Would you import a LHD G
I am new to the true ins and outs of buying a G but have wanted one off and on for 30 years. I've had Jeep, Range Rovers and an Amazon; time for a change. Ideally I'd like oomph, reliability and aircon. And I prefer the look of the original G in its original colours. Preferably red, with 5 spoke alloys. So not too fussy....
There's a thin supply in the UK, so I'm thinking about importing from Europe. Any advice - pitfalls, paperwork, taxes, conversion of headlights/electics/radio etc?
Easy to import from EU,no compliance issues,maybe vat reclaim if you are in that system.
Plenty for sale on motors .de...spend an hour there to get your eye in.
Remember that its true what they say about car dealers the world over.
Tend to have higher km's so try to get as new as poss.
Rotary pump 290td's are nice but need pump adjust to perform.
Hmm Interesting, a very good pedigree on off road vehicles. How old do you want your G? If you can get a 1999-2001 G500 you would get all the leather, wood, aircon and oomph you would need. Unless of course you can find an AMG. And you could get an RHD G later han 2001, but it would be an AMG. Try the usual suspects , Gwagen Caversham, (now called Balloner) , the G wagen centre down in Malvern and Nick Wheel house, should be your first stops looking for a good condition (11+ years) old G’s.
Anything Newer would have to be sourced from Europe. Would be very weary about any pre 2007/2008 V8 400’s .I believe anything with a V8 petrol will be as rock solid as ever. Though you will pay for it at the petrol pumps. Also be prepared for a shock on the residual values, up to 2010 they will hold their prices
Looking at your heritage of Jeeps, RR etc, you may find the G road manners some what ‘different’, however you will soon love the off road capabilities which will more than make up for it and should we have snow, you will be other there laughing away.
I hope that helps
Spider1V (Oh yes and welcome)
Spider said: "Looking at your heritage of Jeeps, RR etc, you may find the G road manners some what ‘different’"
In fairness to the G-wagen Joe, only the RR handles/drives significantly differently to the G. Jeeps and Land Cruisers are quite similar in both their construction and way they drive as a result.
I'm currently looking into LHD 461s and whilst there are quite a few in Europe, it also seems like there is a lot of pretty ropey ones on offer.
Spider 1V, thank you for the advice and the welcome. The high residual is attractive as long as they stay that way - potentially cheaper motoring, but a LHD self-import looks like good value. I've not really thought about the age - more the condition - but the scarcity of them over here really forces your hand. I'm concerned too about the warnings about the engines - elsewhere I've seen people warned off 2.3 petrols and certain 350 diesels, which leaves me wondering which engine IS the best bet. The 290TD sounds like it fits the bill. Just need to find one.....
Aero94 - looking at both the French and German sites, I agree about the 461s. I may have to compromise.
Carnutoxon,
Only one really serious engine choice for the G................. a pint at the next meet for the first correct (in my mind) answer....
WRT the resell value, if you can get a good condition late G, that has been looked after they really can hold their prices. Though in the current market, I have noticed the big engined G's are slipping more than usual. depending on mileage you will do and how often you would use it, it may be cheeper to run a petrol one as opposed to a diesel. The shock most people will find entering the world of the G, is the re-sell values, as mentioned before one does balk at the initial prices, but then again that does make one investigate more, and I have found once the investigation starts thats when the real appreciation of the begins. Then again there is the option to hunt around and try for a 2012 at a knock down price, as the usual muppets in the MB network don;t really know how to sell it and some good, surprising deals can be hunted down.
Best of luck and feel free to post up ANY questions. Who knows, may see you around Oxford (? assuming that in your name, AND I can get permission to stray into the area from our savage midlands rep...)
Spider1V
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/mercedes-g-wagon-1984-xcondition-230ge-lhd-/27...
lhd, aircon very good original condition, original 5 spoke alloys, one of the better engines, and if you search Gumtree you will find this car for sale at £4,000.
Higher performance engines are pointless in G-Wagen because of its poor on road handling characteristics [something it shares with all other off roaders]
Nice find there PRW
Spider1V
You certainly need to keep your ear to the ground. Coming back to those ropey 461s, are G's yet at the stage where it is worth spending really serious money to refurb/rebuild? Are they that rare/collectible?
Most 461's are ex military; many if not most early 460's that were UK delivered as new have serious rear three quarter rust and probably elsewhere too. However the chassis will still be very good, the only reoccurring chassis fault seems to be the left hand side rear suspension turrent. But even these are an easy fix. Mechanically all g series vehicles are very robust and will outlast anything LR produces or has ever produced.
Nik Wheelhouse has a 500 for sale, it's on his website and Classic Car.
HTH
Ian
Now that is a ncie find. The AMG would also qualify for CC Exemtion.
Spider1V
Spider1V and IanA2
thanks for those messages - currently on hols but dare I ask, what are the running costs of a G500, including depreciation? Will the mpg figure cause me to choke? My Rangie was a 4.6 and that did 15-17.....
As long as you don't pay way over the top in the first place depreciation on a 99/ 00 G is minimal, less then minimal in fact.
MPG figures for G500 no worse then RR, may even get slightly more to the gallon. Could be argued that it will go wrong less, so less in servicing.
Only downside to the G, it will cost more to buy. Of course we would say, worth every penny.
If you don't mind LHD, then buying in abroad makes a lot of sense, your options are increased hugely.
If you want some oooomph, then clearly a 500, although the 300TD aren't too bad.
Some differences between 461's and 463's though,
pre 2001 461's will have 4 speed auto compared to 5 speed, possibly no ABS, and are not permanent 4 wheel drive.
Interior is much more Spartan, may be a bonus as much easier to clean.
hi carnutoxon,
if you don't mind the economy, a 500 wins every day of the week. once you have driven one, especially off road, you will be hooked. buying from the eu is easy and importing it, again especially if it is more than 10 years old, is a walk in the park. have done it twice: no problems at all.
good luck,
ph
CNO,
1. depends on what tyres you have on. I have Cooper All Terrains and saw my MPG go from 18/19 MPG down to 15/17 MPG.
2. If you have a well maintained 500 with a good history, minimal costs asprevious owners would have lavished much care and attention :)
3. Depreciation - As per Marks comments. Seeing as there were only ever sothing like 8-10 brought in offically from MB in 2001 new would have been £52K now (depending on miles) <100K - £35K+ (with full MBSH) ,> 100K miles £25K - £33K. Personal Import UK spec £25K+. is what I found looking through the web and prices the last 12 months.
4. The main problem with the 500 is your right foot! Both on and off road :). Its a really fun car to drive and the noise and rumble is clean out of this world (not as bad boy as the AMG). Best way to describe it is graceful power.
Yes one can get some fantastic 300, 350's TD and TDi's etc. But if you can, I would suggest you have a go in a 500 and make your decison. You would love it.
Spider1V
Thanks to all the contributors above. I've been following your advice in my research. I do prefer the 'purer' look of the 461 but we all get used to those creature comforts, not to mention some of the basics, and so the 463s are beginning to look like a compromise worth making. This may even make sticking with a UK car more do-able, and going for a big petrol motor.
http://www.gwoa.co.uk/forum/just-bus-nothing-then-3-once
I would think the 2000 is priced to High I would expect that from a 2001 with the same mileage, the best buy would be the 1999 87K. Feel free to drop me a PM and I can give some pointers on 500 ownership.
If your up at the AGM feel free to wonder over and have a chat!
Spider1V
500 every day :-)
Whats that, every day at the petrol pump. Twice a day if you're going far. ;)
yeah fiat 500
I am sorry, you are who?
the 'Fix It Again Tony' club is
www.spagettiwiring.bungabunga.it.com
Fiat 500 indeed...
Spider1V
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Thanks for the advice Tony. Let's see where this leads!