Looking for G-Wagon advice - how much to pay, where to look in EU/USA

r-mm · 11-10-2015, 06:41 AM

Hi all

I'm looking for advice from Mercedes G Wagon, specifically 460/461 300GD owners. I'm willing to import one or buy locally but don't want to pay more than the teens. This will be a second car for my wife and I in CT, a foul weather commuter (15mi each way) and home depot run vehicle. Ideally I'd like to find a reputable European dealer who will be honest about rust etc and help me get the truck loaded on a Ro-Ro (roll on roll off) transport ship.

If anyone has one in the CT/NY area please holler - I'd love to get owner's experiences and even swap rides (carrera for diesel benz?) so I can try before I buy.

onewhippedpuppy · 11-10-2015, 06:52 AM

There are a number of importers that typically have clean looking Euro market G-wagons for sale on EBay. If it were me, I would start by engaging with guys like that and discuss what they could do for you. There are a lot of details associated with importing a vehicle, personally I would prefer to partner with someone experienced to avoid the gotchas. They also likely already have a trusted network of people in Europe to help them find suitable trucks.

I just bought a 2002 G500, it came off of the transport truck last night. I drove it all of 20 ft or so. I'll be selling it eventually but as you might guess, pricing will not be in the teens.

sand_man · 10:58 AM

Subscribed! Been on my short list of cars to own, for many years! I see such weird price swings/variations between years. And I admit to know nothing about them, beyond giving a kid a crayon and some paper and instructing them to draw a car/truck, they'd likely render the same boxy shape as a G-wagon (or Defender 90)!

onewhippedpuppy · 11-10-2015, 07:04 AM

One other thing, do some reading on the power levels (or lack thereof) of the older Euro market trucks. There are quite a few posts on the forums of people who upgraded to a G500 or later model after they became tired of going 60 MPH on American Interstates. Typically these are the cheaper models.

r-mm · 11-10-2015, 07:06 AM

My benchmark is the 1995 Ranger 2.3L we're borrowing at the moment, which is slow but can make its way up to 80 with some planning. I'm looking at the 300GD because it seems it might be able to do the same, but one reason I'm looking for a test drive is to confirm that.

1990C4S · 11-10-2015, 08:50 AM

Aren't there lots of better, cheaper, options? Like a CRV, Rav4, Subaru, 996 C4 tip, etc....

onewhippedpuppy · 11-10-2015, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

Aren't there lots of better, cheaper, options? Like a CRV, Rav4, Subaru, 996 C4 tip, etc....

Much like comparing an air cooled 911 to a modern sports car. The modern car may do everything better by the numbers, but it's not the same experience.

vash · vash's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

Aren't there lots of better, cheaper, options? Like a CRV, Rav4, Subaru, 996 C4 tip, etc....

this this is posh..and super capable. i think i read that it can climb a pretty steep grade..just a tick shallower than a military humvee.

my sister wants one.

1WP..you have any pics that i can forward her?

304065 · 11-10-2015, 10:48 AM

Teens is not the market, these cars are in demand given that so few were imported, and there is a passionate owners community that keeps the prices high.

A good friend owned a diesel G, the thing had been expensively federalized. He sold it (see above) when he couldn't make it up the hills going faster than 55-60. He moved to a G55 (better) and now has a G63 (best).

Rich76_911s · Rich76_911s's Garage

My Dad has an '84 or so G-wagon 5-door that he's owned since new. I don't think it would hit 80 falling off a cliff, if it did you'd have to shave by the time you got there. The truck is SLOW. He drives his a good bit and is considering adding a turbo. He lives at 7,000ft though so elevation does impact performance some, but even at sea level it's SLOW.

That said if you lock the diff's and put good tires on it, it'll climb Mt. Washington in 2 feet of snow.

If you're commuting on I-95 daily it's probably not the best choice. If you're doing non-highway commuting it'll do everything you want it to. Might just be slower than desired. The seats are really uncomfortable for any long duration driving.

These guys are who he has used to service his truck.
Europa G.Wagen - Home

vash · vash's Garage

this thing is cool!! check it out Rich!! also an 84.

1984 Mercedes Benz G-Class 240GD Diesel Geländewagen

for all things "fancy" i look in Los Angelos.

r-mm · 11-10-2015, 12:08 PM

I realize teens is not the going price for trucks in the USA - my play would be to import one. I know its not simple which is why I was looking for an overseas dealer where I would pay premium price - still low teens by my searches - and then use RoRo a freight forwarder. This is all presuming no federalizing needs to be done on account of the 25 year rule and the fact that the body was sold in the USA. I realize there are I's to be dotted with this plan but I like to think I'm a good I dotter.

onewhippedpuppy · 11-10-2015, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vash

this this is posh..and super capable. i think i read that it can climb a pretty steep grade..just a tick shallower than a military humvee.

my sister wants one.

1WP..you have any pics that i can forward her?

Nothing so far, I literally parked it in my shop last night and flew to Detroit this morning. I'm hoping to have it all cleaned up by this weekend.