Tips when buying a 404, things to look out for?

[Nick02]

I have put thought into this, I'm probably going to sell my Dakota and buy a 404, but I don't know what to look for in used 404's. I've checked out one already, it was a good deal but the engine was knocking super loudly and the braking system had issues. I felt bad walking away from it, but I feel I was walking into a bad situation. I ‘am just looking out for advice, and known issues.

I plan on driving the Mog less then ~1k mi a yr, just to wheel and stuff. I don't mind going 45 and wearing earplugs. Can police pull you over for going too slow though? What's it like driving a unimog in the city/freeway/interstate with other drivers? How well does the carb work off camber compared to something like a 22R? How do 404's preform in hot climates? and how much should I expect to pay for insurance?

 

[Toby2]

My 404 will go 45 - 50 mph on the flat but does drop right back on any steeper hills. I have a soft top one and its not that noisy to drive. Tend to drive with the windscreen down so that makes it more noisy but all part of the fun. Depends how you want to run it - mine is purely a toy (offroading, logging, etc). Don't use it as an every day vehicle.

Engine is pretty straightforward, just a standard merc engine so fairly easy to repair. Haven't hand any major problems with mine. Get things like starter motor sticking but easy to fix. Running it in the UK is really cheap (MOT exempt, tax free as a classic vehicle and issurance is about £130 full comp on and offroad).

 

[toylandcruiser]

The carb works good on mine. I have had it in crazy off camber situations and It never has flooded.


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[burquedoka]

Please see mine for sale if you are considering a **************' 404. Plus, I live close by, sort of.....:smiley_drive:

http://gallery.me.com/jamesandjessie/100127

 

[Toby2]

Very cool looking 404. Good luck selling it.