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Mercedes-Benz GL450 Reliable?

86 messages,  Last post on Apr 18, 2013 at 9:36 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, SUV

    

Messages Page 1 of 9

#1 of 86 Best deal for 2008 GL450 by kevin833

Jan 21, 2008 (1:29 am)

I'm looking for a large SUV. GL450 seems to be a good choice. But consumer report says that the reliability is below average. I'm not sure exactly what it means. Can any GL450 owners share their owner experience with me? Also I'm living in silicon valley CA. Does anyone know which dealer I can get the best deal for premium package 1?

#2 of 86 Re: Best deal for 2008 GL450 [kevin833] by awj123

Jan 27, 2008 (5:37 am)

Replying to: kevin833 (Jan 21, 2008 1:29 am)
I have a '08 GL450 that I purchased in November, now has about 3000 miles on it. This is my first Mercedes and had heard rumors about quality, but I have experienced no issues to date. I traded in a 2003 Escalade to purchase this vehicle, and the Escalade had multiple issues including front end problems with the steering column (a fairly common problem on the Escalade, Denali, and Tahoe), the Nav unit, as well as the chrome wheels- which corroded around the valve stems and would no longer hold air pressure...an issue that was not covered under warranty. I was thinking about the new Escalade as a potential purchase, but after the poor response from the dealer on the wheels I decided to go with the GL and have not regretted it. I am in the market for a second SUV and may buy another GL (currently have a Lexus GX470). The new GX470 is the best SUV value out there (I've looked at everything) and the dealer experience is much better than Mercedes- at least in the Boston area...but the size and impractical 3rd row seat configuration of the GX is proventing us from buying another one. I bought the GL at $3000 below MSRP and got the best trade value on the Escalade from Mercedes which helped close the deal. Good luck with your purchase.

#3 of 86 Re: Best deal for 2008 GL450 [kevin833] by occarfan

Jan 28, 2008 (11:30 pm)

Replying to: kevin833 (Jan 21, 2008 1:29 am)
Mercedes will alway have reliability issues. My 2007 GL450 is my 3rd Mercedes.
Our 2000 C240 had navigation and moonroof problems that couldn't be fixed. So we traded that in for 2003 S430. Problems with exhaust, catalytic converter, which had to be replaced 2X. Luckily under warranty. Still own it with no other problems yet.
Now we have the GL. Bought it in July 07. Currently has 6000 miles. Only one problem thus far. The liftgate closes, but doesn't lock. So the car warns me while I'm driving to close the liftgate. It sucks to have to stop. Open and close the liftgate sometimes twice before it locks. Or I sometimes have to go to the back of the car
and pull on the liftgate handle, then it locks. Still annoying. I'm going to take it in this week.
Why buy Mercedes when I have problems in every car. One word. WIFE.
I like BMW and Porsche. My Porsche 911 has no problems in 6 yrs. Wow, even that surprised me.
Back to the GL. Mercedes is starting to wear on me though. I like the looks and the ride. It can't be beat. I don't even like SUV, but don't mind the GL b/c it rides and feels just like a car. Acceleration and smoothness one of the best. So I'm hoping there will be no other issues with the GL. One thing for sure. Never had an engine or transmission problem with any of my Mercedes.
I bought the GL for $7000 off MSRP. Thought I got a great deal until I found out my friend got one two months later for $9000 of MSRP. Most likely b/c the '08 was coming in.
Have fun shopping, You'll be pleased if you decide on the GL450.

#4 of 86 Re: Best deal for 2008 GL450 [occarfan] by jsc_usa

May 29, 2008 (5:20 pm)

Replying to: occarfan (Jan 28, 2008 11:30 pm)
I'm considering of buying GL450. Do you mind to share with us which dealer or area you and your friend got the deal from?

#5 of 86 Re: Best deal for 2008 GL450 [jsc_usa] by occarfan

Jun 08, 2008 (10:14 pm)

Replying to: jsc_usa (May 29, 2008 5:20 pm)
Bought the GL at Merc of Anaheim (southern California).
Should be able to get below invoice in this area easily.

#7 of 86 Re: Best deal for 2008 GL450 [occarfan] by bmlexus

Jun 14, 2008 (5:47 pm)

Replying to: occarfan (Jan 28, 2008 11:30 pm)
like BMW and Porsche. My Porsche 911 has no problems in 6 yrs. Wow, even that surprised me
 
Have you ever heard the problems that bmws have? Maybe its the best to drivers car but reliability I am not so sure btw I am talking abt the x5.
 
About the porsche 911 is 1 of the most reliable sports cars again cayenne is a suv but a blast to drive but again reliability is not the best.
 
As far as reliability goes nothing beats the japanese but the fun to drive part I guess the germans takes that.

#8 of 86 Re: Best deal for 2008 GL450 [bmlexus] by occarfan

Jun 14, 2008 (10:29 pm)

Replying to: bmlexus (Jun 14, 2008 5:47 pm)
You're right. My brother drove his Lexus SC400 230,000 miles w/o any issues
before trading it in for Lexus RX350. Very, very reliable cars.

#9 of 86 Reliability Issues by haymista

Jul 02, 2008 (1:51 pm)

Replying to: occarfan (Jan 28, 2008 11:30 pm)
We have been less than impressed with our 07 GL with 39k miles. We bought shortly after the car came out, and perhaps some of the bugs have been worked out. The tire pressure monitoring has been a constant annoyance. The warning light still comes on frequently despite numerous trips to the dealer. We had problems with the liftgate closing and locking. The service locally is terrible as you have to book two weeks in advance to get a loaner and they rarely fix anything in one day. The service wait room is always packed with people complaining aout their MB. After driving Lexus and Acura for several years, I appreciate the prompt service and few problems. The GPS is so over engineered that we bought a Garmin which is much faster to use. I will not buy another MB no matter how "exciting" the german cars drive.

#10 of 86 by occarfan

Jul 07, 2008 (1:10 pm)

haymista. Did MB fix your liftgate properly? I have the same problem but haven't taken it in yet. Currently I pull on the liftate lever, then it locks (b/c sometimes my wife forgets and the interior light stays on overnite which will eventually drain battery). Very annoying.
Also passenger visor won't stay up. It creeps down to lowest level making it hard to see if you're tall. But leaving up completely will leave glaring sun in your eyes.
But it is a MERCEDES my wife says

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