230ge or 300ge
This has been asked no doubt a lot but having the choice what would you guys go for 230ge swb or a 300ge lwb?
Mpg the 300ge on papper looks better. But what would hold the best value or be more a desirable investment.
Thanks
I'd always rather the 300, 6 cylinder. But I love the 230 straight 4 too.
In either case you need 5 speed gearbox, or automatic (in which case, definitely the 300).
I'm a little surprised the mpg for the 300 comes out better (bigger car I suppose), but its going to be close and always less than 20mpg.
I've has SWB 230ge Auto and manual. The Auto was a comfy drive, the 5 speed manual was more of a driver car and very capable of speed to keep up. Not sure what a LWB would be like.
difficult decision
I find the swb G easy on the eye whereas the lwb is not to my taste.
on the other hand the swb ride is a bit up and downy compared to the lwb
when I drove a 463 300ge (swb) on a regular basis the engine was lively and responsive but the mpg rarely above 15.
I wanted to gas convert it but the k jetronic set up isn't sequential.
best of luck
Thanks guys but I really like the lwb. I have listed my G on car and classic for £16800. If anyone wants or knows of anyone that's looking for a good honest G please get in touch. Thanks
Thanks Jdring
I'm kind of leaning towards the 300gd lwb. Now I have a cracking 230ge for sale I've spent a small fortune on so if anyone is looking for a bargan 230ge that has had everything you can think of done machanically and looks fantastic. Please PM me.
Thanks
Hang on. 300GD. You know thats a slug right :)
I was referring to 300GE straight 6 petrol.
I know the Diesel has its fans. Goes forever, reliable etc etc. But it remains pretty agricultural which is absolutely fine if that is what you need - a solid reliable workhorse.
Your 230GE for sale looks really good.
Thanks. Yep I'm swinging back and forth. I think I just realy like restoring! I have done everything to my G all new fuel system and I mean everything. Did a engine rebuild in the summer that was fun. I think we have to have a G Wagon meet:)
300GE SWB - that's the way to go - but I'm biased (unless of course you can find a SWB G500).
Quote:"Thanks. Yep I'm swinging back and forth. I think I just realy like restoring! I have done everything to my G all new fuel system and I mean everything. Did a engine rebuild in the summer that was fun. I think we have to have a G Wagon meet:)"
- We are barely four hours away...
I know Nick not to far.
It's funny when I go into my garage and look at my G I feel bad having it for sale:(
So in everyone's opinion swb is more desirable than a lwb.
Just asking because I'm well new to G's realy only just under 2 years of ownership.The messages about the 300gd being soooo slow is starting to put me off. The lwb 300gd is the first lwb I have seen in the flesh and I thought nice it needs work but maybe that's what interests me.
This G Wagon bug I now have is hard.
I shouldn't really comment as I've never driven a LWB but how often do you need those rear seats?
Once in a blue moon for me and parking a SWB is oh so easy.
My 300e swb manual has always given me 19/20mpg, in mixed driving, it will do better on a Motorway at a steady pace but not much better, not as good as my 300e 124 auto which would give 25mpg however and wherever it was driven.
Is the SWB more desirable? Or is it becuse it's smaller better on fuel.
The 300gd I'm looking at needs some work like the rear shock mount tops need replaced been patched in the past.
It has an MOT and been MOT-ed every year going by it's history but needs TLC and some small bits on the body sorted.
It's 1986 model looks good realy has sidesteps which I like:)
What would be a ball park value to go on?
I no with out seeing it hard to give a price.
...
It's 1986 model looks good realy has sidesteps which I like:)
What would be a ball park value to go on?
I no with out seeing it hard to give a price.
As you say, hard to say. Firstly, I also prefer SWB. Still has 5 seats and I don't really need the rear boot space, although I did squeeze a whole upright fridge/freezer into my LWB recently, and also a small wardrobe (not at the same time!). LWB better for towing (not much experience of that either). SWB is rarer because they don't make them anymore.
On the value, if it has been MOTed every year it can't be too rusty. A 1986 is also coming up for ULEZ/tax exemption (unless they change it).
I'd say the floor would be 7k if tatty, and the upper would be 12-14k if cosmetically good and complete. Your restored beauty is a good purchase at 16k. I saw a good condition 1985 in about June and it sold for 14k.
The pre-87 models are often very basic...old seat covers, no wheel flares (yours may have is side steps added?), and steels not alloys. I'd say 10k as a guide if the paint work is patchy - would be a good one to bring back.
We all know you don't get your restoration money back when done, unless you get a really cheap one and only touch the surface!
Thanks Jdring that help clear things in my mind on price.
Are sidesteps hard to find for SWB? Asking because I'm still in two minds on selling. You guys no what it's like something you've put so much time and money into hard to let go:(
I would say the 230ge engine is the best all round standard option in a 460 G be it SWB or LWB
I have a LWB 230ge auto and it drives like a dream (rare in RHD and not sold in UK) I have also had a SWB manual
The 280ge slightly more powerful but uneconomical and I often found harsh both in SWB Manual and LWB manual that I have owned
The 300gd is a plodder and slow by todays standard and although you do gain some economy from the diesel it is not massive (not as slow as the rare in RHD 240gd though!)
In general SWB manuals are the most economical and LWB Autos the least
But G's are not bought for economy in general
I just find the 230ge the best overall average as a collecive package
LWB in theory command a premuim as there were fewer in the UK and are more useful to more people...maybe 10/15% premium over a SWB
That SWB 230ge you are selling would appear to be the bargain of the year!! Maybe putting people off looking for a very nice model as it appears too cheap and may make people cautious!
It all depends what you are going to use it for... if you don't need the LWB space then a SWB does everything better... even short disctance (small lane) towing... LWB may be better for long distance towing I would agree
Off road a SWB is much more desirable
Some people prefer the look of LWB and say the SWB proportions are not quite right... never seen this myself!
It is as always a case of each to their own and what the intented use is that will drive your decision...
The 463's are a different decision again
300gd again slow ish
300ge probably the better all rounder but can be problematic with cooling issues
I have had SWB 300ge and LWB 300gd and loved both
They are a different driving experiece and probably a better daily drive option than a 460
Economy a little better but not much but comfort and noise are better in general
Would still have a well sorted 460 over the average 463 though!
463 models are even rarer with about half as many 463 in the UK than 460 but probably a larger percentage survive today
You don't often see a 463 breaker in the UK and certainly not RHD
Again its back to "what do you want from it and what are you using it for"
Thanks Gav.
I have to keep the 230ge don't I :)
Would like to put side steps on just would finnish it of in my mind.
I'm getting quite good mpg think it's because of all the work I've done! The engine is like new and fuel system is new I would say better than the Isuzu dmax i'm running at the moment.
Thanks guys for all the info much appreciated.
Which style side steps do you have in mind... most were period accesory or dealer fit accesory on the 460
Stainless tube type or other all metal ones are quite rare... might know of set if the lad still has them
Alternatively you can buy later style ones like the factory 463 early type in LWB and shorten them they are good value new on eBay etc
If you know someone that might have a set that would be great as long as I don't have to mortgage the house:)
Or I could maybe fabricate something. The ones of the ML look like they would fit?
Thanks Gav
I will ask
ML a different wheelbase I reckon so would have to be altered
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Thanks Jdring
I'm kind of leaning towards the 300gd lwb. Now I have a cracking 230ge for sale I've spent a small fortune on so if anyone is looking for a bargan 230ge that has had everything you can think of done machanically and looks fantastic. Please PM me.
Thanks