roy

 

[Westbarn1]

Hi Roy, There is a nice looking ML270AMG for sale on the UKGSer site for £4600 with 86K on the clock, its in Manchester, which is not too far from you. Can put you in touch with the guy if you can post up your email address.

 

[Dee James]

Hi and welcome,

Like you I had a budget of £3k - £4k and wanted a 4x4 that i would keep for a few years before i got my ML a few months back. I would advise looking for one with plenty of history and as many of the known issues already sorted, i found the cars with 100 - 115k miles on them had had more of the bigger jobs already sorted and the two lower mileage cars had yet to have the work done so i didn't`t want to be the person doing it. Buy on condition and history rather than mileage and go for a facelift model from 2002, they really are much better. As well as all the things already mentioned check the swirl flaps on the inlet manifold, the condition of the cats, disks and pads and for wear on the inside of the front tires - mine were quite bad so i factored in getting the alignment done when i negotiated the price, what i did n`t factor in was replacing the tie rod and track rod ends that had corroded together preventing adjustment . . . .

i believe it`s a five rather than seven seater but gIzzE on this forum was selling his ML, lovely looking car with loads of work done and within your budget

 

[royye]

Thank you again guys!!! You're all wonderful!!

It does makes sense to buy a higher mileage car with all the known ML270's faults already rectified rather than buying a lower mileage car which you'll have to spend hundreds or thousands of pounds in repair bills.

I've already paid an agreed refundable £50 deposit onto this 2002 ML270 Black 7 seater 130k mileage, FSH, etc. and one of these days I'll be booking an RAC to check condition of vehicle just to be absolutely sure it's a good investment.

I'm not mechanical / technical but more on the medical side so I think it make sense to book an independent car inspection to fully check car's overall condition. You won't be buying a house without going through the necessary checks by
The surveyor, would you?

Unfortunately I've to pay £99-175 for this report through RAC but I'm sure it's all worth it.Once I've got the report, I'll be going to test drive & haggle the price down using the independent vehicle inspection's report.

I'll let you know