I BOUGHT A LOW MILEAGE MERCEDES ML

[@apexmarbella]

Can confirm: this is my old and highly cherished ML. This car has had whatever it's needed and I hope the next owner enjoys it as much as I did. Thanks for everything, Matt. A pleasure doing business with you, excellent video as always, and look forward to seeing you soon. ☀️🇪🇸

[@baffourohene-kena4962]

Very beautiful car❤

[@jonford6119]

The fact that it was in such good condition is a testament to how you cherished the car. It's also a lesson that if you really look after a car they will stay good, even to 18 or so years.

[@Frostyyy__]

We love owners like you on this channel 👍🏼

[@apexmarbella]

@@Frostyyy__ 🙌🙌

[@bigjohno242]

Looks a cracking car 👍

[@danielch39]

15 years of ownership, and the ML still feels sturdy and it will last 15 more years. I absolutely love the solid tank like ride

[@jacksonmiked]

That’s got all the makings of a modern classic. For those of us who don’t want a lot of fussy touchscreens and gadgets that interior is pretty much perfect.

[@MegaMetinMetin]

These where all the hype back in the day

[@robbey300]

I bought an ML350 brand new and fully loaded, including a security safe under the passenger seat, for £28,000. It had the chunky steel bars front and sides plus alcantara seats. At the time it was the perfect SUV for me and served me well. At £6K this would be a good buy for local High Peak residents wanting both comfort and safety! Great job Matt and you have some amazing local vehicle support crews. 😎

[@devanman7920]

Man these are SO BLOODY ADDICTIVE!! I also have a soft spot for the original ML. Great video as always Matt.

[@humber65]

Thank goodness there is someone else out there that puts mats on mats, I thought I was probably a bit weird. Thanks!

[@wezftw7130]

I love seeing the transformation you do on these cars. This car was well looked after, but with the work you did to it took it to another level. This just goes to show and especially with the current climate, you don't have to part with a lot of money for a belter of a car, excellent job Matt.

[@colindowd9756]

I'd keep it Matt. It looks like a 15k car! It'll go forever for the lucky owner ❤

[@johanaberg6528]

I would keep it too, despite the 270. I still regret selling my mint 1st gen X5 3.0d a few years ago, but needed a 7-seater and the pre dpf road tax is 1,100 euros

[@mallardc6049]

ran this exact spec (7 seater) for many years as the family wagon - highdays and holidays - totally agree with the old world ladder chassis charm and reasuring clunk and machanical feel to main controls.... only thing i had issue with were the injectors which for some reason known only to ML used a single bolt to hold them in place.... great long distance vehicle and new Michelins all round... respect to the last owner and to Matt for not stinting on the refresh

[@nickdavis8467]

Hi Matt, another "older" car rescued and looking great. So pleased the weather is now warming up a little, i`ll be using the Lexus more now the clocks have gone forward, even just sitting in it on the drive (to keep the battery and stuff ticking over) is a joy. Keep up the great content. All the very best to you, from Nick the Lexus guy in Wolsingham.

[@charlesclay7842]

Love those MLs also a big fan of mats on mats and boot liners 😊

[@cadizsummers3078]

My wife is on her way right now to hopefully buy this ML to use whilst on contract in the UK then bring it back to Spain. I will keep you posted👍

[@ChiragSaraswati]

How was it?

[@projecteuroau]

My uncle had one of these new in 1999 here in Australia. It was a white ML430 with 7 seats and it has the pop out rear windows which his Labrador (Chester) loved. He then went out and ordered another Silver 2001 ML500 when they came out he liked the platform so much. He preferred the 430 for some reason but you’re not wrong it’s an old money car and they still look perfectly comfortable outside a nice country estate.

[@Swiss4.2]

Great buy Matt! I've always liked the first gen ML even though the interior was a bit of a step back for Mercedes.

[@damilolaakanni]

I'd say interior was on par with the W210 E Class, i.e not great. Interior quality was down across the Mercedes lineup compared to.the late 80s and early 90's models.

[@Swiss4.2]

@@damilolaakanni Mercedes certainly peeked in the 90s with cars like the W140. Although this generation of Mercedes were relatively reliable, despite the dubious build quality.

[@imgrumpy5932]

Love old Mercs. A bit flash when new but pure class when old.

[@michaelfrancis3276]

A 1999 ML320 was my childhood car from 2004 to 2017. We sold it for £500 px and I still think it was the worst decision my parents ever made, it was the most reliable, comfortable car I’ve ever known any own!

[@frasermacleod7642]

Absolutely awesome Matt, really loved this and really love the ML, there’s just something about it 😍 You’ve done an absolutely fantastic job and well done for saving such a wonderful vehicle 👏🏻😉👌🏻👍🏻

[@tccarsales]

I had one of these, the 7 seater version and I think the way of spotting these is their very rear side windows have black grommets indicating they open for 2 back seats to get some fresh air! Loved the car and watching this brought back some great memories!

[@williampope3796]

Keep this car. You’ll never find another one like it. First gen ML’s here in the states , are rare. The ones that you do see are out of Road Warrior. Folks , for the most part, run the crap out of them and never give them the care they should have. Americans in general do not realize the overhead involved in owning an all wheel drive automobile. Enjoyed the video Matt. Thanks.

[@md-detailing]

This is such a minter Matt, amazing color, relliable and such a well preserved example. Great thing is somebody detailed the ML! Great video as usual! :D

[@enquire422]

I have a 2002 2.7 for the past 5 years. Removed swirl flaps and always use Mr Muscle oven cleaner every now and again. Brilliant vehicle and always fun drive!!

[@garyrains5996]

These MLs are real treasures. Keep it Mat! I have two myself, they are older than yours and still very tight and comfortable. So reliable and easy to get in and out of. Keep it!

[@bottlebeach]

You called it at the 9.50 mins.. Big house etc... Looking on AT when searching hit the "Mileage feature" The one above yours. Private sale( Unfortunately bereavement ) Nice house 1 owner from new 39k. You're good you are 😊

[@onderdastan6963]

Bought a 2002 ml320 2 years ago. 120k miles on the clock and a 7 seater. Some mechanics warned me not to buy it. But its been a great experience so far. it took good care of our large family . Had a lot of great memories already . taking us to a snowy mountain or a hard to reach bay with ease. it can have some small issues and be heavy on gas but i love this car.

[@ramonbs6075]

How is it going today with the ML?

[@timfountain98]

My '01 ML 320 has 156k miles and everything works. It's dirt simple and easy to work on... And coming from Oregon, where we don't use salt on the roads, it doesn't have any rust.... I very rarely see another one on the road!

[@Mhlikescars]

I see one of these during my lunch break walk, a beige one I think on an 04. I have never seen such a rusty car in my life, absolutely horrendous condition. Can see the interior is in a state of disrepair too. Quite nice to see a cherished example. Out of curiosity I whacked this MLs plate into an MOT checker to see how many advisories it had, and how it passed, well turns out it just doesn't have one, it does move too.

[@joetripp4607]

I was watching this video with my partner in the room and as soon as you said mats over mats she said to me, "that's exactly what you do". 😂 You have to have mats over the top of the original mats to keep them in good condition! Another great video, you have done a great job with saving this car :)

[@Enginesetc]

Clk 270 cdi owner in tanzanite blue here so i am biased, but cracking colour and engine combo. I love these first gen facelift MLs same as yourself, what a great example!

[@MrButuz]

Love it I picked up a 2000 ML270 5 years ago loved it. 80k miles but better condition than yours. In a fit of covid madness sold it to my uncle. He had it for 4 years loved it and has now sold it back to my dad. Keeping it in the family. 90% of the general public dont realise just what a damn good car an ML W63 is. Their loss! I've got a few things to do to it and sadly it has gained a bit of rust on the doors whilst it's been on holiday but I'll get it sorted gradually. Like you say - worth saving.

[@JohnAdams-kc8wx]

I know exactly what you mean Matt about finding old but low mileage cars. Sometimes I even do a search on auto trader - over 20 years old and under 60,000 miles and it’s amazing what turns up. Big respect to you for sorting this ML out properly, does look cool.

[@scottshepherd6812]

I bought a Y registration ML430 with 70000 miles and it's almost showroom condition. Like your car the previous owner was fastidious and had obviously kept the car in a garage. The underside was so clean that I immediately under sealed it. The car drives like a dream and the V8 is really smooth. Best of luck with the sale and if you decide to try out a V8 just send me message.

[@harrycalibra]

Funny I remember at the beginning of the video you said the last owner replaced all the tyres with Continental ones then at time stamp 05:39 see a tyre with Michelin ???? Michelin where the rust is 🤔🤔

[@gswilliams]

Had one of these in silver...... Needed a 4WD and it did us proud. As you say it was like being at the helm of a yacht when cornering but was great for giving a bullet proof feeling of security. No problems with wheel arch rust but the bottom of the doors were bad..... We had them done twice in the 4 years we owned the car. We sold it for an 06 mark 2 which we only got rid of last year..... Great video as usual👌

[@Campletebewakingscameras]

Inspiring really. For very little money you have a practically new car. And the newer cars come with all the electrical issues en mechanical issues because off the invironment additives. Thinking of doing the same. An old car is not a shame when it is in a perfect condition

[@simonjoone9346]

Great save! I have a 2005 ML350 Special Edition in gold. Such a lot of car for the money. Already has almost 250,000km on and runs like a Swiss watch

[@felawes]

I've had a ML from new in 2005. Still looks great. Half the year in Chelsea and half in France. With a Mercedes roof box. Brilliant.

[@Lucaat]

Really nice! Personally I would go slightly gypsy on it an install modern head unit with all the phone gizmos and a rear view camera.

[@smallweights]

I have a pre facelift 320 v6 "zero" rust or blemishes 66k fish mb stamped just gotta get her valeted - she's a beautiful car

[@Carrera-gp9od]

I always watch your videos , even when the car in question ( like this merc )has no real interest to me . I just enjoy watching the process bringing them back up to scratch . 👍🏻

[@davidmartin6265]

We have a 2002 ML with 95K on the clock, which we bought in 2009 with 50K mileage. We shipped overseas to our second home in 2013 and still use it when visiting. Interior is okay, drivers seat needs some attention, still drives well. Much loved and cannot bring myself to sell it.

[@stevewhite1444]

Simple answer to the question, keep it and enjoy it

[@avasolaris1]

I bought a 2003 350 with 85k kms . Great car. The only negative is it loves petrol. Drives beautifully.

[@kevinmcauley7527]

I had a c class with the same 2.7 engine as this and I loved it apart from having to replace injector seals on a couple of occasions which were allowing fumes to come through the cabin vents.

[@taffy7hfa897]

Well done, interesting how you and Hoovie both have a soft spot for these trucks, I've had 2 and still own a really nice example of the 270 CDI which I love and will never sell, as you say, sadly most are unloved and have already ended up on the scrap heap. They do have real personality and contrary to popular "car guy" opinion are actually built like tanks.

[@philiplewis7252]

Another great job Matt,good call!

[@Pulitnt]

My uncle had the next generation, in the 6.3l AMG version, best car ever, that thing was a rocket on wheels, certainly not cheap to run, but so much pleasure driving it.

[@jimbrown9477]

absolutely love MLs. most legendary truck with the feel of a luxury sedan.

[@lawriebrice1103]

Love the old ML270. I had one down here in Marbella and the hills and speed bumps wrecked the suspension and brakes. Nothing to do with a heavy right foot I can assure you. It was such a great mile munch and weekends away to Sierra Nevada were a piece of cake. Well done for saving a great car.

[@martinjones7631]

The only problem is rust on the body panels you can never get rid off it ever

[@SA-ds9ru]

Second, love vids. Never stop this series! Happy Ramadan!

[@neilwalsh4058]

Love that generation of ML and you've got the best diesel engine MB ever made in my opinion. Just sold an E270CDi with 162k miles , ran like a new car not one 20 years old. That 5 pot sounds nice too when you make it work.

[@habsom1406]

Totally with you on the mats over mats, Matt, I'm the same, makes the cabin quieter too! That interior looks very classy and has aged well, with no tacky bolt on iPads that look like an afterthought on current Mercs.

[@andymilne27]

will we ever see the i8? genuinely prefer the “i bought something for £400” videos but can’t wait for that one 😂

[@stephenlane9168]

Nooo no more shitty cheap bangers that no one has loved or looked after. Back to the great reviews of interesting classy motors. Nice video Matt & 🙏👏

[@DEEuroworks]

Great looking ML, there is a really clean ML320 2001 I work on regularly, has 89k miles I believe, looks and feels great, very solid feeling when driving.

[@bekabeka71]

W163 was the king of suburban. I have had 2 and I still have one ML320 petrol 1998. The best and most reliable. My second car now is again ML is 350 petrol 2012 model. To me the Mercedes ML is the most reliable

[@justme7347]

Total cost 4321 / you v nearly got an old tv program. Ready steady go : the theme tune 54321 by ( Manfred Mann ). Totally agree I also love the old ML

[@alridd7038]

Great job again.that prize position for you in top gear in getting so much closer matt

[@michaelm2502]

I’m on the same page as you, Matt. Finding a low mileage , older car over a newer one with more miles is no competition. I enjoy the simplicity of no touch screens. Early OBD II cars are the best for reliability, decent efficiency and less complexity. Best compromise all around.

[@keithmartin1328]

3:50. I feel the same with my 13 year old white Toyota iq3. I got it last year. The previous owner got it serviced every year at Toyota and only did 22 k miles in it. Currently it has 27k miles on the clock. Real analogue car. 1 button or dial does just 1 job. Great.

[@QuercusQuest]

I bought a Polo 9N 2004 (round lights) with 69.000 Kilometers. Its a small car but its so much fun.

[@huntman9485]

Hi Matt. I purchased a W164 Second Generation ML320 Edition 10 on a 09 Plate special 10 Year Anniversary Model and its my First Mercedes-Benz and i can tell you now its one of those vehicles that you just dont Mind Putting some money into i absolutely adore it its something different yet loveable i wish you the best with the ML And i hope if you sell it the new owner respects it as much as you and the previous owner did. I hope you can do a video of a Second Generation ML sometime Brendan from Ireland

[@ollyyung5673]

my mom had one and it lasted till 200k miles with very little maintenance. Only big thing was the power steering rack, but besides that this is a solid car with a very solid transmission

[@plxton]

This is one of my all time favourite Mercedes despite their real world everyday needs and drive. As a kid I had a Cararama 1:76 model of one and I loved it!

[@melsyoutube]

keep it!!!! i don’t know if anyone will take as good care of it as you

[@_chipchip]

One of these just sold in Aus with similar kms for around 11k AUD. Thought it a lot for an old boy, but like you said there’s a lot of life left in them and they don’t have so much to go wrong compared to modern stuff.

[@hartoz]

The ML was cross devloped with Jeep (it shares a lot of mechanicals and some engines with the Grand Cherokee), this was at the time when Daimler Chrysler were sharing, the Cross Fire was a re-bodied SLK, the 300c was an old E-Class. The ML is not a bad car for a US built vehicle, more luxurious than the original BMW X5, but not as quick or dynamic to drive.

[@mrgoodkat3722]

Like you Matt,I really like low mileage older cars,I own a 17 year olds BMW Z4 with 69,600 miles and a 2011 Mercedes C-Class 180 with 12,700 miles.Both with low owners and full service history’s.

[@Stef.Cata051]

Recently bought one of those to pull some trailers with cars for restoration and these ML can really be a money burner. When I got it the car had no issues but not long after I had some egr issues right after that the turbo and intercooler needed cleaning (they were full of oil) and not long after that the admission "throttles" decided to pack up (I'm not sure why individual "throttle" bodies was a good idea for a diesel but here we go) requiring quite a lot of work. Because I used it for pulling it had issues with it's automaric gearbox(I'm quite lazy to use a manual, not long ago I bought my first automatic for daily driving and I can't go back). I bought the car for 1400€and spend another 3000 just on this stuff, for now it looks like a strong car and it pulls trailers like a champ. As for the interior, I find it quite boring, I much prefer the interior in the first gen x5 than this one but those old x5s are another can of worms. I'm guessing you have to pick your poison at some point. I'm not sure if I can recommend them, one of my mechanics said that the first owners of these cars take care of them but the second owners are an issue because it's really a car that they always wanted but couldn't really afford it or to mentain it, I'm imagining being even worse for newer models, being that mercedes build quality has really went down after these cars

[@mattbuckley392]

Looks mint now and can see it on Autotrader. Personally I think you have done a fantastic job with it and it really does have that really cool retro vibe about it. As a classy run around this is perfect and not that much of a 'guzzler' either. Hats off.

[@johnfarnborough6424]

Had an 03 for 6 years. Brilliant car, towed horse trailer with absolute ease. Had Lambda sensor and power steering hose fail. Other than that it was perfect. Only real issue was it went through discs and pads every 20k, but a lot of towing may have contributed.

[@rhiantaylor3446]

The 2.7l diesel engine is very desirable, shame they stopped making them.

[@keithmyerscough9900]

Love my ml it’s the 3.7 v6 petrol and ulez compliant , not that I drive into the big smoke. 137 k miles on it but it’s great for my weekend run around ,👍👍. Great vids mat

[@qaiyumboi]

Haven't seen these on the road in forever! All because of ULEZ 😢

[@98jonesd]

Cracking car, my father in law had one, it did 150k (mostly) faultless miles before an engine issue made him change cars. The ML is still going though, it's a farmers vehicle now in the highlands of Scotland.

[@chikwakatebe5577]

I have a 2005 japser blue ml320 and it's an absolute dream to drive, after 5 years of ownership the only issue i had was a gearbox service and steering pump needed to be replaced, it's got probably got a million miles on it and still feels quite punchy it's also pretty good on gas

[@danielch39]

What you have is such a beautiful color! And oh my the 2005 were the nicest ones and the last year for the w163

[@FleetAdmiral215]

I own a 2015 Mercedes ML W166 & it's been brilliant in the 4 years I've owned it. I'd buy another in a heartbeat, KEEP IT ! Great Video Matt

[@derekdee9592]

Woulnt say no to owning that myself, old school non touch screen is great Matt

[@twasunna]

Just sold my ml350.... W163... I miss the ol' girl already...itt was the combo of rugged luxury amd easy maintenance that made it so charming

[@tardeliesmagic]

My boss had the ML270 & the ML55,both drove great,i like them....they're underatred.

[@Rjhs001]

Oh, go on Matt, keep it. It's such a lovely old truck.

[@thetechlibrarian]

Diamond blue and black Pearl are my favorite Mercedes colors

[@ianjones2187]

I’ve got a ml 320 on a 56 plate it’s done 53 thousand miles .its immaculate apart from some giving my bumper a scrape last year . Only did 450 miles in a year during Covid .well maintained gearbox oil change etc mmmm! It’s like sitting in a cows stomach above head height . I feel quite posh going to Sainsburys ( 1 mile away) it’s that light blue met colour

[@Alexander_l322]

It looks very nice in the advert on auto trader. I’d say it’s worth every penny of your asking price because there isn’t another one like it.

[@oscarchooses]

I love the old m class x

[@xhizornl3204]

Great car! Here in the Netherlands i saw one who has 94k km and asking 13.000 Euro's for it...

[@peterroy6801]

W163s are amazing beasts. I have around 600,000 miles on them. Ran one from 0 to 350K miles, then gave it to a homeless buddy and he lived in it and drove it for another couple of years. Super easy to work on. I have abused the crap out of them and enjoyed every minute! Allowing them to overheat very badly (warping heads) is the only thing that kills them. I drove one 10 miles back and forth to work for a week when I didn't have time to fix the water pump; with only bags of ice on top of the manifold, with no cooling system the temperature never got above normal. Beasts!

[@tiagofermar]

I appreciate that you start and finish the car in one video. That makes so much sense, instead of me coming back here again to watch the exact same car, I can come here to watch more cars, if that makes sense.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Yeah I agree. It takes me a bit more planning but I think it’s better too

[@ryanlilley1550]

I really like that matt. I really wouldn't want get rid of that if I was you. can't be many if any with that sort of mileage around. I've always had a soft spot for an old ml

[@mrfob6237]

You absolutely have to keep it Matt. You have mentioned it in your dream garage to many times. How many people look after an old ml? DON'T SELL!

[@red9zero]

You're right about the bigger rear plate. I put one on our CX5 and it looks loads better.

[@robertdemeny251]

A good looking numberplate is the thing. When polishtime is up in spring and fall, I clean, polish and coates my numberplates. It calms down my OCD.

[@MrZeToZe]

Love how you want to save (almost) every car! Cheers for that!

[@howardlake6178]

I think I’m up to date now! I will check tomorrow. Not only a great find, but it’s almost a bucket list find for you, as you have mentioned these before 😂

[@martincassels7995]

I sold a 2001 ml270 with 80k on it last year. I got 3495 for it. I took it in trade a few years ago and kept it. I gave £800 at the time. Would’ve preferred a petrol but that om605 is bomb proof and can be tuned easily. Also it has a low range gearbox. They’ve only got rarer since then and looking at the prices they’ve moved up a little.

[@pjmalone-k2k]

Love when you revisit these types of cars

[@alexhillman5552]

Great review, Matt. I share your passion for these 1st gen MLs - they are rapidly disappearing from our roads, so it's great you rescued this one. About 18 years ago, I had a 2000 V-plate ML430s in Tanzanite blue with a sand beige interior. It was fully spec'ed and even had the optional 3rd row of seats which were the fold up into the side window style - odd but necessary when we had 4 kids. Loved the car. Wafting around with that great petrol V8 engine - which also sounded superb when you hit the loud pedal. Obviously wasn't economical, but what luxury SUV is?

[@steamboy2872]

I did message them through their website this morning to see if it was still available and possibly look at part ex my hot hatch. My hunt for a RR L322 is taking so long this could do the trick.

[@highplainszwifter]

Had a gold one years ago and was surprised how attached to it I got. No fuss, solid and classic looking.

[@richardhunt1384]

We had a customer at my old garage who had an ML of this era and her dogs practically ate the rear load bay plus seats. We ordered a genuine set of Front Pads and were amazed at the fact the new pads looked 90% worn out out the box!!! 😂😂

[@andrewtuff6257]

Looked very decent before Matt spent some money, looks absolutely superb now. What a lovely old thing that is. He didn’t say much, and I’ve never driven one, but that 2.7 5 cylinder must be a rather nice sounding and adequate performer. A class act all round!