I'm considering buying a 2.7 diesel ML to tow our caravan with and wondered if anyone has any experience of towing with one. Our 2 berth van is a fraction of the weight it will tow so no problem in that regard, I just wondered if anyone has any thoughts. I'm thinking about an 2005 model.
I have had two Ssangyong Rexton's which has the same running gear and is roughly the same size of vehicle. Brilliant tow motor, but sore on diesel.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Sore on diesel, road tax, and servicing and parts, awkward to park.
Plus the government is about the move to goalposts again, they are now claiming its diesels that are polluting, after them saying they are greener, they are greener, but to many have bought them and they are losing revenues due to you not needing as much fuel as a petrol vehicle would use.
If you want a 4x4 get a small estate version like a Skoda Octavia, or scout, since you have a small 2 berth, this would cut your running costs over the merc by 50%
Quote: Originally posted by Skoda Bob on 03/8/2014
If you want a 4x4 get a small estate version like a Skoda Octavia, or scout, since you have a small 2 berth, this would cut your running costs over the merc by 50%
i had a skoda octavia scout,brilliant tow car, pity it could not tow 1800kgs caravan. now have a toyota land cruiser 3ltr diesel,£465 road tax,18 mpg towing,cheeper to insure than the scout,
Thanks for the replies, you've all raised some points I need to consider before I buy. I've checked the cost of service parts and to be honest they are very similar to your run of the mill family car, so that's no worry. However things like alternators are expensive, but I've not changed one since I had a Chevette. Fuel consumption again doesn't worry me too much having checked it out, true it's not great but not as bad as I had thought and it won't do that many miles a year any way.
Road tax is currently £285, not great but not too bad compared to other large 4x4's but if it does go up significantly it would hurt.
I think I'll leave it until next year and see what happens tax wise and do a little more research on alternatives.
My partner and I both had ML270 (2000,2002). Both purchased from Mercedes dealership with full history,once the warranty had expired both cars were serviced by a very good Independent Mercedes specialist.
Generally they were reliable and servicing costs were reasonable, however both developed similar fault where they refused to change gear. Minimum Estimate was £800 but could not guarantee to fix.
Also had the power steering pipe fracture due to rubbing on the chassis the pipe alone was £400 to replace.
We were only using the ML to tow a trailer tent so cant comment on what its like towing a caravan
Don't get me wrong I am a mercedes fan but they are not the cars they used to be.
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Topic: Mercedes ML 2.7 diesel towing
