Yeah, yeah, and I've done real well on my 1972 911E 2.7.
My (apparently too subtle) point was that you are trying to rationalize the purchase of a GL550. If you want a GL550, then buy a GL550. But just don't try to say that VW's "cheating" had anything to do with it.
Your original statement about which I asked "Why?" was,
"Ugh...
Suddenly, the comparatively horrible fuel MPG and diminished range of my GL550 to the T2, is an easier pill to swallow. "
in response to a post that Mercedes may be facing diesel compliance issues similar to VW.
My question was, essentially, why would M-B "cheating" or VW "cheating" on their diesels make going to a gasoline engine that gets 17 mpg an easier pill to swallow? Does it feel better to go from one cheating company to another cheating company as long as you don't buy one of their cheating vehicles? And there is only an economic driver to buy a GL550 early and park the T2 if the increase in buy-back amount is greater than the NPV of the early GL550 purchase amount. I'm pretty sure that's not the case.
So, what you really have is a situation where you wanted to buy a GL550 for reasons unrelated to VW's diesel issues (e.g., size and third-row seating), and you're trying to maximize the buy-back amount for the T2 by parking it. That sounds like the right strategy. But VW's diesel issues didn't drive you to the gasoline GL550. If anything, VW's diesel issues made it EASIER for you to buy the GL550 that you wanted anyway, because you'll get more money for your T2 from VW than you otherwise would have in a non-settlement-agreement trade-in or sale.
Congratulations on the GL550! (When I see a GL550 I always think of Roger Federer's commercial, "It's a monkey, daddy!").
Don't know that commercial, must go Utube it...
Interesting to see you can read my mind. Must not be sending out all the right brain waves because you are wrong. The hard pill was leaving diesels, for now. The MB news confirmed my suspicions that other would get wrapped up in this and that German diesel SUVs will exit NA for the next 5-7 years. I just don't want to go through this again.
Yes, love, Love, LOVE my T2 TDI. Best overall vechicle owned. Was never too worked up about the diesel emissions issues. My beef, and still held grudge, is for the stupidity and arrogance of management in general - and Winterkorns politics and appointees in particular. And, have been kicking myself a bit for the time and devotion spent on the VAG brand in particular, and cars in general...
But, still would buy a VAG product. They just don't offer what we need. And for the T2, we are taking the buyback, so decided to get it off the road. At a few thousand below 100K, we are not going to do the next scheduled maintainance.
That said, I don't have to, or really even want to, explain myself to you, but there are some folks here who I'd like to share more with, and your response helps frame this...
Yes, always liked the GLs, as a 3rd row option.
With the T2, one kid, no problem, two ditto. Third kid, math changed, no room for anyone, and the second row is not built for three child seats. God help us if we get T-boned at the passenger doors...
This is my world today and were my decision making drivers. With a lot of summer family trips planned, we need the 3rd row now. It will also allow us to haul adults along with kids this summer and beyond.
I try to buy and hold the best cost/value vechicles for that task at hand. Buy them late in their build cycle, so typically past the new build teething pains. I also try to buy fully loaded unicorns. My 87.5 Audi Coupe, orignal S4 with NAV, the '97tt, the '04.:R32, the T2 TDI, and yes, this particular GL550 are examples.
Started off by figuring to go with a loaded GL350. Then discovered active curve system was an option and had to have it (it is a very hard to find option on a 350. Every one found had big mileage, or was sold instantly). It makes a noticable difference in L/R body roll in hard cornering. Once down that slope, it got slippery fast.
The AMG body work and wheels are the taste making differences between the GL having some decent road presence, and otherwise looking like a bus. No worries, having a brother in the business, $10K wah la, the 350 looks like a 550, but has the diesel plant.
Then this GL550 appeared, basically new, loaded with everything but the B&O stereo, night vision and the illuminated star, 35% off purchase price.
Still was going to hold out for an active curve 350, but it was dominating too much time in my life. Coming off the heels of the diesel mess, which had done much the same thing. All of which made me reevaluate my time and priorities and decide to move away from diesels for now.
What is really wanted is a diesel/electric, 3rd row, air suspended rig. These are already in Europe, but with limitations and sacrifices to useful space. Our issues probably delay entry for another 5-7 years.
So, nope, no justification need on buying the GL550. It had zero to do with the scandal. More justifying why not to buy another diesel now (and maybe even more it being black, instead of a silver), but hopefully we will again have a diesel SUV, once the NOx settles...
