Used 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Consumer Reviews

2013 GLK250 vs X3 diesel decision maker

Although I relay on feedbacks and reviews, it took a while to decide to write one. However, I wanted to write this review for people interested in diesel cars as I was, and there weren’t too many comments in regards to diesel engines. I was in search of a diesel car that will have a high MPG and be a little bit bigger than a sedan. I didn’t care about brands in the beginning knowing that I will sort it out at the end based on price/mpg/quality, etc. After narrowing down I ended up with 2 models: BMW X3 diesel and MB GLK250 diesel. I lived in Oregon at that time and the price in NW was higher than other areas. As I had time to search and not be in rush, I found a 2013 GLK250 in California @ $28K with 21000 miles on it. PURCHASE it for my wife. 2 months later I found an X3 diesel in Texas @ 36K brand new, but with rear window busted by the hails. The dealer replaced the window for free, but I paid for fixing the wiring as the rain water affected the rear side. 1 year later, both cars have about 10k miles put on them, and I can say that MB is the best as performance. Acceleration: BMW is on 8 speed transmission and the car is slow until you reach about 30MPH. The ratio on speed changes is small and that will keep you slow. It is irritant to see all kind of other brands vehicles to be faster than your BMW car, from stop to 30-35 MPH. GLK250 instead is on 7 speed transmission but the ratio is distributed different and you have the starting speed what you’ll need. Comfort: BMW is better as the seats are a bit better built and placed. The infotainment system has more options (like a computer) while MB is pretty simple (for old guys like me). MPG: I drove the BMW from Oregon to NY with constant speeds above 80 / 85 MPH and the MPG was about 30MPG. The driving comfort was ok as I drove about 12 hours / day. It bothered when I had to go to speeds lower than 30MPH as the transmission changed gears and it seems to not catch up speed at least as fast as other cars. In the “city”: I did UBER/LYFT for about 6 months and I achieved about 28 MPG in a stop and go traffic about 8-12 hours/day (on the days I worked). During the winter (snow and ice) it performed excellent. No slips, plenty of torque on snowy hills. Now on the NY routes I am getting about 35MPG even more if there were no hills. The best was 45MPG on a 75 miles trip at 45-55MPH. The GLK250: most highway trips were between Portland and Seattle and the MPG was about 33MPG @ an average of 75MPH. In the city (stop and go) I am constantly getting about 30 MPG. But leaving from stop lights is a pleasure. NOISE: Definitely both cars are quitter than their predecessors and while running you won’t make the difference between the gas and diesel engines. However, GLK is at least 50% quitter than X3. Now if I would have to start shopping again, I will definitely not buy an X3 anymore, but 2 GLK’s. Unfortunately, MB is not making diesel mid-size SUV’s / cross-overs or at least this is what I know at this point. Breaks: I drove Toyota and Honda for many years, but BMW’s breaks are worst. You have to push hard on them is not like the other cars where you gentle push the breaks and stops without efforts. If you’ll check the forums you’ll see that breaks and rotors are a common problem for BMW’s. If you open up the CARFAX reports on autotrader, you’ll see that almost every 30k the pads/rotors were replaced. GLK has pretty much the same habit, but maybe at 45K… Hopefully this will help you take the right decision. Feel free to ask questions if you have [contact info removed]. Updates as 1.5.18... on June of 2017 the GLK had a huge white smoke coming from the pipe. I took the car to the dealer and ended up in replacing the entire exhaust system. 1.5 months later the Oxygen sensor had to be replaced. In January of 2018 the check engine light came on and when I took it in I was told that the manifold needs to be replaced. However, all of those repairs were covered by the warranty which sadden expires on June of this year. I am not going to keep this car as the expenses are out of control... current miles on the car? 31000! Mercedes is just a name tag, not quality anymore. ************************************ Update as of January 2020 It seems that the car was fixed in regards to the white smoke, however, the new issue is that every time when i did the oil change about 2 days after a warning is popping up on the board saying ... you have left 8 starts - please see dealer for the addblue fluid issues (even though the tank was refiled). Besides that the car was performing as it should and currently I have 45k miles on it.

Superlative Style, Substance, Performance and Reliability

I have owned this car for about 13 months and put almost 23,000 miles on it. I have loved the experience so far and have had no issues with reliability. Live in CT and the car has been awesome commuting in the snow with the factory tires. Much cooler/rarer than the BMW X3. GLK's faux leather is textured to replicate real leather and has verisimilitude in its touch. Also great with rain, snow, etc. The sound of the doors closing is truly like that of a vault. Unfortunately a wayward deer head-butted my door while I was going 30 mph...but there was NO dent/damage whatsoever! Truly an incredible machine and I am so happy I chose it.

2500 miles in, so far so good

Have been driving the GLK250 since the end of June '13 and have had no major complaints so far. Zero problems (mechanical or electrical) encountered and it's simply a solid vehicle overall. Have been averaging 30-31 MPG after 5 fill-ups in 80/20 Hwy/City driving. That's from my own mileage calculations but frankly the on-board trip computer is not too far off (within 0.5-1MPG accuracy). I'm not exactly a lead-foot but I don't drive like a granny either (I'm 28 years old). This thing just eats road imperfection for lunch - I live in the NE region so there is plenty of that around. Can't wait to test out the 4Matic performance in the snow in another month or so.

Luxurious details with high maintenance price tags

I love this car so far. It is comfortable, drives great, has a beautiful interior, and turns heads when I pull into a parking space. What I don't like is the ridiculous price tag for maintenance and service at the Mercedes dealer. I checked on their 20,000 mile maintenance package and have postponed it when they told be it would be $660. That is for them to change the oil and do some basic checks. Yes, it is a luxury car and yes I expected to pay a lot at a dealer but that seems extreme. I also wanted to transfer the MBrace (their version of OnStar) to me since it is transferable but they will only do that at a dealer at a cost of $180. Same thing to update the navigation to a current version - $249 and can only be done at the dealer. I'll be doing all of these things but I have to prepare my wife for it first. She thought the $100 I paid my local mechanic to change the oil was outrageous. I haven't told her about the other costs yet. Just be prepared for this if you buy a Mercedes and want to keep it well maintained. Plan on about $500 in upfront costs for updates and transfers. Then plan on about $800 per year in preventative maintenance.

great little suv, BUT.....

We own a 2013 rdx tech and I must say its a great value ,But after buying the 2013 glk350 It surely puts the rdx to shame in refinement.The only thing that bothers me is that the glk could use a bit more space to compete better instead of forcing people to go for the ML. Also, there is nothing like the smell and feel of leather and its a 2100 option on the glk. It doesn't work for me that a luxury brand like mercedes would come up with a gimmick like mb tech fake look leather so they can ask for 2100 for something that should be standard in this brand. The smell of the mb tech is not pleasing and smells cheap ( sounds weird). We sill take the rdx for shopping due to more space .

2013 Mercedes 250GLK

I love driving this little SUV. It has the Premium 1 package but no Navigation. I have been enjoying the diesel experience so far. After 16,000 miles, my MPG average is 31.1, pretty impressive compared to the published 28 MPG. I do not purposely drive slow to get that MPG number. I average 60/40% HWY/CiTY. My advice is to find the cheapest Diesel pump as it usually sells most diesel and keep the fuel fresh.

Bought used with 74k miles on it

I have only owned this vehicle for about three months so far. I read tons of reviews on it before purchasing, but never could find a review from someone who had purchased a GLK with the same amount of miles on theirs, which is why I’m writing this review. The exterior look of this SUV is what first caught my eye. I owned an Infiniti FX35 before this. I love vehicles that are different/aggressive looking. There are a few nicks in my paint & minor scratches of the clear coat which I’m sure is from someone trying to wax & buff who didn’t know what they were doing. The interior is sharp & I love the wood grain details. I do have a tear in the seam of the driver’s seat that I’m currently trying to repair & I've noticed some peeling of the plastic coating on the steering wheel. Aside from that, I’m happy with the interior...& I LOVE the sun/moon roof. As far as performance, I’m still trying to get used to the odd start up noises & ticking of the engine which I’ve been told is all normal due to the operation of its direct injection engine. It’s definitely different from any other vehicle I’ve owned. The “get up & go” on this vehicle is certainly lacking. It takes a bit to get up to speed. Fortunately, I’m not trying to race anyone. I work 30 miles from home so this vehicle gets a lot of highway time. I love the visibility from the cab of the GLK. The blind spots are slight. There’s definitely some wind noise which I’m sure is due to the vast windshield. I did read some reviews about the windows & the sun/moon roof leaking. I haven’t had that problem. There’s also some road noise that I’m attributing to the sport tires that were put on this vehicle before I purchased it. Since they’re brand new tires, I’m living with it for now, but will be looking at different, hopefully quieter, tires when it comes time to replace them. For the most part, the ride is comfortable, smooth & fairly quiet, but my FX felt more solid on the road. The transmission transitions between gears smoothly, but I have heard a slight whine that only lasts a couple seconds when going from second to third gear. However, it doesn’t happen every time that transition is made. I’ll definitely be addressing this with the technician when it goes in for servicing, but I realize this 6 year old vehicle isn’t going to operate as a brand new one might. I also just had my right low beam bulb go out, so I’ll be replacing that this weekend. The main complaint I read when researching the GLK was the cost of maintenance & repairs. Most of those reviews were from people taking their Mercedes to a dealership. That’s understandable if the vehicle is still under warranty, but I made sure to touch base with my repair shop owner before purchasing this GLK to be sure he & his technicians would be willing & able to service it. Fortunately they are &, comparing his maintenance & repair estimates to that of the local dealership, he’s going to charge roughly half of what they do...which is HUGE! All in all, I’m pleased with the GLK so far. UPDATE: I decided to trade in the GLK for a Lexus RX350 a few months ago. My main reason for doing so was the inconsistent start up noises. There were times I would start it & the RPMs would rev high, then settle after a few seconds. Other times, it would idle so low upon start up that it almost killed the engine, but again would normalize after a few seconds. I’m ok with the odd start up noises as long as they’re consistent. These were not. That, combined with the lack of “get up & go”, is why I traded it in. For a Mercedes, I expected to be more impressed.

After 4000 miles, this SUV is perfect.

I'm getting 33 mpg in mixed driving (more than the EPA estimate, which is common for diesels). The quality is exceptional. My Mercedes dealer is making sure this, my first Benz, will not be my last. No complaints. One quibble: turn the radio off and the backup camera goes off, which is crazy. Ignore that eccentricity, and this is a perfect SUV.

Tons of torque and great fuel economy

I traded in an MDX looking for something a bit smaller. I had looked at the 2012 GLK but was really put off by the cheap interior. I was happy to see that Mercedes really improved on the interior quality for the 2013 GLK. I was a bit skeptical at first about the engine seeing as though it's a 4-cylinder, but it has an amazing amount of torque and when you hit the gas you'll feel it. It has plenty of passing power at highway speeds as well. The 7 speed transmission is very smooth.

Great car

The ride is as one expects from a Mercedes, smooth ride, great cornering and handles well in snow. Great interior design. Seating in front is comfortable and easily adjustable. Controls are all accessible. The map/gps system takes a while to learn. Great view of traffic and blind sight assist is terrific. Performance is excellent. Fast acceleration from 0-60 with good passing on highway. I have two concerns. One, the rear seat space is limited, therefore you can only seat 5 adults with limited comfort. The windshield wipers do not perform well in heavy participation.

GLK 250 is a great ride with excellent gas mileage

The only drawback to this vehicle is the tire noise from the run-flats installed as standard equipment. Otherwise it is a great vehicle with no problems, recalls, or dealer involvement. Tire and wheel warranty already executed for a leaky rim, but quickly replaced at dealership. The tire noise remains, and no apparent resolution is being offered as a remedy.

Love my mercedes benz!

Having read as many reviews of the GLK as possible I have come to the conclusion that the average American is so spoiled they have have lost sight of what is to have an exceptional vehicle. One reviewer complained about the stitching on the steering wheel, several about the room in the back seat, others about the cheap materials on all models prior to 2013. Yes it is expensive and yes the maintenance costs are higher than average, and yes the mpg could be better as in all SUV's. Everyone knows that. Buy a Honda and if you think it is too small then you didn't pay attention when you test drove it, if you did.

VERY RELIABLE

Every parts on this suv is high quality even if it is not the higher mercedes class. I live in Quebec city and it is the perfect winter vehicle for snow but don't expect incredible economy on winter: about 7.2 to 8.5 liters/100kms based on 30%city and 70%highway. On summer the economy is amazing: about 4.5 to 5.5L/100kms on highway and in city only it will be about 6 to 7.5L/100kms. The driving is not sport but it is fun to drive. The diesel engine is pretty quiet. The only negative points on this cars are: the bluetec system which and it would be an upgrade to remove, the radia has a very good sound but i don't like the configuration. The rear door isn't motorized, it is optionnal. Even if it's a 2013 many think it a 2019 because this vehicle comes out of the usual standards; with its jeep look I think I'll love it for several more years.

My first MB and I'm hooked

I never intended to buy a Mercedes Benz but after researching prices for new domestic and import vehicles I decided to look at used luxury autos. The idea came from something I read in Consumer Reports about good quality used vehicles as an alternative to a new purchase. The MB 2013 GLK line had decent reviews though other vehicles had better rankings. I went through the local MB dealer in San Antonio. Their attention to detail was wonderful and my purchase experience was easy and enjoyable-quite a different experience altogether from other dealers in town. There was very little haggling, I got a great price on the GLK and am happy with my purchase. I never thought I could afford a Mercedes but now that I own one, I'm hooked.

Love the Car Beware it has Problems and MB wont stand behind the consumer

I love this car and it comforts and how it drives and the amenities. But BEWARE this car has problems. These cars have issues and MBUSA nor the dealerships will not stand or help you in the least bit. I have begged until I am blue in the face The check engine light illuminates after filling up with gas and in numerous instances because of a "throttle valve problem that no dealership in Florida nor Georgia have been able to replicate causes the car to go "limp" meaning you can't accerate on the gas. My most recent episode was a week ago on I-75 and I had to beg Mercedes Roadside Assistance to send a Roadside Tech to come assist me at night. Which they refused to do.

Great little chariot

I bought it w 11000 miles on it in 2914 and have never had one problem with it. It would make a reliable used car. It has just enough options but at this point in my life I need a car with. BLIS, LED headlights And a few other options that assist with night driving. The technology was not there in 2013. It’s a hard decision to part with a trouble free car and now that I’m writing this I might hang on to it!

Great ride

I have had this car since Sept 2012 and have been very happy with it. Pickup is great and the ride is smooth. The only negative I can say is the controls for the windshield defogger, etc. They divert attention from driving if you have to change any settings.

Traded it in at 18,500 miles September 2020

I loved this car but didn't drive it very much. At 17,000 miles the dealership said needed new brakes. For reference, I had a Peugeot and didn't need a brake job until I reached 102,000 miles. The warranty is awful and the repairs are designed for the affluent. The mileage was great. Beware of the cost of repairs. If you are a mechanic, go for it.

Size and drive ability

GLK-350 SUV has spacious head room and drives like a compact car. Perfect height from ground and a spacious doorway eases entrance and exit of vehicle! I LOVE MY GLK 350!!!

Sunroop Shatters While Driving on Highway

Hello, I would like to share my review regarding a newly purchased 2013 GLK 350 4 Matic. I made my first long distance road trip on 18 December 2013 from Virginia to Tennessee, then Louisiana and to return back to Virginia after the Holiday. As I was making my drive through Charlotte NC on I 85, at approximately 4:23 pm on 27 Dec 13, I heard a loud pop. I thought my tire had blew. I heard wind like noise and looked up and there it was. My sunroof had shattered. My shade was covered so no glass entered the car. The outside of the sunroof had spider lines. Nothing had fallen...it just popped. So now the SUV is at MB of Alexandria. I read reviews of issues with other cars and MBs as well. Wow!

GLK goes from city to country

This car was amazing and safe covering lots of road and miles daily. It got me through all weather imaginable. Dependable, and fun to drive!

It’s Like Driving a Hot Wheels

Most dueable and reliable vehicle I have ever owned. It’s quick, responsive, turns well with little body roll and is comfortable and super quiet too. It's a great Driver's vehicle.

The most I paid for a car and worth every penny!

The cost of service is more than expected, but the car is competent in every respect. I will do it again!

Fast like car

This is a bad ass ride. Moves in and out of lines like a race car.

New Horse

Good car for the wife

Very good car. Avoid too many extras to keep car affordable when purchasing

Red bottom

I love my car its cute its red and it had low mileage