1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class as a first car for my 18 year old son?

Question

1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class as a first car for my 18 year old son?

Answer 1

The engine itself is reliable but personally, I'd stay away from a 1998 or '99 ML. The reason for that is that the ML was built at the then brand new plant in Alabama using a brand new workforce. There were some quality issues and other glitches during the first couple of years of the ML production.



If you are interested in the ML, the 2000 and newer had an updated interior which is far less cheap and plastic looking compared to the '98-'99 ML. The build quality had also improved by that time.

Answer 2

They're decent vehicles, but yeah, buy the 2000 and newer sort. Expensive repairs, but a VERY safe vehicle. The roll-over protection is second to none and the other safety considerations are well addressed. I say spend the extra cake on something a couple years newer.

Answer 3

Hi Blackjack21,



As someone who was once in a similar predicament, the 1999 M-Class can seem to be a good first car for your son. The original M-Class debuted with many innovative safety systems. Stability control debut in the original (1998-2005) M-Class for the first time in a luxury SUV. Side and front impact airbags also ensured that the 1998-2005 M-Class had a 4-star EuroNCAP safety rating, which was outstanding at the time of launch, and still very good compared to current models on sale.



Reliability ratings are mixed for different parts of the car, and as a result you'll find some conflicting info, however the 1998-2005 M-Class was received with generally poor reliability ratings. Some of the engines have great reliability whilst others have average. The most common and entry-level model in the US in 1999 is the ML 320, powered by a 3.2L petrol V6. This engine was reasonably reliable and was seen across the Mercedes-Benz model range, including the top-of-the-range flagship Mercedes model - the S-Class sedan. An attached video review by Top Gear UK's Jeremy Clarkson shows that he found an alarmingly large gap between the boot lid and the bumper.



I have travelled in a 2002 (facelifted model) M-Class and even after a supposed major refresh to improve reliability and quality, it still has had several issues from the fuel pump display to a fuel leak. It rides reasonably harsh and is a very loud car, even from the inside.



So as you can see, the 1999 M-Class wasn't a tremendously reliable car. You'd be better off looking at the 'W203' style 2000-2007 C-Class sedan. It featured even better safety ratings (EuroNCAP 5 star) and was generally more reliable. It will be more efficient and is more of a driver's car. I think as a first car a sedan is a lot easier to handle than a large SUV. I've travelled in a 2004 C-Class and (as I mentioned before) a 2002 M-Class and I'd take the C-Class in a heartbeat. It is cheaper, more fuel efficient, safe, more comfortable and represents very good value for money.



Hope I helped you :D



John