I think the time is approaching to replace our aging minivan and truck. Both have high mileage and we would like to consolidate both vehicles into 1.
Vehicles replacing:
2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette minivan
Mileage = 248,000 miles
Seats 7
Averages 22 MPG
Uses include my wife's primary vehicle and used on long family trips
1993 Ford F-150 4X4 extended cab
Mileage = 189,000 miles
Seats 6
Averages 13 MPG
Uses include hauling our 20' sailboat, running to Home Depot and getting us out of the snow at our dead end country road farm
What we desire in a replacement vehicle:
Good fuel economy greater than 22 MPG
Haul 5 people and 1 Collie
Able to haul current 20' sailboat but able to haul 24'-26' sailboat in the near future ~6000 lbs
Good reliability
Excellent snow ability, limited offroad ability. No hard core rock crawling required.
Safe
I have a couple ideas on vehicles which include:
2007- 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee turbo diesel. (hard to find though but same drivetrain as the Mercedes) $20,000
2007 - 2008 Mercedes ML320 CDI. $27,000
Volkswagen V10 TDI. about the same price as the Mercedes but worse fuel economy.
What are your thoughts on the Mercedes ML320 CDI. Any weaknesses or trouble spots with these cars?
Speedy
