GLK opinions

I am looking several different SUVs - Pilot, Four Runner, and the GLK. The GLK has only been out for two model years now, but can anyone opine on the vehicle? It appears to be a great car with so-so mpg. My current (and only) car is an Element, so I have no idea of the cost of ownership for a 'nicer' vehicle. For example, new rotors...I know what they cost on my Element, does that translate to a similar cost on a GLK? Or slightly more? 2x the cost?

a GLK is at the very high end of my car budget (about $37,000 msrp), if all other things are equal. If there is a very high cost of ownership, then it definitely isn't affordable. Am I biting off more than I can chew?

I bought a GLK just after Christmas. I also own a 2010 Honda CRV LX 2wd as well as a business driver. My thoughts - if you can do your own service (as I do) the Benz will be slightly more expensive because:
1. It holds more synthetic oil than my Honda does, but, oil filters are about the same price.
2. The Benz uses twin air filters on the engine, the Honda only a single filter.
3. The Benz uses larger tires (19's vs. 17's).
4. Parts - replacement parts for both are pricey. I'd call it about even.

The Benz is not supposed to be particularly fuel efficent, and, runs on premium gas only. I've haven't broken my GLK in yet, so, I don't know yet how good it'll do on trips. However, my Honda is not that fuel efficient as well. Running at interstate speeds, it was getting 23 - 24 MPG. However, I started feeding it premium, and, my mileage jumped up to the 28 - 30 Mpg range. I'm expecting the Benz to settle in at about 27 Mpg tops.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Oldengineer
2011 Mercedes GLK350 4Matic
2010 Honda CRV LX
1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Town Sedan

GLK is good car , if you cant you can buy bmw X5 or X6 are much better

hi tomibraniste -

can you state why you think the x5 and x6 are better? also, isn't the GLK more comparable to the x3? thanks.