Looked at Two Cars Yesterday

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Trav

Trav

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I sold my Expedition so i am sort of keeping my eye open.
I looked at a 2012 Highlander Limited Hybrid and 2012 MB R350 BlueTEC.

Both seem really well made, i like the MB but there is a 20K price difference when you load it up.
I looked at the GMC Arcadia Denali but its a very dated body style and Ford has nothing to offer.

In about 4-5 yrs i am probably going back to Germany permanently so i am looking for some resale value.
Any input from someone with either of these two is appreciated.
 
Buy one of those nice 50-100k mile W123 TD wagons, and it will still be worth what you paid for it in five years.

Not a fan of the explorer? Were mixed.

Highlander is nice in terms of its form factor being bigger than the small SUVs but smaller than the big ones.

The R-class is huge.

Not sure Id want a used highlander, especially hybrid, given the cost of a used toyota making it a poor value, plus battery questions... But the R-class is a dated platform, and you can find CDIs used, which may be a better bet if your time with it is limited. Get a CPO for less, run the warranty out and then get rid of it.

The R is huge! Not interested in the ML bluetec, which would be more like the highlander?

Did you look at the lexus RX hybrid? No third row but nicer for about the same money.
 
Quote:
The R is huge! Not interested in the ML bluetec, which would be more like the highlander?

Did you look at the lexus RX hybrid? No third row but nicer for about the same money.


I will look at the ML BlueTEC, i never gave the Lexus much thought but its worth a look, i wont buy a used Hybrid either but a CPO ML maybe a good thing.
A good W123 300D wagon would be ideal for me but my wife may have issues if i bring something like that home. And and then the fight started LOL.
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Buy one of those nice 50-100k mile W123 TD wagons, and it will still be worth what you paid for it in five years.


Easier said than done. "Oh, let's get a luxury car and drive it 2k miles a year. Pay extra for the fuel saving diesel."

Although I agree on the sentiment.
wink.gif
 
Quote:
Have you looked at the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

No i am down to either a Toyota or MB product.
I want a Diesel or Hybrid drive, i love diesel engines, always have, not only for their fuel economy and Hybrid drives just make sense to me. In this area Toyota has a good track record, i was a sceptic but as the years have gone by i am liking the technology.
The perfect vehicle for me would be a diesel hybrid.
 
Go whole hog and get a tacoma or 4 runner then import a diesel front clip complete with wiring, heavy duty struts, etc. Keep it pre 1996 so you can pass inspection. Whatever you put into it for work, you'll get back when you sell the thing.
 
Originally Posted By: Trav
Quote:
Have you looked at the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

No i am down to either a Toyota or MB product.


I thought the jeep was effectively the same platform and design as the ML?

Granted it is only available as a ga$$er.

What about the X5 diesel?
 
Originally Posted By: eljefino
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Buy one of those nice 50-100k mile W123 TD wagons, and it will still be worth what you paid for it in five years.


Easier said than done. "Oh, let's get a luxury car and drive it 2k miles a year. Pay extra for the fuel saving diesel."

Although I agree on the sentiment.
wink.gif



Back in those days the diesels were cheaper than the ga$ cars, and diesel cost less too.
 
No i don't want another project, i need a good daily driver.
I will buy the longest warranty they offer and they can own it till i'm done with it.
These days i only work on cars for fun and sometimes profit but its always at my will, i don't want to work on my daily driver other than basic maintenance.
 
The Jeep is gas only like you said, i don't know if it shares much with the MB now.
The X5 loaded cost as much as the MB loaded. I like the look of the Mercedes better, just personal choice.
 
Trav,

Well, I don't know exactly where the issues are with the Greman/European vehicles according to CR Mag, e.g. The Asian vehicles are still tops in reliability and the domestic are running close behind with the German/European vehicles trailing.

But, But, today we're living in a time where IMHO, vehicles have never been better in terms of quality/reliability. There are so many excellent choices on the market and even pre-owned vehicles are in the card for me; I think most vehicle are "that" good!

I'd pick what you like! And I don't think you can go wrong!
smile.gif

They are all nice when they're new and they suck when they break down or need repairs. And they'll all need repairs at some point, I don't care which continent they're made on.
 
The ML is new this year, so if you care about having the latest version, CPO wouldn't work. It is a good looking vehicle but expensive for only a 5 passenger.

We're looking at SUVs now, with the leading candidate being the '13 RDX due to fuel economy, options/Tech value and hopefully the reliability.
 
The R series has been a notorious slow-seller and its future in the MB lineup may be in jeopardy. So resale could be an issue. If you're only keeping it during the warranty period it probably doesn't matter, but MB maintenance/repair costs can be outrageous.
 
I really like the new Highlander. I'd prob be leaning towards the regular V6 though just for it's simplicity. My neighbor has a burgandy one and my friend has a gray one. They both like them alot. The gray one was hit from behind by a girl on a cell phone. Her hood crunched up. Only left a scratch on the Highlander. Maybe because it had the tow package and the car hit the hitch.
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Not sure Id want a used highlander, especially hybrid, given the cost of a used toyota making it a poor value,


This may be to Trav's advantage 5 years from now. Buying a new Toyota today with plans to sell it in 5 years is likely not a bad move.

Another thought is leasing, if your plan is to buy and sell with the intent of walking away anyway. Leasing may offer a lower cost of ownership. I know the duration was 5 years, but if you think you may be gone sooner, leasing may be an option for you.
 
Originally Posted By: Coprolite

We're looking at SUVs now, with the leading candidate being the '13 RDX due to fuel economy, options/Tech value and hopefully the reliability.


You call 19/24 in that size vehicle good economy?

IIRC a pilot gets the same mileage.

And a highlander hybrid will do MUCH better for likely the same money.
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Coprolite

We're looking at SUVs now, with the leading candidate being the '13 RDX due to fuel economy, options/Tech value and hopefully the reliability.


You call 19/24 in that size vehicle good economy?

IIRC a pilot gets the same mileage.

And a highlander hybrid will do MUCH better for likely the same money.


2013 redesign comes with a new engine and 20/28 projected rating. I'll have to shop the highlander.
 
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