I BOUGHT A MERCEDES ML FOR £1000!

[@TheLopcuk]

I completely relate to the feeling of getting in a car that your parents have when you were i young kid. my old man used to drive a clio which i guess is nothing to write home about but whenever i get in one it brings up happy memories and a nostalgia , i guess thats why we like cars , for what they make us feel

[@HighPeakAutos]

Yeah exactly!

[@barriemoorcroft534]

I feel the same about an Alpine Chrysler, and Vauxhal Viva, but it's been a LONG time since I went in one of those.

[@m__r1100]

Yeah, but I'm dreading the day I get back in a Citroen BX estate... Seems my teenage years were different to Matt's!

[@kenem1946]

How true! My parents had an Austin A40 Devon and I bought one in 2014. Ahhh, the memories of childhood 😊

[@richardcrossley5581]

Mid 1980s to 1994 Ford Granada and Scorpio. I know exactly what you mean. We drove across Europe in those for summer holidays. I owned one in the mid 2000s, needed work, but was a sound car.

[@danielch39]

Not sure why people didnt like these cars, i own one, been running perfectly for the past 20 years, minor issues here and there, no rust luckily. i too love the way it drives, the 320 engine sounds good and powerful enough, drives amazing in snow and offroad in summer. it's comfortable and sturdy minus the rattles inside. the seats are so comfotable and wide, the bose sound system still sounds great today. A car if you take care of it and maintain it properly it will take care of you. Love it, it's definitely a keeper no matter how many cars i will own. Great video ❤️

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree. I love them. The 320 petrol is a great engine

[@danielch39]

@@dizzy2020 i can't really agree with you on most of what you said, im using all season tires and drove the vehicle in some pretty harsh terrain where tacomas and wranglers only were able to reach. On road good quality tires and well maintained suspension give the car a quite pleasant ride. About the space it's a pretty sapcious interior, reat seats are high compensating for the modest leg room, and the trunk is massive. Eletrical issues are present but nothing awful. Thirsty yes for sure, it is not considered to be slow comapred to other suvs from its time and it surely drives better than so many suvs, even compared to the non luxury suvs of today. i would take it over any non luxury suv of today. simply mine is a good one and been taken care of all of its life, no rust no mechanical failures whatsoever.

[@Johnathan_Waters]

@@dizzy2020 Yes, you certainly don't want one that hasnt been loved!!

[@michaelwalsh9145]

Here in Ireland we’ve a stupid two tier motor tax system, a pre 2008 ml 320 will cost €1809 yearly or €1003 half yearly. If you owned one for 3 years it would set you back €6k in motor tax.

[@dexis476]

@@michaelwalsh9145 Damn 😢

[@jorgechiubomberos]

Buy reading some of the comments, I think people got confussed thinking that this is a second gen model. No, this is a first gen model with facelifted line. This is the W163, produced from 1997 to 2005. It's the only ml in historia, so far, that has body on frame, not a crossover like the second gen. Also it came standard with a low gear button, that activated a defferential, in case you needed for offroad. If you noticed. This ones had no buttons on the steering wheel, because the idea was that by offroading, you need to manuver the steering wheel a lot, so you wouldn't be pressing unwanted button This gen ML is a true off roader. Very though on the frame, nicknamed the German panzer. It's the best ML for offroding!!!!!!

[@Thatplanecrazyguy]

I bought an ml350 2004 and can honestly say its my favorite car I have ever had. You don't have to worry about scratching it etc, its rugged and will honestly drive anywhere through sand, mud whatever. Never have I felt like it will let me down.

[@krispykleen3404]

Just purchased up a 2003 ML320. Waiting on the title to come in so I can pick it up. Watching every video on KZbin about this car while I wait.

[@markfranklin4150]

I had a ML270 for ten years, great car, never let me down. Every year it went to the specialist for its mot and I always said this is the year it goes but it never did. Always passed. Swapped it 3 years ago for a R 320.

[@bekabeka71]

Same I’ve my 4th one now and all of them were petrol

[@johnniethepom2905]

Good swap .

[@grenvillephillips6998]

Whenever Matt parks up at Dogger's End, I always worry about his loafers and carpets.

[@reinmansmith]

Lol I’m very concerned about Matt’s regular visits to Dogger’s End! He’s going to get a bad reputation if he hangs around there too often 😆

[@Shane-zx4ps]

I remember back in the late 70,s when I was a kid, Mercedes were known to be the best cars on the road no questions asked and nobody would disagree with that and if you had a merc it meant that you made it in life, how things have changed…

[@billygd100]

so so true - merc was the epitome in the 70s

[@flyme195]

Had a C270 CDi, same engine as the ML, loved it! The 5 cylinder diesel sounded so much better than a 4 pot, was bloody good on fuel too. A friend had an ML270. Bought it brand new, was a lovely thing.

[@paulcrockford9845]

2.7 engine is brilliant,got one in my sprinter,superb on fuel

[@gmmooseblaster]

When you switched the engine on and walked around to open the bonnet, I honestly thought the Police helicopter was hovering directly above you. I think the best description of that engine is "agricultural".

[@patrickchebos6041]

Memories ! I ran a used ML270 (model year 2000) for 4 years and added 75,000 km to the 55,000 km it came with. The only weakness was an alternator that gave up. I loved the sound and performance of the engine. Great car !

[@baldap500]

These old ML 270s are great for towing stuff. They can tow 3,5 tons, they're cheap and quite reliable to run.

[@chrisw3771]

Always a bit underrated s a solid truck. I'm the odd one out, I love the 270 5 cylinder. Might sound harsh but has an amazing smooth torque curve

[@mikedemarchelier9090]

Yup! I see what’s going on here! New Order’s Bizarre Love Triangle started playing in my mind the second I saw the thumbnail! “It’s no problem of mine, but it’s a problem I find, livin’ a life that I can’t leave behind!” Well done, lots of cool relatable elements there: family trips, no trains, the bleak North, the commute to London, etc. Some folks refer to it as “nostalgia” but I’ve decided to rebrand it as “elegant melancholy” myself! 🚗

[@garydurandt4260]

I broke out into a cold sweat when you opened the bonnet. Having been the owner of two Jeep Grand Cherokees with the MB 2.7l 5 cylinder motor brings back unforgettable unpleasant memories. These must be the worst motors in history, once they exceed around 100 000km, nothing but trouble. At least you have heated seats, that keeps you warm in winter whilst you are waiting for the breakdown truck to come and collect you. Please don't ask why I then bought two of these, should have learnt my lesson with the first one, thit is what happens when you buy with your heart and not your head.

[@Alexander_l322]

You’ve nearly sold me on the ML. I’ve always liked the look of them, I’d probably go for a newer one around 2012 though.

[@MarkeMark-p5r]

I have a 2001 ML-430 that now has 143,000 miles. A few minor problems but it's running smooth and I feel like I'm in a tank. Very safe vehicle.

[@10mbc]

"I don't do trains". Such a simple yet such complex information set. Cheers!

[@damilolaakanni]

I always loved the design of these MLs and the second gen. I haven't driven one though, but I've ridden in an ML350 (first gen) and it was very quiet for an SUV with a V6, and it had very comfortable seats.

[@nikojevtic6709]

Very nice review I have a 99 ml329 With 125k km Botswana registered All the usual problems sorted and is now pretty bullet proof! Good condition too - love it

[@mattt5738]

This brings back memories. My Dad had one of these when I was younger. Exactly the same colour / spec / wheels / seats. But a 2002. We drove through France & Italy in it on a family holiday. So I share the nostalgia.

[@enochpowel3030]

Old vehicles that bring back good memories I'm sure most of us have our favourite vehicle memories.

[@Clemoly]

I’m from Australia and bought an ML430 for the equivalent of £1200! We don’t really get rust in Australia and mines done 12 months without missing a beat! It was a no brainer when a similar condition landcruiser cost 2-3x more

[@HighPeakAutos]

Great choice. Can’t beat those V8’s

[@TheAviationChannel]

Had these ML's till 2018. Was very unreliable but there was something charming about it.

[@martinsvensson6884]

The most important parts of the car is very reliable though. Especially with an m112 or m113 engine. That's the plus side.

[@amagdenovski]

Love these "mystery cheap car "unboxing" videos where you purchase something and then go on to see it for the first time on camera. Keep 'em coming as much as you can. Really appreciate the great content.

[@diy-dak]

I recognize the feeling you describe of driving a w163. It's a beast and you feel safe. Do not think there was so much rust on your car. Easy job to fix. 270 cdi is a very good engine that can withstand many 100,000 miles and gives you high torque and low consumption compared to the petrol versions. Tune it to 200+ hp and you get even lower consumption and a more usable car. They are actually easy to maintain. Yes, they can get nozzle leaks etc but this is fixed easily and cheaply. Mine is a 2004 model and had much more rust than yours when I bought it. After a few hours in the garage, it was "like new" ;-).

[@iandonkin6762]

This one definitely feels like a brave purchase Matt, even given your nostalgia for the 1st generation ML. Turning a profit on this one will be challenging, surely - Mercedes rust on any product of this period is truly shocking! Doesn’t stop it being a good video though 👍

[@friarbishme]

Spares or repairs they bring in around £900

[@samwujiale]

I’ve bought my first ML (98-194,000miles) earlier this year, sold it and bought another ML (01-128,000miles) just last month. Love this car heaps… And we pay big money for it here in Cambodia. US$5,500 and US$6,800 respectively.

[@LondonCarnaval]

I had 2003 s320 from same era as this ML. The only reason she had to go 10 years ago was the rust bubbles started to appear everywhere. But had wonderful comfortable motoring for atleast 7 years. I was disappointed with that era's build, it wasn't as solid as the previous builds of the 80's and 90's 😕. Awesome video as usual 👌. It would be interesting to see how are you going to flip this one. Best of luck.

[@beamlines]

I will always love this shape ML... My dad had one, and unfortunately it was rear ended at high speed whilst stationary. I truly believe my family would have not walked away from that accident in any other car.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

If we're gonna do a collab, can it be on this? I was gonna buy one for a laugh

[@HighPeakAutos]

Yes but only if it’s a petrol 😉

[@ianmason3040]

Ha Ha James - I won an ML500 (£4600) on eBay last year, it was a 1 owner car but being sold by a trader. I think he spent so much money getting it through the MOT that he wouldn't let me have it :(

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@ianmason3040 sounds about right!

[@Johnathan_Waters]

@@JayEmmOnCars Do the right thing and get an ML55 AMG! They can still be had for a song these days...

[@PaulieMD5]

I also think looks nice, even now, mostly because back in the day, when I was a teenager, the only luxury SUV was only the ML, and a bit later the X5, and they were seriously cool.

[@bahar9075]

Try to buy a 55 you will love it ! They are not good on fuel but the 5.4 n/a v8 by amg is what this car always needed

[@numbersix8336]

I love those old MLs a mate had an ML320 for years, it was lovely to drive and didn’t cost him much more than a service every year.

[@chrisbolton5461]

Enthusiasm and honesty abound. Two reasons why these videos are so good to watch.

[@nigelrobinson1302]

Also, whilst you mention it, I love the old P38 RR. I had two (a 4.0 and a 4.6) and they were both really reliable. I remember taking it to the LR specialist for a service and he said “there’s no such thing as an unreliable P38. There is, however, such a thing as badly maintained P38s”. Which reinforces the point you always make: service the car/gearbox on time, fix problems when they arise and run it on premium fuel abs you should be fine.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I love the P38. I keep contemplating buying another. I need a bigger garage

[@Yorkman7]

Yeah it is just you Matt but it’s good that people like what some others don’t. When I could finally afford any reasonable new car I bought a small over powered Japanese hatchback and I still love it 4 years later despite all the crap comments. Most entertaining and honest car channel on KZbin.

[@andruel99]

I bought a 2002 ML320 petrol two years ago.. it's thrived on neglect and I love it!

[@HighPeakAutos]

That engine will run forever

[@bonzobanana1]

I love that interior, it seems to have the balance right between hard wearing and practical and actually quite stylish and luxurious. I'm not so keen on the external styling but still pretty nice. Mercedes is my favourite of the German brands and I think that is because of the excellent cars they did through the 70s to 90s.

[@Ade2bee]

A friend of mine bought one because he looked at the statistics, as well as pulling power I’ve been out to pick up Cars with his car trailer, he absolutely ragged that thing, so he wasn’t really bothered about the build quality… loved it

[@holeephuk]

In February I bought 2002 ml 320 with 97000km ,it was garage princess, its my daily ,doing services by myself ,not one problem, nice add on to alfa gt 3.2 which I drive once a week 😊btw, here in Australia we don't have problem with rust ..

[@HighPeakAutos]

Great 👍

[@gordonsimpson3235]

Its a shame (shame on Mercedes-Benz), that the paintwork is so bad. Otherwise that car should still have plenty of life in it. I am lucky, my 2003 ML500 has excellent bodywork - Andradite Green with Java beige interior. The 500 engine is a fine drive, and I, like you, I love the relaxed way they go down the road. Its still only covered 70k and is like new, with no rattles or faults. Mine has the 7 seats also, not that I use them (they are in the garage as they take up too much boot space). Tyres are quite limiting as they are specific to this model (275/55 x 17) The Continental and Michelin ones are crap in snow or off-road, and the Dunlop TG35 Grandtrek's are no longer made (which were good all rounders). The Hankook Ventus are brilliant wet/and dry, are great in the snow and mud too, I have used these now for 8 years or more - good quality tyre.

[@rennkoop7317]

understand the feeling!!, got a 2003 ML 400cdi (LJ reg) just luv it, inmense torque :) ! ( not using it, sitting my garage, due to travels) .

[@keithmyerscough9900]

Lol. It’s got sat nav. I’ve got an 04 v6 petrol 350 ml. Same spec by the looks. But sat nav is cd Rom. It won’t know any road outside of London. And the tv won’t work. But I love mine great for doing the tip run , gets my bike in the back without need for removing the front wheel , bought mine £1500 2 years ago not let me down and all the toys work. 👍👍

[@TheChukklebunny]

I had an ML 350 02 plate about 12 years ago. Loved it and still have fond memories.

[@emanuelalmeida8238]

I completely agree with you. I have a soft spot for the MK IV GTI 1.8T and these ML too, always admired them.

[@DrumToTheBassWoop]

Hang On: Radio 4 = * Matching Tyres = * Receipts complete with folder = * Shes been looked after.

[@HighPeakAutos]

That’s what I thought

[@rich11a15]

The 2.7 five cylinder sprinter engine sounds like a tractor but it is pretty bullet proof and can manage cosmic mileages, I had one for ten years and pulled heavy trailers at home and a large caravan around Europe, it was a good car. I sold it to a South African gentleman (Zulu) who bought it as a present for his dad, he added bull bars for protection from charging wild critters and it now is trogging around the veldt somewhere, it only had 97 (genuine) thousand on the clock, so it will probably be working for a long time yet.

[@chhounchan9198]

My family still has a 2001 ml320 as our family car. We've had ours for over 10 years now and it's at 410,000 km. We've went across Canada 4 times already in it. Hope I can get it to 500k km as I live in Canada and the rust is just killing the body😔. I've always felt this truck has always had a bad rep for reliability, I personally think mechanically they're well built as our truck is still on the original engine and trans and difs. It's the electrical bits that are bad. Over the time we've owned it the auto locks have broken, window switches, auto folding mirrors, the radio has also gone. I'm probably forgetting something else lol but overall mechanically these trucks are well built and just require some love in the maintenance department and they'll keep chucking along as long as the rust doesn't kill it first.

[@garryeyre8175]

I have just bought a ML 270 , 2003 I also just like the way it drives, so you not the only one who likes them 😂

[@eshea5050]

I have the same feeling for the E53 X5. I had a 1995 W202 and my college was too far away...so my dad let me take his X5 for a couple semester. I thought I was so cool, foolish looking back. Fixed on buying a clean one soon.

[@Theoderich]

I had a 2000 ML 270. It was in terrible condition and looked horrible but i loved driving and being in it nonetheless. Had it for 2 1/2 years. I dearly miss it.

[@twasunna]

I feel you... I have a 2003 Ml350 here in Kenya, Ex UK, Silver... It just gets under your skin... And stays there.. Solid, stolid, tank - like... Wonderful

[@HighPeakAutos]

Very nice

[@westcoast747]

My dad had a W plate ML270 years ago, he sold it after a year or two. Reason being my mother wouldn’t/couldn’t drive a car that size. It’s a shame that MB skimped on paint protection from 1998-2004. As the cars they built were fairly solid. Rust always killed those cars of that era.

[@hillstart8149]

A family friend had one of these and I remember going to school in it regularly. I particularly remember the smell, the ruched leather, and the thrum of the 270 diesel struggling to pull its own weight, let alone a car full of seven people. The good old days!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha I wasn’t on my own then. The petrols were much better

[@Tuffluk]

Really enjoying these new style videos, Matt. Informative and full of suspense! Will he win or lose? It’s a loss this time but a win for the rest of us! 5star

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha yes you’re right. Cheers

[@leylandlynxvlog]

I've always loved these, had a toy one when I was little. Anyway I've test driven one or two but never owned one, hopefully will one day. Good to see someone famous that likes them.

[@Blue-moon12]

Unfortunately a lot have rusted away or have not just been maintained. Funny I have a soft spot for the ML and always tempted to get one as a weekend drive. ML550 maybe??

[@steliofrasco3455]

My first ML was a 2014 ML350d with 98,000 miles. I was amazed at the incredible ride comfort with air suspension and double glazed glass. The 3l TD is incredibly quite and smooth for a diesel I often forget it is a diesel from inside the cabin Brit more of a petrol car lover. Had it for 2 years and so far no issues except the reverse sensors stopped working all of them so might be a fuse if anyone a tip to fix. Great cruiser but a big bulky for around town driving. Otherwise great car

[@rayadler1733]

I just bought a 2002 ml 320 , puts me in mind of drive a jeep very Stout, one I got was made in Germany ,looks as good as this one in vid ,dark blue tan interior ,got it for $500 😁👍

[@chasinsunsets917]

Have an 03 ML350,, unreal service history, paid 2k for it in sept after my car was totalled, but £180 really with insurance money i got back...drove to Guildford on sat and back to collect eldest daughter from uni...never missed a beat...

[@louisjames1062]

Ive had a few w163, they are great trucks and value for money. Facelift is a Million miles ahead of pre facelift, last one a I had was a black edition with all options, 270cdi engines are fantastic

[@louisjames1062]

Black edition came fully loaded with black wood and white stitching on the leather. lovely cars in the day. I felt the new gem ml was a massive disappointment. Terrible interiors and awful reliability.

[@lawriebrice1103]

Ran one of these down on the Costa del Sol. We were replacing suspension bits and brakes ALL the time due to poor roads. Also had this horrible habit of running out of power as we drove up the mountain to Sierra Nevada. I think it was the torque converter, it never replicated itself when engineer had the car. My kids like you loved it and always talk about it, I was on the fence.

[@leedstown]

Matt I bought a 2013 250 ML 10 weeks ago to use over winter it looks similar to a GLe as you will know, it's okay I will probably sell it in March

[@wolfgangezeh2221]

One of my bugbears in cars is the front bumpers sagging and a big gap between the bumper and body.

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

I have a 'soft spot' for Volvo estates, as my dad and uncles had them, throughout the 80s and 90s.

[@drewwyatt1274]

Proud owner of a ML320 here. Just went through the MOT for £43 in repairs, so I'm dead chuffed. It is my second ML. I had a 270, which was great until it blew 3 of the injectors out of the head......

[@stippolyte]

Few yrs ago I went to look at an 07 face-lift and arranged testdrive. When I got to the dealer, 1 tyre was flat, 2 were visibly under inflated. battery was utterly flat, he didn't know it was under the seat and final nail in the coffin was the terminals were covered in white and turquoise fur. Not how to sell a car.

[@andiquill8069]

I had a ml 350 04 plate for 9 years I can categorically say it was the most reliable car I've ever owned it never let me down never not started never broke down such a good car and it always passed its MOT enough said. 😁

[@aaronmacy9134]

I can relate to the 1st gen ML nostalgia. My best friends Mom had an ML500 when they first came out. Sat Nav was a big deal back then and she’d set her destination in it every time, even though she was born and raised in the area. I still love seeing them.

[@HighPeakAutos]

The 500 was the one to go for! The sat nav takes forever to set up so I imagine she was never early for an appointment 😂

[@rogerhowell9987]

Hi Matt loved this video! I bought a 2001 270 CDI in March 2018 on a ‘51 Plate ( Jan ‘02) for £400 it’s just done 135000 miles is in a lot better condition than yours! Sailed through its MOT with just 2 advisories ( some corrosion on rear shocks and an oil leak not excessive) strange that as I don’t have to top up any oil between annual services! As for the truck I love it!!!!!!!!

[@Themodernclassicsshow]

Great to see the W163 on the channel!! I love these cars also, interestingly I’ve never actually owner one, came close to buying a midnight blue ML320 2004 when I was living back home in UK, something must have happened as I obviously didn’t complete the deal, this was circa 2007. More recently I had agreed to buy a really nice Silver ML55 AMG 2004 it was great, but the dealer decided to sell to another buyer with a higher offer. They offered me a 2001 ML55 pre facelift, but it just didn’t feel as good as that 2004, so declined it… I will definitely get one of these one day! Really pleased to see a video on the channel about them 👍

[@jorgechiubomberos]

I love the first gen ml. I had a 2005 ML 350. It was the last of the mojicans!!!! And I lovded it.

[@Pan1man4]

They must be tough, a couple of weeks ago in my neighbourhood a driver (Drunk) wiped out a traffic calming chicane system,crashed into the local school gates,struck 2 cars £18k damage to one and on their return journey completely removed the steel and glass bus shelter, thankfully no one was at the shelter and to my knowledge nobody else injured. Not the best advert for MB ML however the vehicle in question had of course damage to the front(hanging off) bumper, wings and bonnet intact so maybe a good buy Matt to sell onto Ram Raiders etc.

[@Leo70780]

I Absolutely love the w163 class , style , silver my favourite colour very reliable with regular servicing .

[@avasolaris1]

I have a 2003 ML350. Terrific car which I was fortunate to find with 85k kms on it.

[@jeremycrawford3812]

Shame about the rust In Aus we don't have same issue. Found a 2001 ML 270 with 120000 km om the clock for A$4k. New head and rear lights, colour match the naff bumpers, 2nd hand nudge bar, chrome bling,spit and polish and now looks like new - sensors are a bit of an issue with these old gals - but remediable!

[@Johnathan_Waters]

I also must be "pretty sad" as I LOVE the W163 ML's. I own a 2000 ML55 AMG in near perfect condition, both cosmetically and mechanically. It has higher miles, as I LOVE driving it, but I am also an MB mechanic by trade, so keeping up with the maintenance is no problem at all! One thing to be weary about, is that MB has started dropping parts support for the W163 cars recently, making certain repairs near impossible to do correctly. As they say though, where there's a will, there's a way!

[@gordonsimpson3235]

Yes that's true Jonathon. Parts can be an issue- power steering hoses for example. I bought one of the last 3 in the country. M-B are being a bit naughty here as they traditionally had (expensive) stock of Mercedes-Benz going back into the 60's. R129 SL's also have part supply issues - even basics like remote locking keys for gods sake. They have kept very quiet about this.

[@Johnathan_Waters]

@@gordonsimpson3235 VERY interesting you should mention that!! I am currently working through a power steering issue with my ML55 (with NO success so far), and apparently parts for the steering rack (mine was leaking badly, and now won't turn left!) are unobtanium. NOBODY seems to know anything about where to get parts for it, or a new rack assembly. Very very frustrating, have never really run into an issue like this before! Where did you manage to get your steering hose??

[@gordonsimpson3235]

@@Johnathan_Waters Yes this was two years ago - a friend works as a technician at my local M-B dealer and went on line to find the part. Two were in the North of the country one was at Wembley. so I sent a driver straight away to collect it (about an hour away). Glad I did as it would have failed soon. I seem to remember there are two of them each about £400. I only needed one of them.

[@philpenna3858]

I’ve just got an identical car with a London reg but it’s the 500 petrol. Same colour but obvs bigger wheels to cover the bigger ML500 brakes. Doesn’t have the extra back seats though.

[@RonniePickering70]

My Ml270 failed its MOT last week on emissions and I was banking on winning the M3 but no luck. They eat track control ends and endless tracking issues and watch for black death around a failing injector. Other than that generally a solid but cosmetically rusty car just dont take off the plastic cill covers off like I did as you will need more than control!

[@tabban21]

Really interesting video. Would be nice to see what you did with the car afterwards I.e. how you handled the rust etc and prepared it for resale

[@1171karl]

I'm suprised you managed to find one of these, they seemd to disappear off the road all at once! I had one of these and liked it until I started having injector trouble. It revealed an issue with the head, water was leaking into the injector bolt hole, so was a bit of a risk to start spending further on it. Rust was just starting round the front wheel arch but the rest was tidy.

[@leeallen7585]

Nearly bought one a few years back on an 08 plate...bought a 59 plate Vauxhall Antara instead..........Nothing but trouble..changed it for a 14 plate Insignia...nothing but trouble..that was the end of modern car ownership for me

[@ouethojlkjn]

Thoroughly enjoyable episode and my nostalgias folly was a Jaguar XJ SV 12! An older mate of mine worked for Mann Egerton and turned up in a guards red example in 1976 and took us for a blast. I swore I would buy one before I was 25 and got one age 24. I won’t bore you with the open wallet surgery but I vividly remember my mechanic Staf calling me up at work and his opening remarks were “are you sitting down?” He then went on to say “whoever sold you this car wants putting up against the wall and shooting!”

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good on you for getting one before your target! That’s what life is all about. Work hard and achieve your goals 😉

[@jasonbradley9256]

You forgot to mention the 350 petrol which was the size I had on an 04 plate and was the best thing about it..! Paint and interior finish was typical Merc crap for early 2000s but engine pulled well and was really reliable, easily the best engine.!

[@ryanlilley1550]

I to love the old ml it's incredible how cheap you can pick one up for now. I've always liked them

[@leecampbell1763]

My mate got one for £1k as well... it burst into flames on the motorway 4 months back! Too much damage for them to get to bottom of the cause unfortunately, though I would bet it was a freak electrical fault that could happen to any semi modern car. No one got hurt thankfully!

[@britbetterman9912]

I have a 2000 ML 430 going on 218,000 miles. Kept up the maintenance and love it to death. I do get annoyed when people talk about how much they suck but they're tanks that last. Meanwhile their brand new Dodge already needs a new tranny 🤨

[@alextoft9199]

Every enthusiast loves cars that aren't very good because of childhood nostalgia. For me, it's the Peugeot 306 D Turbo, Rover 75 lol! Also our 2006 C220 CDI Avantgarde. we still have it. Objectively it's not a very good car but like yourself we had it from new. At the time I thought it was the bees knees. Has a very distinctive diesel sound, so I could always hear my parents coming up the street and stop whatever it was I wasn't supposed to be doing! 🤣 I have since driven it, and it's not great but I'll always love it! Thanks for making me laugh and letting your inner Alan Patridge come out. I'm exactly the same!

[@simonchristie4117]

And this is one of the many reasons why I love this channel!

[@rogerb68]

Good luck with this one Matt, shame it's not the petrol but do like the ML's..

[@kondjanegongo796]

I've got a fully speccd 500 and love it to bits. just need to do a paint correction.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good choice

[@tramlad2]

Matt are these not expensive to keep on the road, they are solid but once they age thats when the bills start, they are classy though, but this one is well,,,,quite rough to be fair, needs a lot of bodywork to freshen it up,just depends how much you want to spend on it before you move it on

[@davidandreasson3575]

I bought my first ML55 in 2004 (rhd, actually imported from London) and a second ML55 in 2014 which I still have. Love them. Noticed a few days ago that the pictogram on the dash actually points to the wrong side of the car for the fuel filler. Great vehicle.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good choice

[@rankzwazhere]

The first car I ever learned how to drive was an ML 350 2004 Special Edition black on black, loved that car very classy, eventually we sold it for a 2004 645ci black on tan. Solid car, pity about the 4 speed box but it works

[@louisjames1062]

Only issues I ever had in various ml was abs pumps, you can buy the brushes and fix yourself, and the occasional door actuator

[@georgimihalkov4781]

I really like those first gen MLs, that was my first good car. The diesel is a bit agricultural, but surprisingly frugal and overall the cost of the maintenance is pretty reasonable. My biggest issue was the big panoramic sunroof, very problematic and very expensive to fix.

[@christianronn5301]

Where I grew up, a mercedes is supposed to have a diesel. Everything else is wrong.

[@mofokengmoiloa1231]

My parents had a 2002 ML270 CDI when I was in high school lol you brought back memories for me bro. I also learnt how to drive in this car. Awesome drive but the gearbox was a problem.

[@maggygwire]

I’ve just bought a 350 for £2K with 178k miles on it. Can’t wait. If it does me a year I’ll be over the moon. I’m sure it’ll leak a bit of oil but fingers crossed it’ll be mainly all good 😂👍

[@deansmith4752]

I worry a bout a seller who says - "don't come around to the house, I will drop the car off in the middle of the woods for you". Strikes me like the risk of a mob car used for something extremely nefarious.