I have not seen anyone mention this G Wagens (G CLass), has anyone had any experiances with these vehicles??,I was interested in the diesel one, but are amazingly still highly priced, What are they like to maintain and run, and do they last as long as the other mercs.Please put some light on this if possible, thanks.
Madferrit
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- '06 B150SE, '99 E220 CDi, A160, Ferrari Mondial and a Smartee! Now Sold: G300 LWB (sadly missed)
I've owned a G300 LWB in a petrol version. I bought this back in 1999 and (sadly) sold it earlier this year. The car i had was a 1992 model, which i bought from a dealer for £10k, and after adding some 70k miles i sold it for £9k. So when you mention that they're still still highly priced i'm not surprised. They hold their value very well! 
but only if its been looked after and cherished. I had a full service with my car, and a stack load of bills.
Build quality is by far the best i have ever seen. You'll probably know that the G was originally made (and still is) for various army around the world. You can see why they still continue to make this. Sadly RHD production stopped a few years ago, and earlier this year i did see the very last SWB RHD for sale at around £65k. Thats about a £10K premium over the cost price, but IMO (if i had the money) that was well worth it.
Despite the size, the G is probably one of the easiest cars to drive and park! With its indicator lights sitting on top of the bonnet, you know how long your car is, and with its square back end you know how much overhang you have at the back. Unlike other 4x4's the sides are straight, with a slight flair on the arch, which makes it ideal for city use. I used mine everyday for getting through the city and never regretted it!
When i bought mine i spent a good 18 months looking for the spec that i wanted. I opted for Nautic Blue with Beige Cloth (would have preferred leather but beggers can't be choosers). I also wanted Auto and AC. I got the lot, with patience. :bannana:
I wanted the Petrol over the Diesel, as at the time the feeling was that the diesel would drive like a tractor and I wanted more of a cruiser.
Now though, if i was to go for another one, i'd probably go for Diesel, as its a car you enjoy to drive and the engines are definately built to go with the car. Remember it weighs well over 2 tons 
Not sure about diesel economy, but with petrol i'd fill up with about £60 and managed to get about 250-300miles out of the tank. The running costs can be a little high, depending on the car, and how well it is looked after. But IMO it isn't that much different to a normal merc. I always went to George Fraser with my car, and since he's had a few of these from other clients, he knew them fairly well. Depending which part of the country you're located you should find and independant to look after it.
In my opinion (and other G owners) the G will go on to be an iconic hero. Something of our time. A few famous owners include Jamiroquai (reg V8 JAY) and Eric Clapton. Thats reason enough to buy one!
If you're looking to buy, then please do NOT go to Caversham Motors. They probably have the largest selection of G's in the country but his overpricing, and arrogance is reason enough not to deal with the owner, Max. To put it politely, he makes MB Dealers all appear to have halo's and angel wings in comparison! Now thats food for thought
There is a fantastic forum (obviously only 2nd to this forum
) which is very very lively with G owners. The link is GWOA and there are a few people who post their G's on there. You're also better checking ebay, and autotrader as they appear more regular now. If you don't mind LHD (and also on budget), then Mobile.de is definately worth a look. You'll even find the 400cdi's which never made it to the UK shore. If i do for another G, (which i hope to do in a few years time), then it would definately be from Germany, with much more choice and better spec than what is left in the UK.
Anyway, i hope that helps. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.
but only if its been looked after and cherished. I had a full service with my car, and a stack load of bills.Build quality is by far the best i have ever seen. You'll probably know that the G was originally made (and still is) for various army around the world. You can see why they still continue to make this. Sadly RHD production stopped a few years ago, and earlier this year i did see the very last SWB RHD for sale at around £65k. Thats about a £10K premium over the cost price, but IMO (if i had the money) that was well worth it.
Despite the size, the G is probably one of the easiest cars to drive and park! With its indicator lights sitting on top of the bonnet, you know how long your car is, and with its square back end you know how much overhang you have at the back. Unlike other 4x4's the sides are straight, with a slight flair on the arch, which makes it ideal for city use. I used mine everyday for getting through the city and never regretted it!
When i bought mine i spent a good 18 months looking for the spec that i wanted. I opted for Nautic Blue with Beige Cloth (would have preferred leather but beggers can't be choosers). I also wanted Auto and AC. I got the lot, with patience. :bannana:
I wanted the Petrol over the Diesel, as at the time the feeling was that the diesel would drive like a tractor and I wanted more of a cruiser.
Now though, if i was to go for another one, i'd probably go for Diesel, as its a car you enjoy to drive and the engines are definately built to go with the car. Remember it weighs well over 2 tons Not sure about diesel economy, but with petrol i'd fill up with about £60 and managed to get about 250-300miles out of the tank. The running costs can be a little high, depending on the car, and how well it is looked after. But IMO it isn't that much different to a normal merc. I always went to George Fraser with my car, and since he's had a few of these from other clients, he knew them fairly well. Depending which part of the country you're located you should find and independant to look after it.In my opinion (and other G owners) the G will go on to be an iconic hero. Something of our time. A few famous owners include Jamiroquai (reg V8 JAY) and Eric Clapton. Thats reason enough to buy one!
If you're looking to buy, then please do NOT go to Caversham Motors. They probably have the largest selection of G's in the country but his overpricing, and arrogance is reason enough not to deal with the owner, Max. To put it politely, he makes MB Dealers all appear to have halo's and angel wings in comparison! Now thats food for thought
There is a fantastic forum (obviously only 2nd to this forum
) which is very very lively with G owners. The link is GWOA and there are a few people who post their G's on there. You're also better checking ebay, and autotrader as they appear more regular now. If you don't mind LHD (and also on budget), then Mobile.de is definately worth a look. You'll even find the 400cdi's which never made it to the UK shore. If i do for another G, (which i hope to do in a few years time), then it would definately be from Germany, with much more choice and better spec than what is left in the UK.Anyway, i hope that helps. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.
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wallingd
MB Enthusiast
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Feature on the new GL-Class in the Veyron-edition of Autocar (last week's now I think). Apparently, it says, the G was not originally made for army use btw. But the new 1 is termed GL whilst the old G soldiers on for a bit longer. Personally I think the new 1 is too much of a crossover into R-territory.
Thanks guys for the info and especially Madferrit, for the advice and info of your
experiance, I have been admiring them for a while, but as prices are a bit too high I am waiting fot them to come down, then maybe i would consider.A question - Why did you sell it? and didn't buy another, was it the maintance costs, or just wanted a change?
experiance, I have been admiring them for a while, but as prices are a bit too high I am waiting fot them to come down, then maybe i would consider.A question - Why did you sell it? and didn't buy another, was it the maintance costs, or just wanted a change?
Madferrit
Active Member
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2005
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- Location
- London, NW
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- '06 B150SE, '99 E220 CDi, A160, Ferrari Mondial and a Smartee! Now Sold: G300 LWB (sadly missed)
I sold it as i didn't have the rear benches, which would have made it a 7 or 9 seater. With the growing family i needed that little extra space. Thats why i went off and bought a V280, which is pretty much a glorified van!
I did spend a fair amount maintaining the G, since it was my main runaround, and i loved it so much, i didn't want to leave it neglected. In the last two years, i had a few issues, which i guess came about with the age of the car. the Viscous Coupling, overheating of the rad, and gearbox needing a rebuild. On any car that would have come to a lot, and the G was no exception.
If you're new to G's then i would definately spend some time doing your homework. The 463 model is what I had, and would go for again. It changed from 460 (or 461, i think) to 463 around 1991/1992 although there were still some 460's being made even today. But the 463 had a better looking front, and rear, and the interior was updated. By all means do visit Caversham Motors for an idea of what the range has to offer, but be sure to leave the cheque book at home, in case you are tempted.
Hope that helps
I did spend a fair amount maintaining the G, since it was my main runaround, and i loved it so much, i didn't want to leave it neglected. In the last two years, i had a few issues, which i guess came about with the age of the car. the Viscous Coupling, overheating of the rad, and gearbox needing a rebuild. On any car that would have come to a lot, and the G was no exception.
If you're new to G's then i would definately spend some time doing your homework. The 463 model is what I had, and would go for again. It changed from 460 (or 461, i think) to 463 around 1991/1992 although there were still some 460's being made even today. But the 463 had a better looking front, and rear, and the interior was updated. By all means do visit Caversham Motors for an idea of what the range has to offer, but be sure to leave the cheque book at home, in case you are tempted.
Hope that helps
Madferrit said:I sold it as i didn't have the rear benches, which would have made it a 7 or 9 seater. With the growing family i needed that little extra space. Thats why i went off and bought a V280, which is pretty much a glorified van!
I did spend a fair amount maintaining the G, since it was my main runaround, and i loved it so much, i didn't want to leave it neglected. In the last two years, i had a few issues, which i guess came about with the age of the car. the Viscous Coupling, overheating of the rad, and gearbox needing a rebuild. On any car that would have come to a lot, and the G was no exception.
If you're new to G's then i would definately spend some time doing your homework. The 463 model is what I had, and would go for again. It changed from 460 (or 461, i think) to 463 around 1991/1992 although there were still some 460's being made even today. But the 463 had a better looking front, and rear, and the interior was updated. By all means do visit Caversham Motors for an idea of what the range has to offer, but be sure to leave the cheque book at home, in case you are tempted.
Hope that helps
Thanks for all the advise,especially the forum on the G's, after speaking to a few friends and my mercedes specialists,they are saying it can get quite costly to run these lovely machines, so i will have to wait and do lots of research to see if it is viable, once more thanks, and I wish you good luck to get your ultimate G.
Madferrit
Active Member
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- Mar 29, 2005
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- Location
- London, NW
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- '06 B150SE, '99 E220 CDi, A160, Ferrari Mondial and a Smartee! Now Sold: G300 LWB (sadly missed)
No worries.
What I would say is definately stay tuned on the G Forum, as they are a great bunch of guys. For a nominal fee you can sign up to their membership where they have a magazine called G Wizz. Its great, as its written by G owners in the UK with their own experiences. You'll soon realise these machines are much more than appears to the eye and why all G owners are disappointed with the new G thats coming out.
They also have regular meets, and as a G admirer, you'll be more than welcome to go along. They usually have them at some sort of off road club, so you can imagine the fun thats to be had. The best thing is that it is run the enthusiasts, much like this forum, rather than any commercial company for their own gain.
Sadly I never went along as it always clashed with other events, but would regularly read up about the events. In fact, many of the new G owners started life out as a forum member to gain knowledge before taking the plunge
What I would say is definately stay tuned on the G Forum, as they are a great bunch of guys. For a nominal fee you can sign up to their membership where they have a magazine called G Wizz. Its great, as its written by G owners in the UK with their own experiences. You'll soon realise these machines are much more than appears to the eye and why all G owners are disappointed with the new G thats coming out.
They also have regular meets, and as a G admirer, you'll be more than welcome to go along. They usually have them at some sort of off road club, so you can imagine the fun thats to be had. The best thing is that it is run the enthusiasts, much like this forum, rather than any commercial company for their own gain.
Sadly I never went along as it always clashed with other events, but would regularly read up about the events. In fact, many of the new G owners started life out as a forum member to gain knowledge before taking the plunge
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I had a 1998 280GE 15 mpg flat out, towing, round town, on a run, it didn't seem to matter. An excellent car, loved it and I would have again and still occasionally look out for. Autotrader and ebay have been mentioned, you could also try www.g-wagen.co.uk expensive is an understatement. They certainly hold their price if cared for. Good luck in your search.
mobeyone
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If I had the money - I would buy a G55!
