Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2009 Problems

As you say Mercedes generally cost more to service and repair, particularly if you have a dealer do the work.

They're not as expensive if you use an independent Mercedes specialist, and there are plenty around who can do that for you. They not only charge less for their labour, they usually have access to cheaper parts. Most of those parts are full factory parts, just sourced from overseas, instead of locally, so you don't miss out on quality or reliability by using them.

Jeep owners generally swear by the cars, but they have had issues over the years that should make you wary about signing on to the brand.

There's not much to split them, perhaps I would prefer the 'Benz.

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.

Mercedes-Benz spokesman David McCarthy replies: "In Australia we have an additional year of warranty and we cover labour as well if fitted in our workshop. America has 10 times the volume of Australia and bulk purchases are arranged, but if the part fails the customer would have to manage a claim with the US. Also, if purchased from eBay is it really genuine, or re-boxed, or was it from a obsolete sale?"

The rate of depreciation will be the same as any other Mercedes-Benz model; while the AMG badge will be more attractive to buyers it won’t slow the rate of depreciation as it might once have done when it was a rare model. Unfortunately your car was immediately devalued when the new price was cut with the tariff reduction, there’s not much you can do about that.