Hello,

Family member is buying a new car and she wants R350. She's looking to get a 2007 or 2008. She wants a safe car that fits a lot of people, including two HUGE dogs. Forester is out of the question, she's really set on this car.


Anyone know anything about these? Anyone owned one? Any problems with it?

 

I'd say get a gl350 diesel instead. My uncle has one and it's amazing. It's big. Better than the r350 on gas. Quiet. Comfortable. And looks way better than a r350. I havnt really heard of any recalls or issues with the r or the gl though.

 

Ive worked on a few R350/55's and I dont like them, havent seen many issues other than a pain in the *** to work on. The van is pretty much a pretty'd up Chrysler Town and Country and 20g's more expensive. I agree with Stealth that the GL are nicer, bigger, and diesel is better for the mpg's.

Working on MBZ's though I would never own one, I would suggest looking into other alternatives for vans if thats what shes looking at. Honda, Toyota, Nissan are the big three as far as vans, MBZ's stopped making that over priced van that didnt sell well. Personally, I like the new Toyota 4Runner.

 

I appreciate the input guys.

 

Comfort, safety, and luxury are the 3 big keys she wants. She has two small kids so they need room as well. She's really into the idea of owning a benz (even though I tried to talk her out of it).


She hates BMW, but is willing to look into Volvo. Anyone have any volvo suggestions? (I only know about the small ones, lol)

 

honestly bro, my brother in law just picked up the new audi q9 and it poops on alot of the bigger cars out there and it has the 3rd row. its so comfortable and quiet. and it looks way better than the other cars in its class. and you can get the smaller v6 from the q6 i think rather than the v8. but as far as safety, the merc is the best from what ive seen. theyre very strong cars. my old 300ce is still running from 89 without any issues.. lol

 

No on Volvo, no no no. Had a few in the shop (that thankfully I didnt have to work on), there tranny's go out and you have to pull the engine to change it so theres a lot of money into it. A gas tank cracked on one and the whole rear end came down and it was still a *****. NO!

Audi's are nice but I'd say require the most maintenance. BMW's are the best as long as you steer clear of the V8's, but Im biased having owned a few BMW's and specialize in them. MBZ are pretty damn good, just not the R class.

 

Not so sure about that:

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicl...R/model-R350V4

The new 4Runner is as FUGLY as they come. What's with all of the bulbous taillights on new Toyotas??? The designer should be shot.

-Brian

 

Oh ok, I guess they came back...I could care less haha. They did stop on the old models I believe in '09.

The 4Runner TRD is SIIIIICK! Hahah. I guess its hit or miss as far as looks go, but hey it has the Toyota reliability which is more than MBZ can say.