Anyone looking for a tug-and-a-half for less than 20 grand??

[Collin]

Anyone out there in the market for a big 4x4 (cost £50,000+ new), now going for less than 20 grand?
I mention it because I have just traded in my 55-plate Mercedes ML 320CDI SE to a main dealer and if you are looking for this size of car you might think it’s worth a look.
I no longer have any vested interest in its sale so I’m not advertising - more a question of flagging up what could be an attractive proposition for a caravan enthusiast. The car has been owned by me for four of its five years. It has covered just 35,000 miles (towed about 10 times), and is fully-loaded including a factory-fitted detachable tow hitch. Immaculate in metallic black and beige leather, with privacy glass.
It is big enough to tow almost anything, so perfect for a caravanner. I only changed it because I sold my caravan.
Absolutely no underlying mechanical issues when it left my ownership, but it will get a warranty for two years anyway under the current Mercedes Approved Used offer.
Personally, I think it’s a lot of car for the price – but perhaps that’s because I know how well it’s been looked after and I’m sad at letting it go! I can post more details and point in the right direction if anyone wants to take a look for themselves…

 

[MichaelE]

Was under 20k what they gave you? if so they will add 3 - 4 k on top of that when on the forecourt

 

[Collin]

No Mike, I have spotted it on the website now for £19,995...

 

[xtrailman]

Thats overpriced, after 3 years a £50k car is not worth over 50%, very few cars are.
Add to that its a high VED group, not so great on MPG.

And its 5 years old, so i think its not really a bargin.

Still for anyone wanting such a car, at £20k its more affordable.

My daughter has just taken delivery of one, after 6 months it will be on the second hand forecourt, again a good buy if that's what you are looking for? with under 3k miles.

 

[MichaelE]

Sorry Ray will have to disagree, just traded my 3 yr old ml320 sport 28k miles for £25 1/2 k and dealer put up on forecourt for £29995 and sold it in 2 days they cant get enough second hand and have a waiting list.
Values have increased due to the bad winter we had

 

[ProfJohnL]

Any item is only worth what someone is prepared to pay, so book values are only guides they are not definitive.

 

[Collin]

Just wanted to say that my reason for posting was only to flag up that if anyone on the Forum was in the market for a big 4x4 of its type then this car might be worth a look. Nobody will be surprised that the main dealer is asking top dollar. That’s because it’s a desirable (to some!), low mileage, comprehensively equipped, second hand car. It’s up to the buyer to decide whether he wants to pay a bit more to drive a bit more car. What I am trying to share with one and all is the full, honest, low-down on its background = something I hoped may prove useful to any prospective buyer. The final price anybody pays is purely a matter of smart negotiation.
Mind you, if what Michael E says is true, this is all academic as the car will probably disappear from the forecourt in double quick time…first one to see will buy, I suspect!
(No-one will have difficulty tracing the car if they go to the MB Approved Used website. Type in “ML 320 CDI” into the search engine and it’s the second cheapest nationally on the site! It doesn’t mention the detachable tow-bar, or quite a few other extras, but trust me they are there)

 

[NigelHutson]

Collin,
Whilst I'm not in the market yet for a replacement vehicle, thank you for your original post. It's good when a forum member recommends something with which they have had experience (rather than repeating what they've heard third hand!).
Nigel.

 

[DeliDave_]

Looks like its gone now