Discussion
Hi,
I’m considering buying an older G-Wagen to use as a daily car. The classic version is too old as I’ll be doing around 15K mikes per year so I’m looking at mid nineties to maybe 2010 range, newer if reasonably priced.
The car would be a five door and I can sacrifice some comfort to own one but not if they are really tiring over great distances.
It seems a mixed bag, does anyone own one on here and can guide me? Ideally it would be factory spec and not overdressed, it will be used occasionally to tow. Ideally RHD.
Any specialists around to talk to?
Can they be LPG converted or is this best avoided?
Is a Range Rover or Disco 4 an alternative to consider (I’ve read extensively of the for/against arguments around these).
Budget ideally no greater than £30K which is a considerable limitation from what I can see.
Thanks in advance,
I’m considering buying an older G-Wagen to use as a daily car. The classic version is too old as I’ll be doing around 15K mikes per year so I’m looking at mid nineties to maybe 2010 range, newer if reasonably priced.
The car would be a five door and I can sacrifice some comfort to own one but not if they are really tiring over great distances.
It seems a mixed bag, does anyone own one on here and can guide me? Ideally it would be factory spec and not overdressed, it will be used occasionally to tow. Ideally RHD.
Any specialists around to talk to?
Can they be LPG converted or is this best avoided?
Is a Range Rover or Disco 4 an alternative to consider (I’ve read extensively of the for/against arguments around these).
Budget ideally no greater than £30K which is a considerable limitation from what I can see.
Thanks in advance,
i test drove a 2017 G350d last year. Just an itch I always wanted to scratch.
It was well specd, but honestly if you value driving or do a lot of miles (I do cira 25k a year, 15k is still over average) then the G isn't for you. I hated to admit because I adore them, but it was absolutely awful to drive and I couldn't see me doing 25k in one.. no chance.
The engine itself was pretty torquey and generally acceptable as far as diesel SUVs go. The inside space felt cramped, smaller than my C63 saloon which I had at the time. The rear legroom was comical, and the passenger just felt very close to you. Every where you read about the G's handling online being abysmal. it was only till I experienced it myself did I understand why. It would be fine for pottering around, or for a someone who wouldn't care or know any different, but honestly for anything around average miles and over it was appauling.
Kit wise.. being a 2017 it was the latest and greatest, and had no more kit than my 2014 C63 had. infact, other than a heated steering wheel and cooled seats, it was identical.
In short, this is based on a 2017 - I can only imagine what an older one is like to drive. Its a harsh summary but when you consider your doing 15k miles a year I think it all matters - if however, it was a 5k mile a year mess around car then i'd say suck it up and go for it.
I ended up with a Year old Panamera 4s and loved it (yes not even comparable but I wanted a nice diesel that was just different from the usual choices!). Will defo look at current G63s in a few years time when they become relatively sensible, but the previous gen G Wagon while bring so quirky and robust and just so so cool,, it'll wear off after a few months. The G55/63 of the same era might take the blandness away some what mind but still, that power with that steering - death trap lol. The G just isn't for big or even average mileage. Never drove a defender but I would guess they aren't far off. Both so very cool image wise though..
It was well specd, but honestly if you value driving or do a lot of miles (I do cira 25k a year, 15k is still over average) then the G isn't for you. I hated to admit because I adore them, but it was absolutely awful to drive and I couldn't see me doing 25k in one.. no chance.
The engine itself was pretty torquey and generally acceptable as far as diesel SUVs go. The inside space felt cramped, smaller than my C63 saloon which I had at the time. The rear legroom was comical, and the passenger just felt very close to you. Every where you read about the G's handling online being abysmal. it was only till I experienced it myself did I understand why. It would be fine for pottering around, or for a someone who wouldn't care or know any different, but honestly for anything around average miles and over it was appauling.
Kit wise.. being a 2017 it was the latest and greatest, and had no more kit than my 2014 C63 had. infact, other than a heated steering wheel and cooled seats, it was identical.
In short, this is based on a 2017 - I can only imagine what an older one is like to drive. Its a harsh summary but when you consider your doing 15k miles a year I think it all matters - if however, it was a 5k mile a year mess around car then i'd say suck it up and go for it.
I ended up with a Year old Panamera 4s and loved it (yes not even comparable but I wanted a nice diesel that was just different from the usual choices!). Will defo look at current G63s in a few years time when they become relatively sensible, but the previous gen G Wagon while bring so quirky and robust and just so so cool,, it'll wear off after a few months. The G55/63 of the same era might take the blandness away some what mind but still, that power with that steering - death trap lol. The G just isn't for big or even average mileage. Never drove a defender but I would guess they aren't far off. Both so very cool image wise though..
Edited by irfan1712 on Tuesday 22 October 21:38
55palfers said:
I have had my 1994 LBW 300 petrol for nearly 4 years now.
Imported from Japan so in amazing condition regarding rust.
It's noisy
It's uncomfortable
It's bouncy
Heater is only full on
Parts are getting difficult to get
15 mpg
I love it, my wife loves it too, SHE HATED THE FFRR.
Get one.
...Would you do 15,000 miles year in it though?Imported from Japan so in amazing condition regarding rust.
It's noisy
It's uncomfortable
It's bouncy
Heater is only full on
Parts are getting difficult to get
15 mpg
I love it, my wife loves it too, SHE HATED THE FFRR.
Get one.
I wouldn't discount it. We have used a 2012 G350 for the last few years as a daily and taken it from 15k to 90k miles and loved it.
Every now and then we consider something more mainsteam but the chatacter of the car gets under your skin.
You can get a 2011 with higher miles for low / mid 30's now.
Every now and then we consider something more mainsteam but the chatacter of the car gets under your skin.
You can get a 2011 with higher miles for low / mid 30's now.
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