1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

SUV

V6, 2.3 LITER

Automatic

4JGAB54E2WA018080

Clear

Gasoline

HISTORY: This vehicle has been an awesome blessing to our family. We were going to keep it until we could have the repairs done, but we have to sell it to cover the expense of visiting with our family for the holidays. The miles are high because its been driven between Chicago and Fort Hunter Liggett, CA. Yes, its been everywhere between the twists/turns of the midwest, and through the mountains. I used to mock the price of luxury vehicles and the people who owned them, but with this truck I have learned that you truly get what you pay for. We've had it since 2009, and the only thing we had to replace on it was the wiper motor in January of this year, so not only did we take pretty good care of it, but it's simply a good, tough, long-lasting kind of truck, so we can't take all the credit:->. We are only the second owners, so that is pretty good for a vehicle of this age. Oh! That reminds me, no one has smoked in this vehicle since we bought it, BUT the first owner was a smoker. We were able to remove all evidence of cigarette smoke odors from the vehicle, and there is no trace of it now. OPERATING CONDITION: This vehicle needs a lot of work. The odometer reads that is has been 38,000 miles since it's last tune up (see photo), but that is not true. We had the tune-up done at a very well known, very reputable auto repair company in Paso Robles the last time we drove it to California from Illinois, but only the Mercedes-Benz dealership mechanics know how to adjust this setting. It does, however, need another tune up now (it's been almost a year), and it needs other work done, too. We just cannot afford this vehicle anymore, so we have to say goodbye. Right now, the check engine light is on (see photo). The Kelley Blue Book lists this vehicle at a value of $2580 in "Fair" condition. We are starting bidding at only $2300, the Autocheck score is above average, it has had only two owners, and we know it's in better than "fair" condition, so this vehicle is worth more than we're asking for it. We need to sell it quickly, so it is going for the lowest price. We are trying to earn enough money to visit with our family for the holidays, and need to sell it asap. We've seen this same vehicle on the market for anywhere from $4,800-$8,000 depending on mileage and condition. Whatever money you save from buying from us, you will come out ahead because if we do pay to have it repaired, the price will be much higher. This way, you can get it cheap now, and then have the work done on it yourself whenever you want-- right away or over time. We considered breaking the vehicle down and selling it for parts (MUCH more lucrative!!), but it still runs, so we didn't have the heart to dismantle an operating vehicle. However, if you are a mechanic and would like to turn a profit, that may not be a bad idea for you. It needs service on everything, basically, but the minor little nuisances I remember from driving it include:the driver's window motor needs to be rewired or replacedthe rear driver's side door doesn't open from the inside because the handle needs to be repaired (see photo... not sure why-- didn't work when we got it, either)the rear window controls are not there (see photo... we have children, so I did not actually consider this a flaw!)The last place we drove it was to San Francisco airport a few months ago, and I cannot remember if there was anything else. If something else comes to me, I'll revise the information here. PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:As seen in the photos, this vehicle has normal wear and tear. Nothing major, and no body work needs to be done. The two pictures of the odometer and ceiling demonstrate two periods: the clean one was taken a few months ago. Since then, there has been a mishap in the car involving children, hot chocolate, and a sharp object (see photos). I feel bad about this, because it was perfectly beautiful and clean before, but this is part of the reason we're going with the lowest price. It can be cleaned, though, so it's not a deal breaker at all. As with any used vehicle, it is best that you have it professionally detailed. LOCATION AND PICKUP INFO:This vehicle still has its Illinois plates, and because we've only driven it for small errands here and there, the plates are not current. For that reason, the buyer will be responsible for picking this vehicle up from us at Fort Hunter Liggett where we keep it stored off the streets. If you drive it, it will be at your own risk because the plates are expired. The title is free and clear, and transferring it to your own name (or the name of whomever you're buying it for) will be no problem. We will not ship this vehicle. The buyer will be responsible for picking it up from Fort Hunter Liggett, CA (24 miles south of King City). Please feel free to ask any questions, and thank you for looking at our listing!