Help! Looking to buy this W460 280GE!
Hi guys,
Finally joined after some time of lurking through the various threads of this excellent forum:)
I am currently discussing buying a 1986 W460 280GE.
As my experience with G-wagens is pretty limited, I would be really grateful if you could take a look at the pics of the car in question that I have attached, and let me know of any red flags you may see (originality of the interior/exterior, missing equipment, etc.) and ultimately if this looks like a clean car.
Time is of the essence as I will be viewing the car tomorrow, hence any feedback/insight beforehand will be invaluable:)
Many thanks and looking forward to starting contributing into this forum myself!
John C.
The pictures look fine, albeit seats don't seem entirely original (re-trimmed or from a different car?). It's what is not in the pictures that should be of concern:
However, bodywork must have had a repaint and some point. Bumpers usually dark, charcoal grey- not body colour. Running board only on driver's side or only in some pics? Shiny, fuel cap is a replacement - should be black and operate with ignition key. Light-coloured carpet not normal with dark interior - maybe interior is replaced from other vehicle?
Gav may be able to give you build-sheet from VIN.
you'll need to check
- chassis condition
- suspension spring support turrets
- exhaust system in good condition.
- Auto gearbox condition, smooth up-shifts, kick-down operating, transmission oil colour (red not brown)
- engine bay and engine condition
- for any rust on rear panels
- proper operation of diff locks
- transfer case operation
- lights,indicators, electric windows, etc
and lots more...
Ah ha ! Okey dokey then. this is my chance to shine because i speak from experience !!!
I'm no doctor buddy but i can safely say the skunk tail on the rear view mirror is not OEM original ! There is no need for warding off evil spirits on our fair island so i suggest it's origin be checked carefully ! (maybe ?) (i smell appache or peruvian decent ?)
I would throw caution to the wind and hazard a guess she is travelling without having passed a medical and does clearly display early signs of "G"Bola !!! (not the end of the world mate but you'll need a few quid for the rare vacine !)
DO NOT GET TRUCK STRUCK AT THIS EARLY STAGE !!!
Everything is painted (generally means all is rusty)
Most parts have been swapped out for Kim Kardashian shit ! (black indicator lenses clear rear light cluster non OEM rear reverse light. could be mutton dressed as lamb buddy ?
The interior appears to have once been the handbag of LIBERACE ! (i'm only guessing but i'm sure i've seen it mincing around somewhere before)
Be sure to check the throttle linkage !!!
And if this doesn't help read Arnie's advice above !!! Every last bit of it because it is wise and it is accurate. he has offered you the advice you need. take it on board. (go check every last one of the things he mentions and if she's healthy drive her home immediately. if she's crook then in the immortal words of Dionne Warwick "Walk on by" (plenty more fish in the sea)
How much is it ?
If it's of any assistance at all here is one which i think may well be a safer bet = http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-G-WAGON-280GE-2-OWNERS-FROM-NEW-/181763789422?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a51f7526e
It is being offered by a gentleman whom frequents this haunt. It does display cosmetic issues but at least they have not been glossed over and they will be simple to fix (properly as time and money permits). It is a 2 owner vehicle which is always a bonus.
And on the plus side ! The steering wheel is on the correct side !!! happy days huh ?
Two observations
1. Are you going for a 280 because you like petrol stations?
2. Where is the truck, I ask as the yard seems familiar. Others may know.
If it's of any assistance at all here is one which i think may well be a safer bet = http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-G-WAGON-280GE-2-OWNERS-FROM-NEW-/181763789422?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a51f7526e
It is being offered by a gentleman whom frequents this haunt. It does display cosmetic issues but at least they have not been glossed over and they will be simple to fix (properly as time and money permits). It is a 2 owner vehicle which is always a bonus.
And on the plus side ! The steering wheel is on the correct side !!! happy days huh ?
I've seen this car in the metal a few times and it really is a rare find, incredibly original, no nasty surprises and a very very good buy at that money.
Hi guys,
So I went and saw the 280GE today.
Three things that worried me and that I would really appreciate your view on:
(i) Surface rust and fiberglass repair in the area under the passenger's carpet:
- The owner confirmed that the exterior of the car was indeed repainted 6 months ago (Dec.14), from silver to black
- The body shop stripped down the interior during the process, and I was told by the owner that they also repaired some surface rust under the passenger's carpet (using fiberglass) as well as a spot of rust below the rear left headlight
- I took a good look at the back of the car and, at this point, no rust is evident anywhere near the rear lights. However, I removed the passenger's carpet and there is still surface rust under there. I am attaching a picture I took after removing the carpet; how serious of a problem does it look to your experienced eyes?
(ii) Steering wheel vibration:
- Drove the car for a good 20 minutes and it seemed to drive fine, apart from a vibration in the steering wheel that became quite evident when driving at the speed range of 60-70 km / hour
- Any idea how serious this could be? When asked, the owner told me that when he last serviced the vehicle at his local Mercedes dealership 2 months ago, they told him that the vibration was due to the car requiring a new tie rod. Does this sounds about right? and if yes, what would the potential cost be?
(iii) Center console:
- There were some cracks in the center console of the car. Would we need to replace the whole console, and if yes, what is the cost we are talking about?
- Also the power window switches were actually located in the center console, very near the A/C switches, instead of next to the automatic transmission. Does this sound right?
Thank you guys, looking forward to your views:)
I'm definitely NOT an expert but my thoughts:
1/ I don't think you repair surface rust with fibreglass. Surface rust just needs sanding down, treating with rustkill, priming with red oxide and finishing off in body colour spray paint. Done properly (as the seller claims) you wouldn't even notice which definitely can't be said of your picture. That's come back in a big way in just 6 months. Rust is caused by water/damp and that means water is getting underneath the carpet somehow. Was the carpet in place? Was it completely dry? Look through the various posts on here regarding water in footwells. It's a big problem and not easy to find out how the water is getting in (could be sunroof drains, sunroof seal, door seal, windscreen wiper spindles, etc. etc.) . It will likely drive you mad finding out what and then sorting out.
2/ Steering wheel vibration. Another classic complaint that's also had lots of coverage on here. My 463 suffered from it. In my case getting the front wheels properly balanced made a big difference. Getting the tracking done made a bit of a difference and fitting an uprated steering damper (£100) made a bit more difference. I now have no steering vibration. Tie Rods are too technical for me so leave it to others to comment on this aspect.
Hope that's of some use.
Mark
HERE HERE ! I second that Mark !
the passenger footwells are susceptible to rust and perforation, if there is water ingress. This is usually through worn wiper spindles and/or cracked wiper-spindle caps.
Assuming the wheels are balanced, a worn steering damper is usually the cause of vibration at around 60 mph.
Worn trackrod ends will give imprecise steering but it's the steering damper that deal with vibration.
Too much messing about at first sight .... wrong wheels arches, wrong rear lights , wheels too small. tinted windows and painted indicators !! .... wrong paint code .... ugly car , you'll regret it every day or will spend a fortune on it to get right
saying that , my views only from the pictures ... take your time before buying
fred
Yes - take your time.
With everything that's happening in the Greek economy at the moment I can't imagine that he is going to be overrun with offers.
And if you should miss out on it because you delay then at least you can only be disappointed. Believe me it's a lot better than tearing your hair out whilst watching your bank account dwindling away.
There will be a better one along before too long.
I can hear Dionne Warwick !!!
Obviously petrol is very cheap in Greece or you wouldn't be thinking about a 280. What about availability and cost of the numerous parts than you will undoubtedly need. I bought mine from a UK "G Specialist" and believe me mucho dinero was needed to put it in order.
What about buying a decent one in the UK and driving it over....that would be fun.
DO you have the reg number...I might know that car if you give me the reg..looks like a mate of mines many moons ag that had AMG wgeels on it..spent a fortune and he sold it.AMG were removed and never saw it again.
seems to have a lot of water marks on the carpet
check f ront window frame and wiper spindle
Leave it John. There are better ones on market for similar money.
JOIN THE GWOA
This website and forum are provided for the benefit of enthusiasts and owners of all Mercedes Benz off road vehicles, in particular the G Wagen. The costs of development, upkeep and provision of the site are met entirely by the annual subscriptions of club members. If you are using the site and are not a member of the G Wagen Owners Association please consider joining. You will have access to areas on the site that are not open to non members, to club trips and meetings and to technical assistance. In addition your contribution (only £25 annually) will help us maintain and develop our website for future users.
Who's new
- Jaffa_JIM_23
- Wrabstar
- GG
- KTMSCANIA22
- 280ge
Guys,
Thanks for these extremely useful observations!
The truck is based in Greece (I am a UK resident with a summer home there so will be using the G on my vacation) and the offering price is 8k euro. Does it seem high / low / fair based on the observations on interior/exterior etc.?