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Mercedes or Jeep for towing a boat?

I am considering buying a 4wd for country trips and towing a 17-foot boat weighing about 1600 kg. I wouldn't be doing any serious off-road driving. I am considering a Mercedes ML 320 or 350, as they seem to be reasonably priced when compared to a similar age Jeep Grand Cherokee. Just wondering how they compare regarding maintenance and running cost? My big concern in that Mercedes cost a lot to maintain, particularly if you require mechanical repairs. We would plan to keep it for at least five years. Which do you think would be better value?

You're correct in thinking the Mercedes would cost more to service and repair, particularly if you use a dealer. Going to an independent service mechanic with experience of Mercedes-Benz cars would save you plenty. The Jeep would be the cheaper of the two in terms of servicing, and of the two you are looking at that's the one I would opt for.

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