230ge or 300ge

difficult decision
 

I find the swb G easy on the eye whereas the lwb is not to my taste.

on the other hand the swb ride is a bit up and downy compared to the lwb

when I drove a 463 300ge (swb) on a regular basis the engine was lively and responsive but the mpg rarely above 15.

I wanted to gas convert it but the k jetronic set up isn't sequential.

best of luck

Hang on. 300GD.  You know thats a slug right :)

I was referring to 300GE straight 6 petrol.

I know the Diesel has its fans. Goes forever, reliable etc etc. But it remains pretty agricultural which is absolutely fine if that is what you need - a solid reliable workhorse.

Your 230GE for sale looks really good.  

300GE SWB - that's the way to go - but I'm biased (unless of course you can find a SWB G500).

My 300e swb manual has always given me 19/20mpg, in mixed driving, it will do better on a Motorway at a steady pace but not much better, not as good as my 300e 124 auto which would give 25mpg however and wherever it was driven. 

As you say, hard to say. Firstly, I also prefer SWB.  Still has 5 seats and I don't really need the rear boot space, although I did squeeze a whole upright fridge/freezer into my LWB recently, and also a small wardrobe (not at the same time!).  LWB better for towing (not much experience of that either).  SWB is rarer because they don't make them anymore.

On the value, if it has been MOTed every year it can't be too rusty.  A 1986 is also coming up for ULEZ/tax exemption (unless they change it).

I'd say the floor would be 7k if tatty, and the upper would be 12-14k if cosmetically good and complete.   Your restored beauty is a good purchase at 16k.  I saw a good condition 1985 in about June and it sold for 14k.

The pre-87 models are often very basic...old seat covers, no wheel flares (yours may have is side steps added?), and steels not alloys.  I'd say 10k as a guide if the paint work is patchy - would be a good one to bring back.

We all know you don't get your restoration money back when done, unless you get a really cheap one and only touch the surface!

I would say the 230ge engine is the best all round standard option in a 460 G be it SWB or LWB

I have a LWB 230ge auto and it drives like a dream (rare in RHD and not sold in UK) I have also had a SWB manual

The 280ge slightly more powerful but uneconomical and I often found harsh both in SWB Manual and LWB manual that I have owned

The 300gd is a plodder and slow by todays standard and although you do gain some economy from the diesel it is not massive (not as slow as the rare in RHD 240gd though!)

In general SWB manuals are the most economical and LWB Autos the least

But G's are not bought for economy in general

I just find the 230ge the best overall average as a collecive package

LWB in theory command a premuim as there were fewer in the UK and are more useful to more people...maybe 10/15% premium over a SWB

That SWB 230ge you are selling would appear to be the bargain of the year!! Maybe putting people off looking for a very nice model as it appears too cheap and may make people cautious!

It all depends what you are going to use it for... if you don't need the LWB space then a SWB does everything better... even short disctance (small lane) towing... LWB may be better for long distance towing I would agree

Off road a SWB is much more desirable

Some people prefer the look of LWB and say the SWB proportions are not quite right... never seen this myself!

It is as always a case of each to their own and what the intented use is that will drive your decision...