newbie would like to say hi and get pointers for g500 shopping..

[jluck]

Hi there,
new to the forum and wanted to say hi! so....HI there.

also I joined this forum mainly for the wealth of g-wagon support here. thanks to depreciation and much time I can put a g500 in my sights. I have always loved them and now know the time is near.:wings:
I will be looking at a 2002-04 mainly because that fits my budget. Unless theres a overwhelming reason to seek a different year.

any insight will be appreciated.
-Jared

 

[haven]

Welcome to ExPo, jluck!

A quick check of autotrader.com shows 60 G500 models from 2002-2004. Prices range from $28K to $60k. Here's a decent-looking example, 62k miles, Arizona car, for $31K.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=301968774

 

[jluck]

thanks haven.
Thats the price range alright but that one's already gone.....such as luck. I'm not in a big hurry anyways. are there any key differences or problematic model years to watch for or are they all pretty good rigs?

thanks again, Jluck

off to autotrader.......

 

[haven]

The advantage of the 2002 and newer models is that they were officially imported by MBZ. So parts and service are more available, insurance is more affordable, and it's easier to get financing.

A 2002 model is 10 years old now, so it's becoming harder to find a one-owner vehicle for sale. The G500, like the Lexus and Range Rover SUVs, is more likely to be owned by individuals who take their vehicles to the dealership for service. This means the vehicles are well maintained, and the service history is readily available.

 

[Longtallsally]

I personally am much more partial to the older 460 series due to the more utilitarian build and the diesel. The nice ones are MUCH harder to find but when sorted out are unbelievably durable and reliable.

The main thing that keeps me from being interested in a new(er) 463 is the truly horrific economy. Our questionable mileage and such 460 still gets 22mpg. The luxury would be nice, though.

 

[jluck]

thanks for the replies guys.
Yes I would love to have a quality 460 series but I'm ready just to buy something and outfit it with back country gear instead of mechanical refurbishing or modifications. (I have done that with every other project). I think I just want to "gas and go".and maybe I'm getting a bit soft too but the creature comforts of the 500's are appealing.
I have considered the mileage and have accepted the poor numbers as this wont be a daily driver just reserved for trips and "special" occasions.
thanks again-Jared :beer:

 

[zimm]

youre at 100-120k miles average. make sure it has a maint log, that a day isnt missed, and the repair list is long.

if you find a 2002 that didnt have anything expensive go wrong, dont buy it.

they all have spendy parts that break, get the one that has all the classic issues fixed. then you'll be happy.

specifics can be found on clubgwagen and pointed three.


if you dont get a grin from wrenching, no point in a 460. no v8, no OD.

i think if you do the research, an 04 appears more desirable than an 02-03. fewer "bugs".

 

[DUTCH]

The advantage of the 2002 and newer models is that they were officially imported by MBZ. So parts and service are more available, insurance is more affordable, and it's easier to get financing.

I can't speak to the financing, since I always pay cash for my vehicles; but I can say for certain and from 27 yrs experience owning and driving G's that parts, service and insurance costs and availability for the pre-MBUSA G's are no different than for the MBUSA G's.

 

[zimm]

that we can agree on.

 

[jluck]

thanks guys.

 

[mk216v]

thanks for the replies guys.
Yes I would love to have a quality 460 series but I'm ready just to buy something and outfit it with back country gear instead of mechanical refurbishing or modifications. (I have done that with every other project). I think I just want to "gas and go".and maybe I'm getting a bit soft too but the creature comforts of the 500's are appealing.
I have considered the mileage and have accepted the poor numbers as this wont be a daily driver just reserved for trips and "special" occasions.
thanks again-Jared :beer:

You're in the same boat as me Jared...looking to sell my rust free '80 300GD and my Allroad and just get one '04 G500 for gas and go overland trips.

The downside to the G500 for me is the crappy MPG...but every vehicle has it's downsides, and that's the only one I see with it.

Sorry for the cross-post, but this is the best G500 buyer's guide I've seen yet; http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/fo...start=1&highlight=G500+issues&highlightmode=1

PS--Where in OR are you?

 

[jluck]

You're in the same boat as me Jared...looking to sell my rust free '80 300GD and my Allroad and just get one '04 G500 for gas and go overland trips.

The downside to the G500 for me is the crappy MPG...but every vehicle has it's downsides, and that's the only one I see with it.

Sorry for the cross-post, but this is the best G500 buyer's guide I've seen yet; http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/fo...start=1&highlight=G500+issues&highlightmode=1

PS--Where in OR are you?

no need for sorrys on the cross, it's good info! and I'm near corvallis.:beer::beer:

 

[mk216v]

no need for sorrys on the cross, it's good info! and I'm near corvallis.:beer::beer:

That was to Chip Haven for posting a P3 link on ExPo. :elkgrin:

Corvallis is a great place--spent a few years there in school. It'll be a quick drive next year for you to the annual G-Treffen at Dai's in the Philomath wine hills!(check clubgwagen.com for past pics)

 

[aircruiser]

Hello,
Welcome aboard. I am also new to things G. I bought a 2000 G500 in September. Couldn't be happier with my decision. Take your time, drive as many as you can, find out what is important to you. I've already added rear cargo shelves, recovery gear and a Front Runner rack. Just got back from my first camping trip in the North Ga mountains. It's a blast.
Good luck,

 

[DUTCH]

aircruiser

aircruiser. Where in Georgia are you located? I'm in Gwinnett County, NE of Atlanta.

I, too, have a 2000 G500 which I've had and worked on since 2002 and a 280GE from 1984 before that. I have a lot of the necessary tools, including access to the DAS/STAR/WIS/XENTRY diagnosis and workshop system if you ever want to give your truck a full electronic diagnosis or adjust the cluster for larger tires.