Buyer's guide how to buy best used SUV "Mercedes Benz M-Class (1998-2005) 4x4 second hand review"

BestUsedCarReview - The Mercedes Benz M-Class is nominally a rival to the premium Land Rovers and Jeep Grand Cherokee but has a very different feel to it, with very little in the way of adventurous off-road styling and a sleek but rather bland body and uncluttered interior that makes it seem more like an MPV than an SUV.While on that point it’s worth noting that some were kitted out as seven-seaters, but don’t buy one until you’ve checked that the seven potential occupants can all sit comfortably inside - we don’t think that will happen because the interior just isn’t that roomy.

The promotional material at the launch emphasised its capability as an off-roader, but in spite of its excellent permanent four-wheel drive system, low range gearing and in some versions height-adjustable suspension, the M-Class is not a car that takes kindly to mud-terrain tyres and winch bumpers so don’t consider one, even at a budget price, unless it’s purely for use as a road-only family estate. As a road car we liked the Mercedes from the start, praising the ride comfort from the all-independent suspension and the light but balanced steering, pointing out in an early road test that it seemed very reasonably priced compared with, for instance, the similarly road-biased BMW X5. All versions of the

Mercedes Benz M-Class have a good basic specification, including climate control, electric seat adjustment and remote central locking, while the SE has enhanced interior materials including burr walnut inserts. The Sport model has 19-inch alloys, extra chrome trim outside and Alcantara leather and aluminium trim inside. Even so, first buyers will have added a whole range of luxury extras in some cases adding well over £10,000 to the original purchase price of their car, features that now simply add to the value of buying one secondhand at a knockdown price. Look out for leather trim, the Design two-tone upholstery with wood trim originally a £4420 option, also the electric sunroof – find one with the glass sunroof, the louvred one had a tendency to jam and is expensive to put right. Bose sound systems, perhaps with bootmounted CD autochanger, satnav and cellphone preparation were popular upgrades, some will have bi-xenon headlamps, resist one with the external spare wheel carrier, it restricts the rear view when you’re driving.

With £3000 to spend you’ll find yourself choosing from a wide range of early-generation cars dating from anywhere between 1999 and 2005 depending on mileage and equipment, most of them with the 2.7-litre turbodiesel engine, though for better refinement and performance do consider one of the smoothrevving 3.2-litre or 3.7-litre petrol V6 variants. An interesting indication of how depreciation can hit luxury cars is how little dealers are willing to offer as a trade-in value on what ought to be seen as a desirable premium SUV,  even more than 10 years on. As a result you’ll find large numbers of higher-mileage older ML320 and ML270s being offered for sale by private sellers. Buying privately can be advantageous if you take the usual precautions such as making sure the registration certifi cate matches the name and address of the seller and making sure it all runs well on a test drive.

The interior of the ML is unquestionably opulent, particularly in the higher-specification SE versions, yet compared with the Range Rover it seems rather blandly styled. No matter, since the driving position is quite natural and controls are all well placed, higher specification models featuring a whole raft of fingertip controls on the steering wheel, on some models this includes paddle-shift buttons for the automatic transmission. 

You can’t expect an old car at this price to be in perfect condition, but there was always some concern about the assembly quality of this Americanbuilt vehicle, so look for excessive sagging of the seats and attempts to hide or bodge dodgy trim and upholstery fabric. 

The 2.7 CRD turbodiesel is the engine of choice if economy is important, though as even with an oil-burner make sure it doesn’t blow excess smoke on acceleration which could point to worn injectors or a failing turbocharger – it could equally point to an aftermarket performance upgrade, smooth, quick acceleration will tell you but reject any car that feels sluggish, hesitant or jerky. The transmission on the turbodiesels also has to handle that low-rev torque so make sure the six-speed manual shifts smoothly and the clutch takes up progressively; similarly if the five-speed automatic is fitted check that it doesn’t slur changes too much and responds properly to the Tiptronic-type override.

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Smart guide borrowing some money for your car loans

AutoCarLoansTips - If your job is not secure, it may be better to build up a bigger deposit before getting a loan. Save up as much as you can, so you can borrow less and save on interest. Before you borrow, always remember to allow for interest rate rises and anything that might affect your future income (such as changing jobs). use budget planner calculator to see exactly where you are spending your money and how much you can afford in repayments. 

If you decide to borrow, take time to compare interest rates, product features, and fees and charges. Even a small difference in the interest rate can make a big difference to what you have to pay. Shop around online to compare products or use multi-loan calculator, research published by the independent consumer group CHOICE can also help you find the right product for your needs and budget.

If you feel like you’re being pressured into signing something you’re not sure about, take more time to think things through. Check the terms and conditions of your loan before you go ahead, so you know exactly what you’re getting into – including penalties for missed repayments or for paying off a loan early.

Know who and what you’re dealing with, because anyone who wants to engage in credit activities (including brokers) must be licensed with ASIC, or be an authorised representative of someone who is licensed. If they aren’t, they are operating illegally. 

There is currently an exemption from licensing for credit assistance provided through some businesses (for example, retail stores and car yards). While the store may be exempt, the actual credit provider must still be licensed. If you are unsure who the credit provider is, ask the person you are dealing with to point out the name in your credit contract. 

Anyone engaging in credit activities (for example, by providing credit or assistance to you) must give you either a credit guide (with information such as their licence number, fees and details of your right to complain) or a written notice with details of your right to complain about their activities. 

Keep your repayments up-to-date to avoid being charged any penalty fees. Act quickly if you are having trouble making repayments. It may be difficult to face the problem, but ignoring it will only make things worse. In case you can’t make the full repayment, pay what you can. Contact your credit provider without delay.

The last but not least make sure you keep the car comprehensively insured. If you have a secured loan for your car, you will usually need to get comprehensive car insurance. But whether your car is security for your loan or not, accidents and thefts do occur and you do not want to be left with no car and a large loan still to repay.

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How do I choose the best auto car loan?

Autoloanscalculationtips - Get the best credit deal before you buy an auto car is very important thing. Be sure to get the best credit deal. This is as important as getting the best price on the car. By shopping around for credit first, you can find the best deal for you without your mind being distracted by that new set of wheels.

Beware of getting a car lease when you really wanted to get a loan. With a lease you rent the car for an agreed period of time, but do not have a right or option to purchase the car. At the end of the period, the lease is terminated and the car sold. You could make an offer for the car, but you will usually need to come up with a large sum of money to buy it – and the credit provider does not have to accept your offer. So, if you want to own the car, do not get a lease.

Check out your loan options before you go shopping for your car. Many credit providers will give you in principle approval for a loan before you find your car, so that you know exactly how much you’ve got to spend and you’ll only have one high-pressure decision to make at the car dealership.

Before you get your loan, budget for the full costs of owning a car. There are annual fees for registration and insurance. You may also choose to join a motoring organisation for roadside assistance. On top of that there are ongoing costs like petrol, repairs and maintenance – even road tolls.

You might decide to get third-party property insurance or full comprehensive insurance for your car. Third-party property insurance covers you for damage to other people’s vehicles or property that is not covered by your compulsory comprehensive third party (CTP) insurance. Full comprehensive insurance also covers you for damage to your own car.

While insurance can be expensive, think how much not having it could cost you later if you have an accident. But make sure you shop around for the best deal – it is often cheaper to arrange your own insurance, rather than going through the car dealership. Be aware that if your car loan is secured by a

mortgage over your car, you will usually need to get comprehensive insurance for your car.

Be careful of loan protection insurance sold as an add-on when you get the loan. With this type of coverage, the insurance provider pays or contributes to your loan repayments if you are unable to work due to injury, sickness or involuntary unemployment. In the event of your death, life cover will repay your outstanding loan balance. This type of insurance is usually poor value for the cost, so shop around.

Some car dealers also offer gap cover (or shortfall insurance). If your car is stolen, written off or damaged beyond repair before you have paid off your car loan, this insurance is designed to cover the ‘gap’ between the market or agreed value that your comprehensive insurer pays and the amount needed

to pay out the remainder of your loan (up to a specified limit), plus some additional costs. Think carefully about whether you need this additional coverage and make sure you shop around.

You may also be offered an extended warranty (also called mechanical breakdown cover). This is really extra insurance, to cover the costs of unexpected mechanical repairs, parts and labour (with the exclusion of normal wear and tear). But before buying an extended warranty, make sure it is really worth the money. Does the extended warranty offer more protection than the warranty that comes with the car? When does the extended warranty start? Are there any important restrictions or conditions? Check that the benefits are worth the extra money and that the extended warranty does not simply repeat items covered under the warranty that comes with the car.

You do not have to take up any of these extra options if you don’t want to, and car dealers must not mislead or deceive you about the real benefits of additional insurance coverage or your need for it. Always check the terms and conditions of any additional coverage, as they may vary from those included in your comprehensive insurance coverage. Take your time to work out what you really need and don’t let a pushy salesperson pressure you into making an on-the-spot decision.

Do not sign a business purpose declaration unless you are really using the car for business and are eligible to claim your payments as a valid business expense for taxation purposes.

By signing a business purpose declaration, you may lose valuable rights under the credit law

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