David, no number of electronic acronyms can take the place of simple physics. A taller vehicle will be easier to roll, pure and simple. Personally, I wouldn't feel safer putting my daughter in a large tall SUV. Everyone passes the same crash tests, just compare the ratings. MB isn't the only company that makes a safe vehicle. I also wouldn't feel right sticking her with repair and gas costs associated with an ML. But maybe the thread poster is planning on paying for everything, I don't know.

What acronyms?

And I never said it was the only vehicle. The guy who started this thread asked about the ML for his daughter.

We have an '07 320 ML CDI. Best car (so far) we've ever had. And better gas mileage than even our old Acura Integra.

We're just down the 101 from you. You're more than welcome to come over and take a look at it.

PM me for directions.
SmileWavy

Sorry, thinking ahead to TCS, ESP, ABS, etc. You mentioned the name, not the acronym. But most modern cars have an army of them. Still, they don't change the fact that SUVs are top-heavy.

MBs are great when everything works. All the little things that become nuisances that cost small fortunes. I don't have an ML but I'm sure some of the parts are similar in reliability, and I've had to have several items replaced. Here's a quick list all within 15K miles from brand new:
Transmission fluid seal leak, replaced seal
Power steering fluid res leak, replaced entire reservoir
Front suspension bushings cracked, replaced bushings
Seat belt made annoying noise, replaced entire seat belt assembly
Driver's side seat heater went bad - they don't just replace the element, they replaced the entire seat bottom - I couldn't imagine what that would have cost
Some trim pieces tend to fall off - simply replace glue back on
One of my fog lights got cracked - thanks to junk on PA turnpike - one light was over $300 - my only out of pocket expense
Now I'm thinking the auto climate control has a mind of its own.
Oh, sometimes the stereo doesn't work - no sound, nothing... hasn't happened in a long time, but is still weird.

Service A is about $300, Service B is about $600 if you don't need anything.

As you can see, having a warranty helps. You can request a VMI (vehicle maintenance inquiry) to see what was done on it by the dealer. I'd also check for oil consumption as a family member with a new RL had a bad problem with that.

Also note, my 2003 Nissan Pathfinder bought new has had no problems to date at 50K miles. May not be as safe as an ML but is definitely an easy car to own.

I guess you could say I'm rather partial to it...
 

Well, here is the deal:

1. Daughter is so used to the LandCruiser she refused to drive a regular vehicle. I had my ears full of, "Dad, I do not feel safe in the car."
2. I finally managed to convince her that the best bet would be a Honda Civic. This Civ gets about 30 MPG, approximately 21.5K out the door.
3. Then, she reminded me that the 4WD SUV would probably be better suited as she snowboards a lot.
4. So, the plans are:

a. If we get the 50K ML, we would get rid of the LandCruiser.
b. If we get the Honda Civic, we would keep the LC for her snowboarding trips.

The ML is perfect, fully loaded, you can still smell the 'brand new smell', serviced by the dealer, and possibly could be had for $10K.

I really would like for her to have the Civic, but I know that it would just get trashed around Agoura High School.

BTW, the kid started working 2 weeks ago and wants to pay 1/3 of the vehicle. :)

Get a Honda Fit, no problem fitting snowboards.

DD74,

Thanks for the invite. As mentioned before, the CDI seems to be more reliable than the regular one. I know what it looks like, and with all the cars she and I have checked out, man I am having 'car information overload.'!!!!!!!!!

Having to check yours would really short-circuit my old brain cells. :)

We should probably meet at Starbucks someday.....my treat!!!!!

Honda Fit is not 4wd, the ML is!!

Get the ML. You are looking at a $10K difference. That is a hell of a lot of repairs and gasoline. Plus an ML is way cooler than a Civic.

I have recently come to the decision that I am never going to have a normal, boring car. There will always have to be some impracticality to it. I'm am very loosely in the market for a new car. Originally I thought I had to play it smart and get a civic or a mazda3. They are relatively inexpensive, super reliable, warranties, the whole 9 yards. There are even somewhat fun to drive. But every time I see an e46 on the street, a little piece of me dies. I know that I can't let myself get a japanese econobox. The feeling just does not compare to going german. At least 50% of it is the rwd factor, but it goes well beyond that. After my heart made its decision, it was pretty easy to get the head to come around too. OTD price on a new car is $22kish. Mileage should theoretically be better with a civic or mazda3 but I do most of my highway cruising between 80 and 100 so the mileage would likely be about dead even with a 3-series (had a rental chevy aveo 4cylinder that got same mileage as the 5 usually gets). Used e46 with 50Kish miles would be about $16-17k. At that price I can give myself a $1000 warranty and still pretty much match the factory warranty that I would get with a new car. Based on my experiences with the 525, that would be more than enough to cover anything that is likely to come up. Pretty much the same applies to your scenario. best of luck

Dakar
 

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1221024380.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1221024413.jpg

David - any links to the Dakar vehicles you posted? I'd like to know more about them. Thanks. SmileWavy

cab83, you might be on the right track. Just so you don't mind some potential maintenance and repair costs. But, if she goes away to college, you should seriously consider buying something that's dead reliable. I've watched my father-in-law try to get his daughter's cars serviced and repaired without getting ripped off, while he's home and they're away at college. It's not fun. Starting with something that won't break is a good idea.

Garrett, you sound like me. Everytime I set out to buy a reliable Japanese car, the Germans draw me away. So my new policy is for my wife to always have a reliable Japanese car (Mazda MPV), and I can have a fun unreliable German one. Horray for compromise!:D

I really do not understand 1. If I had to guess I would say that sentiment would be more honestly expressed as 'I really want a truck'. The vast majority of vehicles on the road are cars, and the probability of being in an accident where driving an 'SUV' is safer than a 'car' is minimal. Add to that the higher risk associated with a 'tall' SUV and the argument is somewhat illogical in my mind. I know SUV's feel safer, but I am not convinced they are safer.

Her offer to pay 1/3 of costs will eventually come back to haunt her if she drives the MB. Both in fuel and in repairs.

I have owned an Expedition and a front wheel drive Volvo in a snowy wintery area. The front wheel drive car with four snow tires was as good as the four wheel drive SUV in snow.

Unless you off-road, 4-wheel drive is not a significant advantage.

Brother in law on vacation, driving a Suburban. Family of five seat belted in. Acura coming the other way near Fresno drifted into their lane. They hit head on at substantial speed. The driver of the Aucura died at the scene. The Suburban flipped and rolled. All five walked away uninjured. Anecdotal I know, but you can't tell mat sheet metal and mass don't protect you.

Governor of NJ riding in new Suburban w/ state trooper driving. Ass-hat driver loses control from going too fast on a public highway, leaves road and hits tree sideways. Governor is practically ripped limb-from-limb, miracle he survived. He got ****ed-up.

The additional mass of 6k lbs. is not a good thing when you go against something a little more stout than an Acura.

Check your records - The GOVERNOR WASN'T WEARING HIS SEAT BELT!

True. And he acknowledged it. A fabulous example. :rolleyes: