The Mercedes-Benz ML was conceived in an age when the only luxury off-roader to consider was the Range Rover, yet today it competes in a market crowded by BMW X5s, Toyota Land Cruisers and Volvo XC90s.

But while all these cars have their own virtues the ML offers one major advantage — price. You will struggle to get a BMW X5 for under £30,000 or a new-shape Range Rover for less than £40,000, but you can now pick up a decent Mercedes-Benz ML for well under £20,000.

Launched in 1998 and made in Alabama, USA, the car originally came only with a 3.2 litre petrol engine. These early cars suffered from build quality issues with most criticism levelled at trim and minor switches. With time these problems have proved more perceived than actual, with few owners reporting problems of any significance.

Within 12 months the range was bolstered by the 2.7 turbo diesel (the ML270) and 4.3 litre V8 petrol (the ML430). With 286bhp the ML430 was the quickest off-roader money could buy, hitting 60mph in less than eight seconds. But owners paid a penalty, with fuel consumption reported to be around 16mpg.

For those wanting economy a better bet is the ML270 diesel. The petrol models have an automatic gearbox as standard, but the diesel comes with a six-speed manual that is most un-Mercedes like and actually quite pleasant. However, most diesel owners spend extra for the excellent five-speed Geartronic automatic. Consequently manual gearbox diesels are rare and should be priced at £1,000 less than auto equivalents. Fuel economy from both is a genuine 28-30mpg and the engine’s huge torque makes this an ideal tow car.

Driving an ML on road is a pleasant experience. The ride is supple and the cabin roomy, but beware of cars fitted with large alloys as they can tramline (when the car feels as if it wants to carry on in its own direction) and cabin noise can become intrusive. Standard equipment was never generous but buyers usually added leather upholstery, metallic paint and CD players. Electric front seats and park aid are also practical additions but don’t pay more than £350 extra for both.

As with most luxury off-roaders a trip into the rough stuff is rare but the ML’s traction control endows the car with more than adequate ability. It’s worth checking cars with “off-road” tyres closely underneath as they’re usually a sign the owner has used the car with serious intent.

If speed is your thing then the ML55, introduced in late 2000, may be appealing. With 347bhp from the 5.4 litre engine, the only 4x4 it need fear is a Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

In 2001 the ML range received a facelift. Changes to bumpers, headlamp and indicator lenses and centre console gave the car a slightly smoother look. Drivers demanding more power were satisfied by the replacement of the ML430 with the ML500, increasing power to 292bhp.

The Mercedes-Benz ML currently looks the best value of prestige 4x4s and with few reported problems on high mileage examples shrewd buyers can pick up a good car for a very reasonable price.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Mercedes-Benz ML270
Engine Five-cylinder, 2688cc
Power 163bhp
Transmission Five-speed auto
Fuel 29.7mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0 to 62mph: 11.4sec
Top speed 114mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Mercedes-Benz ML270 CDI auto, 2000 W-reg with 30,000 miles. Pay £22,500 at a dealer or £21,000 privately


OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

2001 X-reg BMW X5 3.0i Auto
2000 W-reg Range Rover 2.5D HSE
2000 X-reg Toyota Land Cruiser 4.2TD
2001 X-reg Lexus RX300 SE auto
2002 51-reg Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 DI-D

Seven-seat potential: Two optional seats can be mounted in the boot

Spare wheel: Can be mounted on tailgate, liberates boot space but seriously restricts visibility

Parking aid: Not standard but a desirable option to have - worth £250 extra

Towbar: A sign that you should check the vehicle carefully - few people fit a towbar if they're not going to use it

Service history: There is no excuse for a Mercedes-Benz not to have a complete service history

Wheels: Alloys are standard, cars with 18in rims or above are prone to 'tramlining'

Upholstery: Leather an essential option, cars with cloth seats are worth £1,500 less

Colour: Metallic essential - silver, blue and black most desirable; burgundy attractive but shows scratches too easily

Gearbox: Automatic standard on all but diesel model

Air-conditioning: Manual system on some models prior to September 2001 facelift

Traction control: Electronic stability program (ESP) and electronic four-wheel traction control (4ETS) systems are standard on all models

VALUES Mercedes-Benz ML270 CDI auto




Cars with six-speed manual gearbox worth £1,000 less than Geartronic auto. ML320 worth £2,000 less than ML270 CDI. ML430 worth £1,700 more than ML270 CDI. Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; 'retail' is what you would pay a dealer