M-B GLKs.....what do I need to know?
 

For the past few months my wife has been dropping hints of trading her 3 Series convertible for a small SUV and I'm thinking I better pull the trigger tomorrow on getting her what she wants before she pulls the trigger on me. Although the convertible is fun to drive, it doesn't allow her to see as much of what's around her as what she was accustomed to with her Expedition so she's ready to get back into a SUV. After looking at several different models (BMW X3, Audi Q5, Acura RDX, & MB GLK) she's decided to go with the GLK. Even though the new GLK will be released sometime this year, she still wants to go ahead with buying a COP 2014 or a new 2015. I was leaning towards the diesel but I think the extra money would be better spent on a few extra options. Since the decision has been made on the GLK, what can y'all tell me about your experience (good or bad) with either the 250 BlueTEC or the 350?

No advice here but I have driven the 350. I really liked that rig. Good power, nicely appointed interior. Decent amount of space. Lot of rig for the money methinks. Good looking too. Don't think we get the 250 in Canada.

Go look at a Ford Escape Titanium... I was looking at used germans and realized I could get just as nice, with a warranty and no snob appeal for the same money. I LOVE my escape.

Get the Acura or an Escape.

I tried the GLK albeit it was about 2 years old. It sits fairly low. Seems competent but would be better on fuel than the Lexus RX350. I tried the Acura RDX but it was a hard ride. Lexus RX350 is super smooth, great ride on the highway and has Japanese reliability.
I bought the 2011 RX350 which preceded the Darth Vader grill. Plus it sits higher than the GLK.
Guy

Pops bought a 2014 GLK 250 last year. I have to say I'm quite impressed with it. The diesel engine is quite a bit more refined than my VW Passat diesel. I find the ride much better than the BMW X3 and the traction in deep snow is quite spectacular. It has all sorts of parking aids so the bumpers have a fighting chance at keeping their paint when my Mom drives it.

I just bought a CPO 2012 GLK350 last week for the wife. We looked at everything, and the MB had the best warranty, options, and looks for the price. So far so good, we love it!

I have a friend with a MB BlueTEC and hates the urea refill part of it. Here is a NY Times article about some of the down falls of BlueTEC. If it were me, I would choose the 350. Great car by the way for the wife.

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/23/a-lower-cost-filling-solution-for-the-mercedes-benz-ml350-bluetec/?_r=0

I have spent a bit of seat time behind the wheel of a GLK350 and I am impressed with it. Great size and good power and as it is based off the C Class, drives and handles great. Solidly recommended.

turbo lag is almost dangerous, test drive both engines first...

Well, the wife is happy now! We drove to the MB dealership in Birmingham Saturday and after a few test drives, she decided to go with a 2014 GLK. It's been a great learning experience (more on that later) and I really got a kick out of watching her working the salesman. He was very patience (more than I'll ever have) with her and was able to work the deal on our trade to our satisfaction even though the PO (a “friend”) didn’t fully disclose the extent of the damage to her car before we bought it a few years ago.

I’m glad we decided to go with the V-6 vs the diesel just because there isn’t a significant difference in fuel economy although it might be a benefit if/when she decides to trade. I like the petro version because I won’t have to hear her fuss about the smell of diesel which would likely result in me having to make the fuel runs. I also prefer the seating and the ride compared to the others, especially the X3. On the return trip from B’ham, the computer was showing 25 mpg which is about 2 less that I was hoping. Bottom line……..happy wife, happy life!

Sidebar note – Trust in God but validate with everyone else. Seems our “friend” didn’t disclose the fact that her car was clobbered and required $8k in repairs. Instead, she said it was a minor fender-bender that only required the replacement of the fender and a few other parts. My mistake was not running a Carfax before the purchasing. If I had, I would have found that they listed the accident as “Severe” even though the airbags didn’t deploy. Regardless, the dealership still gave me a decent price for the car only because they had some room to negotiate on their GLK.

Thanks for the reminder! After reading this article, I feel even better about going with the V-6.

Actually, I had thought of the added expense for refilling her GLK w/urea, but never asked how much. Next time I'm at the dealership, I'll ask the question.

Tell the wife to Enjoy the new ride. Glad everything worked out for her.