Deciding between Mercedes ML and Range Rover Sport for the wife | FerrariChat

Deciding between Mercedes ML and Range Rover Sport for the wife

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by CRG125, Oct 10, 2012.

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  1. CRG125

    CRG125 F1 Rookie

    Feb 7, 2005
    2,581
    Los Angeles, Ca
    Full Name:
    Vivek
    Want to get your opinion on which SUV to get for the wife. Let me give you a little background on her current car. She has a 2011 X5 which she wasn't to fond when I bought it for her. She was coming out of an Escalade which she loved and wanted another one, however I was sick of the gas mileage. I heard great things of the New X5 3.5 turbo( powerful and fuel efficent) that I figure it would be a great car. Anyways 2 years later, the car has been in the shop three times in 2 months for an Engine Malfunction. Car looses power and then shuts off while driving. We are both fed up with the car and I am speaking to BMW about taking the car back. Either way I am getting rid of the car.

    So this brings me to my next point, which SUV shall I get her? She really likes the Range Rover sport and the price is reasonable, however we both are a little skeptical about the reliability. We have a few friends that owned RR and have had ton of problems. Personally, I like the new 2013 ML 550(The wife is not fond of the looks), it may not be as luxurious as the RR sport, but I know Mercedes technology, motor and reliability is better.

    We have looked at the Cayenne S( Really expensive compared to others) Infiniti OX56( too big), Lexus and Cadillac. She did look at the new GL and found it hideous. Her heart is really set on the Range Rover sport again I am concerned of the reliablity.
     
  2. Flash G

    Flash G Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 24, 2006
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    Christopher
    My RR Sport has had only one minor problem in four years. It has been very reliable.

    I'm on my 3rd Range Rover now and the quality gets better with each model year. My last two have had the Jag engines. Much more reliable than the older BMW and original Rover motors.
     
  3. CRG125

    CRG125 F1 Rookie

    Feb 7, 2005
    2,581
    Los Angeles, Ca
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    Vivek
    Thanks for the feedback.
     
  4. bball16

    bball16 F1 Rookie
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    Dec 2, 2011
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    I have an ML Bluetec thats absolutely great. 2 years with 0 issues and great gas mileage. The torque on the car is crazy with the turbo diesel. When the lease is up next summer I'm in for another MB diesel. Great truck..
     
  5. CRG125

    CRG125 F1 Rookie

    Feb 7, 2005
    2,581
    Los Angeles, Ca
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    Vivek
    My personal car is the new 2012 CLS 550 and prior to that I had the old shape. I feel that Mercedes quality has improved quite a bit in the last few years. Mechanically I have never had any issues with Mercedes. Even their service has improved.
     
  6. MS250

    MS250 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Dec 10, 2003
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  7. speedy

    speedy Formula Junior

    Oct 18, 2005
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    Plano, TX
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    James Gardner

    I think you have your answer already.


    FWIW, I'm on my 2nd Rover and my current one also has the Jag engine. I love it.
     
  8. mrcarlosspicey

    mrcarlosspicey Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    May 18, 2012
    951
    Omaha
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    Parker
    I dont feel this whole movement towards women and suvs is very good. I think she should settle for a car. Save you money and whoevers paying for gas.
     
  9. CRG125

    CRG125 F1 Rookie

    Feb 7, 2005
    2,581
    Los Angeles, Ca
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    Vivek
    I agree with you 100 percent. Initially I recommended that she get a car, but for some reason she loves driving an SUV. Right now I can lease an S class for about the same price.
     
  10. MS250

    MS250 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Dec 10, 2003
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    Happy wife, happy life.
     
  11. CornersWell

    CornersWell F1 Rookie

    Nov 24, 2004
    4,874
    As a full size RR SC owner, the RR. Period.

    The ML, IMHO, has a shorter wheelbase and is more twitchy as a result with a relatively high CG. You cannot alter that.

    Never been impressed, either, with the quality of the ML and have listened for YEARS of complaints about that by friends with them. Maybe they've improved, however.

    Styling? Hands down, the RR, IMHO, also. But, that's subjective.

    CW
     
  12. NeuroBeaker

    NeuroBeaker Advising Moderator
    Moderator

    Oct 1, 2008
    38,744
    Huntsville, AL., USA
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    Andrew
    My parents just got a Porsche Cayenne S earlier in the year. They'd wanted one for a quite while, but similarly put it off because of the expense. However, they looked at a 2011 model that was formerly used by a Porsche Rep travelling between dealerships for 9 months, so it was just under a year old and had 10k miles. As part of the deal, the dealer gave it a full-duration warranty from the date they got it and my parents didn't have to pay for first year depreciation. Let's face it, 10k miles is virtually nothing to a car as well-engineered as a Porsche. So perhaps you could look at something similar if you're willing to wait a little bit for the right car to pop up. :)

    The only problem they've had is that one day the battery gave up and the car wouldn't start. The dealer had to come out with a flat-bed truck to take it back for diagnosis and it turned out that Porsche had a bad batch of batteries that were fitted to new Cayennes 2011-2012 delivered in the United States and they've been trying to remember to replace them when the cars come in for annual service... they just happened to miss this one as it wasn't yet due a service before the sale. With that replaced and the annual service then done a little early, the car was delivered back home again later in the day, got back out on the road again, and my parents absolutely love it.

    All the best,
    Andrew.
     
  13. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 15, 2006
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    I can understand her reasoning, I bet she feels safer in one.

    Have you looked at the Audi Q7?
     
  14. gatorgreg

    gatorgreg Formula 3

    Dec 13, 2004
    1,863
    NAPLES
    I have a 2012 Range Rover full size. Drove all the cars you mentioned before buying. If you want luxury in a full size vehicle, the RR is the way to go. The following was included in the purchase:

    Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance
    For the duration of the 4yrs./50,000 mile new car factory warranty.
    Complimentary rental vehicle provided while vehicle is in service for the duration of manufacturer's warranty
    Dent Repair*

    Removal for dents less than 2" in diameter using the paintless dent removal process
    The dents simply disappear
    Key Care*
    Replacement of your lost, stolen or broken keys
    Programming of your lost, stolen or broken keys
    Road Hazard Protection*
    Protection and replacement for tire and wheel road hazard
    Nitrofil© Tire Inflation
    Tire inflation and top-offs using Nitrogen for the lifetime of the original manufacturer's tires
    Customer Loyalty
    An additional $500 trade-in allowance if you purchase another vehicle from us; provided that all service and maintenance of your trade-in was completed at Land Rover Palm Beach
    Courtesy Vehicle Washing
    An exterior vehicle washing after vehicle servicing, or during regular business hours with appointment

    I do nothing but put gas in the car for 4 years. No problems at all with the truck. This is my 5th range rover.
     
  15. tundraphile

    tundraphile F1 Veteran

    May 16, 2007
    5,083
    Missouri
    RR Sport versus M-B for everyday usability? Knowing you can get into the car every day, every morning, and the car will start and not have issues? M-B wins every time. You might have the occasional issue with the Mercedes that will be promptly and easily resolved. You know you will have issues with the Rover.

    I would second the Bluetec ML. Aside from higher maintenance costs, the thing gets 27 mpg on the highway and pulls like a (diesel) freight train. Wife loves our 2011.

    If the comparison for interior plushness was between the full-size RR and the ML it would be no contest, the RR has possibly the nicest interior of any sub-100k car. Not sure the Sport is the same though, even at that price point they might cut a few corners. Mercedes loves this stuff called MB Tex, which is a fake leather they use for nearly all their interiors. This 2011 was the first one of our five M-Bs in recent years to have it instead of leather, it looks nice but is not the same as real dead cows. Real leather is part of a pricy package for the ML if memory serves.

    Another car to consider is the Audi Q7.
     
  16. VGM911

    VGM911 Formula 3

    Apr 8, 2007
    1,379
    New Jersey
    #16 VGM911, Oct 10, 2012
    Last edited: Oct 10, 2012
    When a question is floated about what to get the wife, I almost always recommend something Japanese. Generally, the reliability and quality of Japanese vehicles make them worthwhile choices for our wives. Think Lexus. Period. End of sentence.
     
  17. CRG125

    CRG125 F1 Rookie

    Feb 7, 2005
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    Vivek
    She did, but didn't like the look of the car.
     
  18. BOKE

    BOKE Beaks' Gun Rabbi
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    Jul 13, 2009
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    Lucky
    I have a 2000 ML55 that is my canine car. I would buy another one over a Range Rover.
     
  19. photonut

    photonut F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 16, 2007
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    Joel
    i have owned/driven all the mentioned vehicles in this post.
    i personally prefer the porsche as well!
     
  20. Carnut

    Carnut F1 Rookie
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    Nov 3, 2003
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    Morrie
    I have a full sized Range Rover and I have owned alot of SUV's from Porsche TT to the Lexus. My company just bought a 2013 Honda Pilot Touring and I have to say I see no reason anyone needs to spend anymore than what that thing cost unless you want the badge. It does everything anyone would want.
     
  21. drjohngober

    drjohngober Formula 3

    Jul 23, 2006
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    Cville and Gbury Tex
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    Dr.John Gober
    Having owned a ML,GL,big Range Ruster, son has a RR Sport now, the choice is obvious.
    Get the Cayenne GTS.
     
  22. CRG125

    CRG125 F1 Rookie

    Feb 7, 2005
    2,581
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    Vivek
    Looks like its going to be the RR sport. Now we need to decide on color.
     
  23. 05011994

    05011994 Formula 3
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    May 1, 2004
    1,859
    Golden, Colorado
    Make sure you have a great dealer, one of my best friends has a 2011 RR Sport and he gets to spend a ton of quality time at the dealer for warranty work. He thought the car was cool and powerful, but he could tell you all about the service manager's family and what they did on vacation with his frequent trips.
     
  24. boxerman

    boxerman F1 World Champ
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    May 27, 2004
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    Sean

    Because it truly is a slug.
     
  25. mrcarlosspicey

    mrcarlosspicey Formula Junior
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    May 18, 2012
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    Parker
    My family has a 2010 Toyota sequioa, LOVE IT!!!! So luxurious for the sticker tag (nav, premium sound, heated front and rear seats, dual zone climate control, etc). Holds 7 or 8 (depending on if you want a center console which we got) and supposedly gets the turning radius of a camry. Bad part, it get about 11 MPG. Costs around $60,000 so its worth a shot. Much nicer than an escalade and about as nice a GL class.
     

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