Classic purchase
hi all
New member here, don't actually own a G yet but am looking for a classic from the 80s preferably , love the look, but there are a fair few variations, could anyone point me towards what would be the best model to focus on ?
Many thanks
Chris
Not much choice amongst the 1980's vehicles, all w460 part time 4 wheel drive, 2 petrol engines, the 230 4 cylinder car and the 6 cylinder twin cam 280, the 280 is a lovely engine but very thirsty, particularly so as an auto, a lwb will give you 13/14 mpg. Diesel you get the uneven beat of the 3 litre 5 cylinder, legendary reliability, million mile capability but slow and still thirsty at 22-25 mpg, but it will run on anything and it would be my choice. Condition should be the only determinant, age is often irrelevant and as the clocks only go to 99,999, bear in mind some may have been around the clock at least once
things to concern you are rust, this is everywhere but always at its worst in the rear 3/4's, and around the fuel tank, interiors are unobtainable, but front seats from the w201 can be made to fit
Spot on.
I've had a couple of 230GE (4 cylinder petrol) and they are a solid engine too. 5 speed manual is the best gearbox IMO. Auto feels like lit need an overdrive.
There are a lot from 1984-89 era. As mentioned the condition of the body and chassis is the main determinant of price and can be anywhere from 5k to 15k (or more).
If you are a petrol head and hanker for a V8, then the G500 (petrol) and G400 (diesel) came with the 463 model. Still a classic but with more mode cons, electrics and things to go wrong as the puritans say. The 463 is also permanent 4WD. Both the 460 and 463 models have your 3 difflocks for serious mud.
Wiki has a really good history here (its been updated too): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_G-Class
Its a good link and covers every variant of both earlier switchable 4x4 models and the post 1990 permanant 4x4 cars,for all condition is reason to buy, though the later cars have much better rust protection
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Thank you for the replies boys, very useful, much appreciated. Learning slowly !