Hello, I'd like some advice from you knowledgable people
Hi. I'm thinking of getting into off roading over the winter as the weather can make motorcycling a bit miserable, and family can come along too. The obvious choice of vehicle to the layman is a Defender 90 :roll: and I've been watching loads on ebay but they seem to go for silly money for what you get, or don't sell because the reserve hasn't been met.
So yesterday I searched through the other 4x4's and the G Wagen caught my eye. After a bit more research it seems that the G is dead handy at off roading, more refined, better built yada yada yada....but when it does break it costs a packet to maintain. I've got a mechanic mate so labour won't be too bad but sourcing bits might be.
There's 3 G's on ebay at the moment (sorry but I can't post links cos ebay's blocked where I am now), a lwb thats looking very tired, a red ge with a low reserve thats looking a bit pasty but could be a good tool, and my favourite a black 300gd that hasn't met reserve yet. There's not enough g's on completed auction on ebay or on Auto Trader for me to know a good deal.
So, some questions for you.
1. whats a fair price for a 1984 swb 300gd?
2. whats a fair price for a 1984 swb 230 ge? is the 230 powerful enough for off road?
3. do you source pattern parts or are you stuck with expensive oe bits?
4. are there sources for aftermarket bits, I'm thinking rock sliders as I'm told the g already has guards underneath?
Thanks :)
Good choice by deciding to take the G route.
Though I can't tell you about the price, I can tell you that with a bit of hunting you can get any parts you need - new or used. There are a number of companies that specialise in supplying parts for getting your G kitted for off-road. Try ORC or ARB.
Also join the GWOA as they have a regular magazine that has lots of information on fixing up your G and sourcing parts.
They are having their annual AGM just a short drive north of London in a few weeks time. There are guaranteed to be a few fitted out for serious off-road use (such as the one below) as well as their owners who I am sure would happily talk to you.
1. whats a fair price for a 1984 swb 300gd?
Max £ 3,000. That's what I got for mine a year ago, after spending 8 years and 20 grand on it. The car had never been, by then in better condition.
2. whats a fair price for a 1984 swb 230 ge? is the 230 powerful enough for off road?
Max £ 1,500... and you'll probably end up putting a 280 GE engine on it 'cause with this one there is no torque for off-roading.
3. do you source pattern parts or are you stuck with expensive oe bits?
All parts for GWagen tend to be expensive, even ORC's.
The only cheap parts for the GWagen are aftermarket service items which tend to be shared with the marque's saloons or second hand parts. Good news is that there is a wealth of these for the 460s nowadays. Bad news is that these do obviously not include 'wear and tear' parts. However, the GWOA is a good source for both sorts of spares.
4. are there sources for aftermarket bits, I'm thinking rock sliders as I'm told the g already has guards underneath?
Unless you are going to use your G in gruelling off-road, these are not really necessary. All important bits underneath the G are neatly tucked between the chassis bits. Some other specialised aftermarket bits (namely rims, tyres, extended wheelarches, bulbars, roof racks, etc) can be found easily from Ebay in Germany.
Cheers
Also, bear in mind that OE is sometimes cheaper than aftermarket. Overall you're not in bad company though. Parts prices and -service are a big part of my reason to divorce from VW/Audi, Nissan and Land-Rover and to go all Mercedes. Also, near-unique these days, there is huge interchangeability between different Mercedes models. I am slowly working on a list which I'll send for inclusion in G-wizz some time in the future.... if there is a call for such that is...
As said by others above, these vehicles last forever - they are practically military spec - for instance the chassis is like that of a lorry...
Your worst and most expensive enemy is body rust.
Also join the GWOA as they have a regular magazine that has lots of information on fixing up your G and sourcing parts.
They are having their annual AGM just a short drive north of London in a few weeks time.
That would be great, but I'm not joining till I've actually got one....or I'll be like the biker on the bus :wink:
By the time you've dealt with breakdowns and fix-ups on discos and suzuki's, you would have been able to buy a very nice g-wagen for the same money without headaches.
Mercedes auto is the best possible set-up for off-road. Not so in the case of lesser makes.
many are the members who don't actually own a G! the club often circulates emails about members selling Gs so it is a good place to keep your ear to the ground on your hunt.
but you may have to consider travelling to find your ideal G - many people I know had to cross England to get the one they now own (myself included).
Do check the farm auctions - Gs often come up for sale there, and as the punters are usually there to buy Defenders or Discos they often go for dirt cheap. I saw a 463 in excellent condition and less than avg miles go for less than £3000 once...
Thats persuasive! OK, DW emailed. I'll indulge myself in a non G related avatar until I get one though :lol:
I had come to the conclusion I'll need to travel, but not on the strength of an advert in Auto Trader - I'll need more info to make a judgement before spending time and money.
I saw a 463 in excellent condition and less than avg miles go for less than £3000 once....
If you see another one, must be swb gd, get it for me and I'll sort you out :mrgreen:
Thats persuasive! OK, DW emailed. I'll indulge myself in a non G related avatar until I get one though .
I had come to the conclusion I'll need to travel, but not on the strength of an advert in Auto Trader - I'll need more info to make a judgement before spending time and money.
Then you certainly must come to the AGM since it is not far from MK - you will be able to pick lots of brains there.
Also RAC and AA both have services where they will inspect a car for you and post you an extensive report before you undertake the journey. About a £100 if I remember but worth it if you think you may have found the one and it is too far away!
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Thanks for the replies. The one I was interested in got taken off auction, I got in contact with the seller but I missed out :(
Still looking. In the meantime I've been looking at a few Disco's but the ones I've seen have been in terrible condition, really rotten. All the G's on Auto Trader are either petrol, which I don't want, or well over 100 miles away. I will search for a few more weeks but may buy a cheap Suzuki for this season while I keep looking.
BTW how good is an auto box offroad?