3 cars but which one - help appreciated

For what it's worth - and there are a LOT of far more knowledgeable people on here than me.

First, decide on which version you want - to me there is quite a difference between a 460 and a 463 (the Autotrader one is a 460). And probably between a 230 and a 300. I can tell you that a 300 is perfectly good on a motorway or anywhere else. Not sure how a 230 would be going up a long gradient on the M1 - but maybe that's not going to make a difference to you.

Double check that the two on classic and car are still available but they do look nice. Colin Ferns is a nice guy (I went to look at one of his Gs a while ago but it had a nasty clunking noise from somewhere underneath and it's still for sale at another dealer over a year later so be warned. Dealers are there to sell you a car!) I had thought that the G you are interested had been sold but I could be wrong. The other problem with his location is that it is in a fairly built up neighbourhood and you definitely want to test drive somewhere you can have a decent long run at more than 30mph). Depends on where you are in London but if it is still available then definitely worth going to have a look.

Re the 460. It looks too shiny to me. If it's had a recent respray you want to know what that could be hiding. Also one of those wiper arms is all over the bodywork. Wiper spindles can be a big problem - it usually means some bodywork needs doing and getting to them is not a simple/quick job to do. Actually nothing on a G is that simple/quick/cheap unless you are able to tackle it yourself.

Everything on these vehicles seems to cost at least £500 to fix so take your time and get the one that hopefully isn't going to need anything doing for a while.

These vehicles tend to stay "for sale" for a long time so usually no need to decide on a first look. Make a note of everything that you can find wrong or suspect on the car. Go away and have a think, add up all those possible fix-it costs and then have a second look.

Sorry to sound so negative - they really are great and you definitely feel as though you are in something superior when driving round in one.

Hi Rob,

Sadly not all dreams came true buddy ! But 2 outta 3 ain't bad ! I'm struggling with the last and final one.

Anyway moving swiftly on......

Yes FUN ! G's are a beast of there own. they are great and I fully encourage you find one. Softly softly catchy monkey !!!

But one without mechanical or cosmetic issues cannot be found in my limitted experience. So if it's 15k keep 3k in your pocket. you'll need it !!!

If it's 10k and you don't spend anything i'll eat my pants !!! (I do very very much hope you are able to reply with "you'll want some sauce on them pants buddy !!!)

Very best of luck to ya and welcome to a FUN and friendly world.

Neil.

Tallrob,

Well congratulations on asking a very good question, if only more perspective G owners would ask such questions! Building on what previous members have commented. Decide what model G you want. 460, 461 or 463. Do you want SWB or LWB and will it be a 'soft' roader or off roader, LHD or RHD?

Basically all have high range / low range and locking diffs:

460 - oldest and first versions of the G - mechanical, robust, short on luxury but long on practicality and basic requirements. 2 wheel drive, but at the pull of a knob you get 4 wheel drive. engines max out at 3ltrs. Rust points are usually at the back by the petrol cap and back rear panels. Also the mileometer resets at 99,999, so unless it has paper work supporting the mileage stated assume it's been round the clock at least two times - if not more!

461 - A basic G as above but with a few more luxuries - like elec windows and in some cases leather, but the whole look and feel of a 460 in the UK usually LWB and VERY rare.

463 - As above but more 'lux' packs and the addition of three locking diffs and perm 4x4 drive and bigger engines.

If in London, consider a LWB and get the jump seats in the back as then you can apply for congestion charge exemption. Be warned; if approached by ANYONE via the private messages who claims to be a dealer or specialist in G's post up here and ask the other members if they know them. A lot of 'polished turds' out there. If in doubt ask about! and if you are mad keen on a G, before you buy put a post up (like you have done) and ask for comments - where in London are you? I am sure there will be a member close by who could spare an evening/time to give you a second opinion on your new G.

When you look at G's make sure you have a good look at all the window's for a 'Red Square' GWOA badge. If it had, take the details down of the G ( colour, model, VIN etc) and post up here, as someone will know of it and can give you some history of when they owned it - it all helps.

Paperwork - if it has been loved and looked after there will be reams of paperwork supporting servicing, parts, changes etc. The less paper work the more 'expansion' of the truth from the dealers. All the ones you have posted look great and are at the top end of what the should fetch - esp from a dealer, so please be careful. We had a case not long ago where a member brought a great little yellow RHD, which on the surface look 100%, however he got a past member to take a good look at it and all was not well! (Rusted through the floor, rotten fuel tank, the list was endless - lucky he got his trade in and money back!)

All the best in your hunt! Feel free to post or PM if you have any other questions

Spider1V

Neil,

I quite like the look of this one, although much of the 'AMG' styling is down to a fake grille. AMG wheels probably worth near 1k, alone.

interior looks clean and support low mileage, but history appears to be missing prior to 2001. Aircon is also a good and rare extra to have for this vintage.

Some paintwork may have been done - certainly on bumpers and wheel arches, but also sides appear a different shade to rear door.

Still, I'd be tempted to take a look at it.

Hi Arnie,

YES ! (on all counts)

I like it to but i have got mine and she is taking up much of my time (and money) so another is not on the horizon anytime soon. I pointed this purely because Rob was looking at SWB's and I agree this one will have had work done but does represent a good example !

neil.

Don't know if you've found what you're looking for yet - but this one has appeared again. It's a long way away and I was interested a year or so ago but could never get a response to messages left on the phone number given so it could be some sort of scam  although if they don't answer calls I'm not sure how they can steal your money. Frustrating though.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C611600