G Wagon vs Range Rover

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markhowes
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If you're not sure whether to get a G Wagon or a Range Rover (I'm probably breaking some GWOA rule by even asking posing the question):

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NlaOS3Vxrg

Fred Frederickson
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Re: G Wagon vs Range Rover

Hi Mark,

Liking the post! Choices are always difficult when looking at these cars! I have been spending the last few weeks taking a look around and will share my findings in hopes that it will help? I have experience in owning and running Range Rovers, zero in G Wagens other than what I am finding out. Since joining I have been taking a look with my Son in law (much more mechanically minded) and we have Looked as a few 460's (the 2 wheel/4 wheel drive) and a lot of the 463's.

Drive and ride - The Ranger Rover will win hands down. I have been looking at G Wagens dating back to the Mid 80's and the ride condition v's todays ranger rover (or RR made in the past 10 years) is a lot more 'road friendly'. I am finding the G's slightly 'agricultural' but that is not a bad thing as I am a slow driver anyway. Corners are, in the 461's, 'interesting' to say the least, and MPG is heavier in the G's.

Interior - Again I would give the RR better marks, even looking at a G 463 (has slightly better spec) it is still basic  - al la typical German spec in that you may get leather, aircon etc as options, whereas the RR will have it as standard. 

Price - if you are limited to budget - then for the same price as a 20 year old good condition G you will be getting a -7-10 year old RR.

Now for the verdict - if you enjoy being different then its the G Wagen!!!! The more I am driving them, the more I am enjoying them! For test reasons we took out the new 350 463 over at Brooklands - still compared to the RR agricultural, but much better specked and very luxurious - but for a tad under £90K I would have expected it! (The Same RR would be coming in at the low £80's), but for sheer driving presents one gets into the G and one feels 'unstoppable' even the old ones, there is that 'military' taint that is impossible to ignore, the simplicity of use and the over all solidness I am seeing in the G that, in my opinion is lacking in the current LR range. Simple things like the doors - Vault like on the G and somewhat tinnie even on the RR. But finding a good one, second hand is proving hard, found a few but either there is no supporting paper work or some glib salesman talking about all sorts, but no substance to their words!

The other thing I have NEVER had in my RR, that I did when taking out a lovely G300 last week, pulling up at some traffic lights, some school children took a photo of of the G!! Never happened in my Landies!!!

I do hope that helps?

Regards

Fred Frederickson

 

markhowes
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Re: G Wagon vs Range Rover

Hi Fred (and others),

I wasn't really asking for comparisons but thought it was one of the better road test videos I'd come across. And funny how, after everything he'd said during the test, at the end the one he would want to have was ................The G Wagon!

But many thanks for your input.

Loads of Range Rovers and Landrovers around here - and that's probably one of the reasons I've decided on a G, so much easier to locate it in the Tesco car park. The downside is that there are so few of them for sale - and why do the best looking ones all have to be 300+ miles away?

Good luck with your search.

Best,

Mark

 

 

 

 

mercfan
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Re: G Wagon vs Range Rover

Another thing to do.

Find a scrap yard that breaks late Range Rovers where you can walk in and "see what you want". 

Look for one that is in an advanced state of being pulled apart.

Guaranteed, you'll be shocked!

Mondeos are better built.

tony.bruegger
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Re: G Wagon vs Range Rover

Fred ...very good

I am 460 man and switched from R R ( Ang Over ) in 1985

Had 3 and they ALL fell to pieces

460 has finest build quality of ANY vehicle of the hundreds I have worked on

mercfan
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Re: G Wagon vs Range Rover

460 has finest build quality of ANY vehicle of the hundreds I have worked on

Couldn't agree more. Well said and absolute fact! 

prwales
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Re: G Wagon vs Range Rover

Seat fabrics are better on the w460 as is the bullet proof rear seat panel. Rear 3/4 rust and rusting fuel tanks are a serious detriment and only fixed very late on in the w460s life. Instrument panel, permanent 4x4 rust proofing and engines all better on the w463 IMHO