Thoughts on the dealer and vehicle - G500 V8 LWB 5 DOOR 9 SEATER

  Steve,

Its a nice motor and I saw this before Xmas. I think the interior spec is a 1999, therefore does not have the sat nav, multi CD player and the older dash as well as the multi function steering wheel. (I thought he had sold this one)

@£27K that's is a very very good price for a G500, as there are only a few of them around in RHD ( quite a few of the RHD 500's ahve been exported out to Japan and RSA, they drive very well, and can 'hustle' rather well. I brought my 2001 G from James 6 years ago and have no complaints to date (other than he can take a while to return calls). They can be a bit thirsty on the go go juice, but are a very capable ‘weapon of mass fun’. esp off road.

As a pre 2004 you can get a brush guard for it and I would look to change the AT’s (tyres) currently on, when the time comes to some cooper LTZ Zeons which adds to the ‘chunkiness’ of the G. If you can replace the plastic spare wheel cover for a metal one if you can spare the budget.

When you take it out - find some rough ground and make sure the diff's will engage, also make sure its smooth to put it into G (off road). Its should be OK - but best to check. With the only exception of the MPG it is one of the best engines and truck in a G gusie. Feel free to PM or post up here if you want more information.

With the extra seats at the back you can also get congestion charge exemption if your in London or want to go into London.
Spider1V

Its not one of the best on MPG. If you have the standard size tyres on (like in the picture) you can get between 15.5 – 17.5 MPG. There is a post in the alternative fuels and one member has done some major work on his G and can get 22 – 23 MPG – which is amazing. What does eat into the fuel is the short journeys. How far is the commute your thinking of, the 500 is also not good in traffic jams. At best you should get between 16-18 MPG.

Check when the Sparks were last changed (there will be 16 of them) and as you get down to needing a service the MPG does drop, but once serviced you should be back up to normal. Expect between 300-350 Miles per tank (which is the best way of running a 500)

However.....

All of the above pails in to insignificance one you step up, get in and turn the key. That V8 rumble, the effortless drive and the whole Panoramic view through the wind screen from the front of the G will blast all that MPG issues away! You sit so high you really do lord it over most things on the road, and the best bit is if you get a GTI or something similar trying it on at the lights the 500 WILL hold its own, just remember its a wee bit exciting round steep/tight corners. Living with it day to day is a dream as it is one of the very few cars I have owned one can get in turn the key and away you go. Motor way driving is effortless and unlike most cars, when you need the Aircon and put it on, there is no loss in power or change in engine note what so ever.

If you have kids, as I do, they will love you forever! As will their school friends – because you can take 8 kids and you almost anywhere you want. I can also guarantee that there will be far less G’s picking them up than any other 4x4.

In summary if you do the right checks, you will have a great everyday car and on balance taking all things into account and you can live with the MPG you will have a truck that represents just off the pinnical of G manufacturing. (ahem - that’s because the only thing that will top it is a 2001 RHD 500).

I hope the above helps as its an unbiased opinion LOL

Spider1V

 I have pm'd you Steve.