G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

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JL
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Hello,

I am new to G wagons only having experience of Defender and Series Land Rover's over the past 20 years. I thought it was about time I moved to something a little more reliable!

I am planning on having a look at this G wagon on Thursday

http://www.britanniacarsuk.com/detail/169189/used-mercedes-benz-g-wagon-...

I spoke to the chap (Ben) selling it and he seemed quite genuine. I wonder what you much more knowledgeable members think of this as a first G? Price, condition, Jap import (and insurance problems), mileage etc

I have looked at your buying guides and plan to go over it as you suggest. 

Good luck to who bought the diesel pump 260bhp OM606, I was going to look at it before you snapped it up!

Your help would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Johnny

JASONGDS
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Would have to be rust free at that money, the V8 looks better value to me. Do the Japanese have more stringent emission standards than us, is it less power? Surely you are not to going to convert it if it as clean as stated?

JL
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

It's supposed to be as clean as a whistle, no rust at all. I don't know about Jap emissions, I don't think so. Definitely wouldn't be converting it, I would leave it as original as possible. I don't really want a LHD hence me discounting the V8, I'll have a look while I'm there though. Do you think it's way off price wise? 

Russ280
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

There are quite a few of these appearing lately.
Ones that have had close up photos of the chassis posted are in stunning condition with the original plating of the bolts for example still in perfect condition.
Some 463's have extensive rust, especially around the rear suspension.
So in that context it could be a great buy. IMHO it could well be over priced but at the end of the day it's worth whatever someone is willing to pay. There's no "book price" for this type of G Wagen.

JL wrote:

It's supposed to be as clean as a whistle, no rust at all. I don't know about Jap emissions, I don't think so. Definitely wouldn't be converting it, I would leave it as original as possible. I don't really want a LHD hence me discounting the V8, I'll have a look while I'm there though. Do you think it's way off price wise? 

markhowes
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Hi JL and welcome - where abouts in the country are you?

 

markhowes
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Here is another Japanese import so you have something to compare with.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/mercedes-benz/g-class/m...

 

JASONGDS
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

The red one on Pistonheads, never seen rear seat like that before, wish mine was split like that, most useful. Hard to tell how rust free it is, covered in black waxoyl. Also what is the wire hanging off the  transfer box?

JL
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Hello Mark,

Thanks. I'm in Milnrow just outside Rochdale. 

 

JL
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Thanks, this one looks nice and tidy. Looking forward to seeing if the underside of the blue one above is as good as described- we will see.

SailingTom
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

JL its sounds like your making the exact same move as me form only having series/ defenders before. I bought one a japanese import lwb 300GEL just before christmas, even the same colour as the blue one your looking at!

If is anything like mine was which it certainly looks, you will be amazed. it was better than my ex demo defender underneath and drives faultlessly.

Regards to the price, looks fair to what I was looking at similar my advice would be go and see it as would expect it to be very nice.

All the best Tom (Fellow new to G's owner)

Like Russ says somehow these japanese ones on the whole seem rust free, It always used to be the same with Japanese discovery 1's that were imported and sold for a premium. 

JL
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Tom,

How have you found the engine, it's supposed to be one of the best isn't it? Yours certainly looks the part. Does a G-wagon wave exist as it does in the Defender?! 

I've never been on any forum before. It's good to be on such a polite one with well informed owners. Thanks for everyone's help so far. 

SailingTom
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Think as most say its a good reliable engine from what ive read. Im by no means an expert though as have only just got it so take it as first impressions of a new owner.

I had a chipped 2012 defender and my last vehicle was a chipped up td5 110, Its not really comparable driving though. The G would easily do the same speed. Remember though its much quieter, id like it to a v8 discovery 2 in terms of driving. You notice it carries the weight much more so you do seem to adopt a more relaxed drive naturally. 

Honest answer though is for just the extra quality I wont be going back to land rovers. I was advised by a couple of members on here about different models and what to look for (Big thanks to Arnie) 

Theres a couple other former defender drivers on here I know of, although im sure there are more and they feel the same as me on the build quality.

Ive only seen 2 other G's driving so far since owning it. One honked and flashed and the other gave a thumbs up when I did. Not sure if there is an official policy like the land rover/ mini wave. you'll have to ask the more established members. :)

Russ280
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

JL wrote:

Tom,

How have you found the engine, it's supposed to be one of the best isn't it? Yours certainly looks the part. Does a G-wagon wave exist as it does in the Defender?! 

I've never been on any forum before. It's good to be on such a polite one with well informed owners. Thanks for everyone's help so far. 

The straight 6 petrol engine (103 I think) has a great reputation.

Refined, robust and actually quite economical for something dragging a serious amount of weight around. If you want a little extra go I believe there are performance parts available.
 
Compared to any contemporary LR they drive competently differently. For a heavy 4x4 on what's actually very old school suspension (i.e. no adaptive damping) they don't roll that much and feel quite stiff. I don't mean harsh though.
 
I wouldn't know about that he wave, I'm not kidding I seriously don't remember when I last saw one driving towards me:-)
markhowes
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

The "wave" is automatic in a G Wagon - it comes on once you get to about 2 feet of water wink

tomcutting
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

hello Johnny, i'm the one who got the dpuk one, thanks for the luck but there's plenty out there I think, there is a lovely diesel manual your way for around the same money but with nicer interior, I'll dig it out and pm you the details

 

 

 

tomcutting
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

p.s I hope there is a wave but so far not seen another to wave to

IanA2
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Is the red one the one taht Axel (other board) is selling? If so you can buy with confidence. The Britannia car: I seem to recall comments about this outfit. Worth checking (use search) to see if it's the outfit I recall.

Good luck with your search.

 

ETA: In fact Axel is not selling it, but I think he has inspected it, so you can be sure it's s good 'un!

JL
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Thanks Ian, I had a look through some archive as you suggested but couldn't find anything dodgy. I'll meet the guy today and see what he's like. I'll try and get to look at the red one, it looks a beauty.

SailingTom
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?
How did you get on, any luck? Tom
JL
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

I did go and look at this and it is as clean as described. Not any rust to be seen

There's some weird Japanese air filter above the rear seat. It's missing drivers side armrest.

It drives well. Low box and diffs all seem to engage as they should. 

It isn't yet registered so getting an insurance price proved difficult without a reg number. Overall though couldn't be faulted and exactly as described.

My problem was I couldn't bring myself to part with that much money without the mileage being guaranteed and without a service history. I was also looking forward to starting it from cold but it was already warm having been taken out by the seller to be cleaned. These two things just put me off enough to bail on it.

I will keep looking.

If anyone else goes to look at it I would be interested in your thoughts.

JASONGDS
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Did you take any pictures of the Japanese air filter set up?

Sure they open to offers?

Arnie
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

No Japanese person would keep a vehicle like that without full service. The Japanese MOT equivalent is so strict that everything needs to be in order. If the vehicle came through an auction house - as most do- there should be the auction paperwork which will verify the mileage. Most, if not all, clocking of Japanese imports occurs in the UK. I think there are one or two agencies that will look up the vehicle's history in japan, if you want to be sure. The odometer isn't, however, the only indicator of mileage, look at the wear on the steering wheel and brake-pedal, the edge of the drivers's seat, the look of the engine in the engine-bay, etc.

For the same age of vehicle in the UK, you'll likely find one with rusty chassis, spring mounts that may require surgical replacement, worn-out exhaust and catalyst or already on some aftermarket replacement.  .and probably an asking price of at least £5k more.

You can usually get an insurance quotation based on make and model, which should be simple, as this model was originally sold in the UK.

I haven't seen or driven this vehicle, but if I were looking for another, I wouldn't think twice.

 

 

 

 

 

SailingTom
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Personally I wouldnt be to hung up on the mileage anyway if you said it drove well.

Like Arnie says you can also get the paperwork with confirmation of mileage, might still be one to think about if the conditions good rather than an immediate dismiss.

How did you find it compared to the defender when you had a go? Drive seems amazing in comparison i'd say smiley

jhw.
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

JL wrote:

I did go and look at this and it is as clean as described. Not any rust to be seen

There's some weird Japanese air filter above the rear seat. It's missing drivers side armrest.

It drives well. Low box and diffs all seem to engage as they should. 

It isn't yet registered so getting an insurance price proved difficult without a reg number. Overall though couldn't be faulted and exactly as described.

My problem was I couldn't bring myself to part with that much money without the mileage being guaranteed and without a service history. I was also looking forward to starting it from cold but it was already warm having been taken out by the seller to be cleaned. These two things just put me off enough to bail on it.

I will keep looking.

If anyone else goes to look at it I would be interested in your thoughts.

 

The car suggests mileage is genuine. Doubt you'll find many classic cars at this end of the classic market where a dealer will put a guarantee on the mileage being genuine even with service histories.
These cars are better bought on condition than a few stamps and invoices.


As for it being warm, ask to view it again when cold?

jhw.
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Ps it's strong money, but spend 10-12k on a UK 463 and you'll have to spend a lot more on putting it anywhere near the condition of a good Jap one..

JL
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

I take all your points, thanks for your advice.

The vehicle looks low mileage and as the Japanese equivalent of the MOT is so strict, it does all fit.

I have seen the import document and the mileage tallies so definitely no funny business in that way. A cold viewing is a good idea.

Tom, it does drive very well in comparison to a defender and feels to be built like a tank! Very sure footed.

SailingTom
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Have you seen the dark blue/ blacky grey one on ebay that's a Japanese import aswell. Might be worth a look. Theres another in London which has just gone on aswell that looks good. Might be worth seeing as still low mileage and a bit cheaper.

Still enjoying mine :) Noticeably more solid for sure

 

fredecosse
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

This just appeared on ebay , looks a clean car if rhd and swb not an issue. Nothing to do with me .

 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-G-Wagon-PUCH-SWB-300GSD-/181995734694?hash=item2a5fca86a6:g:l9cAAOSw-zxWnU9q

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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Who ended up with the original JAP import, G300 ?  I think it must have been a GWOA member?

Pictures are still there after a few years and I think the original price was £10-12k which seems a bargain.

It would be good to know if it was as 'stock' as a UK model.  I had a Toyota Celica import once, and it had loads of japanese components which is why insurance was so high because sourcing replacements was a problem.  But being a G, I doubt that is a problem here.   

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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

the wagon now is in malaysia and im the owner now.
 

Jdring
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Re: G300E Japanese import - what do people think?

Excellent.  Is it as good as it looked?  Are you happy with it?