Advice required RE G Wagon

[dsolds]

Hi all, been a few years since I was last in a Benz but thinking about making a return.

Long story short I’m sick of the green oval and all their inherent lack of reliability and build quality issues. So, I need a big 4x4 for a number of reasons, pulling a caravan, carrying my 4 border collies and the 4wd for the snotty weather as I live in the countryside beyond the reach of gritters.

Anyway, having explored many avenues I got to Discovery 4 size but not a Land Rover and about as close as I can see is the G Wagon. The thing is I have no experience of them at all, not even been inside one.

So my questions......
How big is the boot in the long wheelbase? Say compared to a Disco 4
Realistically should I look at a petrol or diesel? I want an auto box whatever the engine.
How old or new would be the best bet. Build quality versus age, any years to avoid?
Any issues to look for when viewing potential cars please?
Not keen on the bling Chelsea tractor variants, I do go off road for shooting, the odd horse box job and an Ifor trailer to collect building materials and so on, basically it needs to be tough as old boots, not a fashion accessory.

All advice appreciated.

Dom.

 

[Doodle]

Controversial view, but for the requirements list and example vehicle (D4) I'd be looking at a Land Cruiser. By comparison a G Wagen is a very expensive way to go, for the same money as the last of the D4s you'll be looking at something 10-15yo.

 

[Smart320]

Had a 2003 Landcruiser Prado, ( not the Amazon ) bought new and run for 11 years in N.Africa, loved it , tough as old boots, not a bad drive on Tarmac , 7 seats if you needed them, did not do high mileage but did nothing except service it every year or 5 k kilometres ( operated in high summer temperatures and sandy conditions ) . Would go anywhere with it's low ratio manual gearbox. Only sold it when we were spending more time in Uk as it was LHD so not worth importing . Definitely worth a drive before you decide, I preferred it to my LandRover Discovery I had in the 90's

 

[dsolds]

Thanks chaps. I did sort of look at a Land Cruiser but even the big one (Amazon) the boot looked smaller than a Range Rover, which isn't exactly spacious in the boot. About the closest I could get to D4 sizes (with the squared off back end) was an Isuzu Trooper. The trouble with those is that the youngest are 12 years old now, and their 3.0 Diesel engine was not exactly known for being robust. But that's the size I need.

I do a bit of work with a dog rescue charity, mostly fostering "problem dogs" so I can have up to 6 at any one time and being Border Collies they aren't exactly handbag sized. I have 3 of my own, soon to be 4 I think as the Mrs has fallen in love with our latest foster and we'll probably end up keeping him. 4 are OK in the back of a Range Rover, 6 is too many, although the D4 will take 6 nicely. This is why I got to thinking about a G Wagon with it's boxy rear end. I imagine it will be a large boot although I've never seen inside one.

Also I did spend some hours reading about Gunther Holtorf and his one "Otto" which gave me the impression they are more than robust and can be very long lived if looked after. I know they are expensive in comparison but after almost 3 years of genuinely shocking reliability from Land Rover (63 days this year alone off the road with faults) I really don't care. I want to buy something I can use for 15 years with just the expected stuff plus the odd major component refurb, not something as fragile as Venetian Glass which my L405 Range Rover has been. The Range rover before it was just as bad. they all are to be frank and they all suffer with poor component quality.

Overall I think my view of the G is that it's like a Land Rover Defender, only they built it properly. Or am I misguided?

Dom

 

[Doodle]

Thanks chaps. I did sort of look at a Land Cruiser but even the big one (Amazon) the boot looked smaller than a Range Rover, which isn't exactly spacious in the boot.

Dom

As an ex-Amazon owner, that doesn't sound right. Did you just have the 3rd row folded, or did you remove it completely? From memory it's about 4ft from tailgate to back of 2nd row, which is about the same as a D4. I know with the 2nd row removed, a king size bed will fit

These links should give you some idea of space in the G-wagen vs D4. On paper the Mercedes looks to be quite a bit smaller.

https://tools.mercedes-benz.co.uk/current/passenger-cars/e-brochures/g-class.pdf
http://www.landroverweb.com/Pdf-files/Manuals/Brochures/land_rover_discovery_110_en_GB.pdf

 

[grober]

One of the extended cab JAP pickups with a cab over the load bay? Thousands of farmers and tradesmen can't be wrong?
https://hips.hearstapps.com/roa.h-c...lg.jpg?crop=1xw:1.0xh;center,top&resize=768:*

 

[KillerHERTZ]

The guy comes on a MB forum and everyone suggests other Marques. G-Wagens are tanks (not the new ones with the fancy kits). Locking Diffs as standard, whats not to like? (apart from the eye-watering prices).

 

[Doodle]

Because splashing £30k for a 15yo workhorse takes a certain mindset. And Land Cruisers have locking diffs too

As a tool for a job, there are perhaps better options out there. But if it's a G-wagen you want, then nothing else will do.

 

[grober]

Its not so much anti Mercedes as trying to meet the criteria the poster sets out. A G wagen doesn't seem to fullfil the "spec" he appears to want.
There is of course the new Mercedes X class pickup but since the OP wants no frills he may be better off with a Nissan Navara on which the X class is based. The only spec snag is his requirement for an auto box which will be an extra cost option if available?

 

[Piff]

 

[Benzowner]

As an ex owner of a long wheelbase G, they are enormous, on my long wheel base I could carry 5 adults in the cab and with a tightish squeeze another 6 in the back, all within the cab area. Mine having lateral rear benches, no need for seat belts. I used to take 7 sometime 8 kids to school, not all mine I may add My version had manual diff lock levers and was on a G plate 1989(?) the later models had electronic diff locks. Main problem was the 15mpg regardless of whether I was towing a caravan, on a run solo or around town, my engine was the 280 petrol. Had the loan of a newer 3 litre 6 cylinder diesel and got that up to just under 30mpg obviously at that time non turbo.

 

[dsolds]

OK, well I went to a main dealer to look at the G Wagen and it looks like it will be large enough. I don't think it's quite D4 sized but I can live with that to get some reliability. Sadly the one at the dealer was the AMG with a mahoosive V8 which I really don't want, nor did I like the look of the wheels with their teeny weeny profile tyres. Not exactly off road material, nor would it cope well with muddy paws. Looking at what's around it seems that the only ones suitable are in the private seller area. I'm thinking a 3.0 diesel auto, probably 2000 to 2008 ish so I guess it's a waiting game now until the right one comes available.

I do appreciate you all taking the time to give some input though, you're a very civilised bunch

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Might be worth giving the GL a look; more for sale, massive boot and if you go for the V8 diesel you’ll be able spin the earth in the opposite direction such is the torque.

The G-Wagen is an iconic 4x4 but they’re so rare that you’ll struggle to find one that’s the right side of £35k that’s relatively modern.

 

[grober]

OK, well I went to a main dealer to look at the G Wagen and it looks like it will be large enough. I don't think it's quite D4 sized but I can live with that to get some reliability. Sadly the one at the dealer was the AMG with a mahoosive V8 which I really don't want, nor did I like the look of the wheels with their teeny weeny profile tyres. Not exactly off road material, nor would it cope well with muddy paws. Looking at what's around it seems that the only ones suitable are in the private seller area. I'm thinking a 3.0 diesel auto, probably 2000 to 2008 ish so I guess it's a waiting game now until the right one comes available.

I do appreciate you all taking the time to give some input though, you're a very civilised bunch

You definitely want to check out this bunch G-Wagen Owners' Association
Who knows someone on there might have something for sale?

 

[Piff]

One for sale here There is a picture of the boot area in the advert

 

[Fizzer]

The G Wagen is definitely on my bucket list. I am a big fan of the LR Defender but my limitations require an auto. The 450 GL I currently have has been a good load hauler. I have pulled trailers from one side of the US to the other, more than once. I have had it soft roading through the Nevada and moave deserts and it has yet to let me down. It does have its faults, but these have been limited to, what I would consider frivolous things (parking sensor fail, electric tailgate). I would recommend getting one with the "engineer" off road package. Mine does not have it and I feel like I should have held out for it. Mine has 102000 miles on it, still feels tight and I would trust it to go at least another 102000. With the 3rd row of (electrically folding) seats down it has 4ft of load space, with the 2nd row down 6.5ft.
I get around 16 to the gallon on average but im not sure if its diesel only in blighty.

 

[dsolds]

Thanks again chaps. Shame that one for sale is a left hooker, I'd have been over there today.

Oh Fizzer. Defender huh? I've had them and will suggest you want something better built that doesn't leak oil out and rainwater in, won't break your back, won't make you deaf and won't give you those LandRover "Nope, I ain't playing today" moments. Just a thought

As for yours, I agree, the GL looks lovely as well. I consider the G to be a defender that someone actually bothered to build properly. As for fuel, we get both and I don't really care. MPG, who's counting? Yes it's expensive and yes, life is short.

If I manage to fine "The one" it will be kept forever although a good mate threw me a curve ball over the weekend. He has a Ford F150, not my bag really due to it being left side drive but he showed me some Aussie versions which are completely possible to import and also a very good excuse for an Antipodean holiday. These are all right side drive versions of the US big trucks which can also come with big diesel engines. It's just the thought of threading one though the Welsh mountains with a caravan on the back. Erm, perhaps not them.

One gratuitous photo which looks fine, right up until you see the scale compared to the person standing by it in the 2nd photo. These are both variants of the Ford F650.

 

[jaymanek]

Hi Dom,

You cant beat a G wagen. I have a 1999 G500 and its fantastic. Its like a swiss army knife. Use it to take 9 of us to a party or to pull land rovers our of ditches

How big is the boot in the long wheelbase? Say compared to a Disco 4

Think you answered it yourself but id bet its similar to a disco 4.

Realistically should I look at a petrol or diesel? I want an auto box whatever the engine.

This really depends on the age you are going for and what you are using it for.
Diesels seem to be very popular for those going off road and really using the G wagen for its capabilities.
My petrol is for day to day running around and occasionally pulling a car trailer so I wanted comfort, quitness and a refined drive over all.

The G350/400 CDI is one to avoid. They offered these around year 2000 onwards. Plagued with issues, especially timing chain problems.
Earlier 90's diesels are pretty much bullet proof.
The petrol engines in the 90's were underpowered in my opinion.

If we are talking newer, post 2000 ish then you have a good range of engine options. All have their pro's and cons but all are reliable, apart from the aformentioned G400.

The 2000-2006ish CDI engines suffer from injector seals leaking, but thats common to all CDI engines across Mercedes.

How old or new would be the best bet. Build quality versus age, any years to avoid?

Depends on your budget. If you can spend between 20-30K then you should get a late nineties or early noughties car. These were the sweet spot in my opinion.
Best combination of reliability and modern features.

Any issues to look for when viewing potential cars please?

Best to take a look at the G wagon owners association mentioned above. There are lots depending on age.
Wiper spindles, heater motors, rust are the things that spring to mind.

 

[dsolds]

OK, some bits to report. Firstly I no longer have 4 Border Collies. Sadly my old boy died last week so I'm down to 3 now. That makes boot space a little less of an issue. Secondly, I went to visit a pal of mine who works at Inchcape Merc in Derby. He let me have a play in one they have and I was kind of impressed with the bullet proof feel of it, slightly less impressed with interior space given how big it is outside and definitely not impressed with the fuel consumption of that engine (AMG63 version). I was getting 9 mpg pottering about LOL. Anyway, the upshot is he is looking for a late 90's diesel for me. If I can find the right one I reckon it's probably the car for me but they are rather rare given how specific I am being about age and spec. Perhaps January will yield some candidates.
Thanks again
Dom

 

[tonysmb]

If the right G wagon doesn't materialise, it might be worth looking at Toyota's offerings, as suggested by others (yes, I know this is a Mercedes forum ). I know somebody in Oz, who is (more accurately, was) a big LR fan who wanted a proper 4x4 for trips into the Outback and who went for a Toyota Prado. Not sure of the boot size but he's happy to go into the Outback on 5-6 week jaunts, which speaks volumes.

Unfortunately, it does seem that recently the G-Wagon has become something of a 'celebrity' car and most of those I see in dealers now are the AMG 63s, with blingy wheels or something like Lime Green paintwork. I'm sure they've updated them over the years but I can recall comparison tests between the original Range Rover and the G-Wagon.