1998 - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Pre-Owned

Power & Prestige for a Paltry Price

Model year 2002 was important for Mercedes-Benz. The launch of the C230 Kompressor Sport Coupe reduced the price of entry

At a base price of $49,350 the 2002 ML 320 put premium SUV ownership closer to a much larger middle-class audience. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

into the three-pointed star brand's sport/luxury segment, while at the other side of the price spectrum three new AMG variants upped the marque's performance image. The SUV line-up was also improved, with the addition of the rugged G500 and a complete update to the popular M-Class.

That said the M-Class revisions are visually subtle. On the outside, improvements include new clear-lens halogen headlamps with projector low beams, front fog lamps integrated into a redesigned bumper and exterior mirrors that now incorporate turn signals. Inside the cabin, 2002 owners will enjoy a redesigned centre console housing a new automatic climate control system, power express up/down windows and new head protection curtains. As well, the 4.3-litre V8 has been replaced by a 5.0-litre version, featuring an

Buy pre-owned and lets the original owner pay the majority of the depreciation. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

output increase from 268- to 288-horsepower, plus 288 to 325 lb-ft of torque. At a base price of $49,350 the 2002 ML 320 put premium SUV ownership closer to a much larger middle-class audience. Even today's $51,800 ML is a reasonably good deal.

But hold on! There's an even more economical way to get into an M-Class. Buy pre-owned and let the original owner pay the majority of the depreciation. Prices for 1998 examples start as low as $15,000, while a full-load 2001 ML430 should be priced in the low- to mid-$30 range. Hey, why not spring for a ML55, the super-SUV that came along in model year 2000 goes from the low $40s to over $50K, depending on year and condition.