Can you give me some advice??????
Hello,
In my quest for another G I have found a trader selling a B reg 230G with full history but 197,000 miles on the clock! Whilst I have had a merc with the 230e engine before I did have a timing chain break and take out the engine so it was expensive! Hence my concern.
The car has alloy wheels (non original), wide arches, a little surface rust, some interior rips on the seat but overall fairly sound.
I have the chance of buying this vehicle at below £1500 and would like to ask
Is this reasonable value?
What is likely to be problems that I should look out for?
What miles per galloon should I expect, driving with and without towing?
Many thanks
Murph
Right going thru your message one at a time:
Pre 1990s do tend to have a few rust problems especially around back door, and each of the rear corners as water and mud get pushed up above the lights.
I have not heard of any timing chain weakness but as long as the diesels are well looked after with regular (4000mile) oil changes they can last 500,000 miles +
A set of original alloys will set you back about £200 plus. Check under arches as they rust terribly here as arches are bolted on.
I would always recommend an AA or RAC check £100 well spent can save you thousands in the long run even if you still buy it there is nothing worse than wait for something that may or may not go wrong.
I have a 300GD nonturbo and get 26/ 27 MPG. They pull well but are sluggish up a hill.
if you are used to cars they will feel like a slow tank try before you buy
I have to say that I am not particulary fond of the 230 GE. Being a diesel fan I have always favoured 300 GDs, but OK if you want performance at any cost why not go for the 280 GE instead? These trucks change hands for ridicolous money today and the increase in performance versus the 230 GE is substantial.
On the other hand the consumption is only marginally bigger in the 280 GE as compared with the 230 GE, i.e. off-road you may not get more than 14.3 mpg for the 280 and 16.3 for the 230. For reference, I got 22.4 mpg over 28 k miles in my 300 GDS. This is without towing, so you can imagine that it could go much worse with towing.
Obviously if you plan to use the truck for towing then I'd go for the 300 GD instead but you might find the performance, in these conditions, depressing.
And again, if you want economy (at least in the short term) and happen to leave close to a LPG station, why not try to buy a LPG-converted 280 GE?
On the question on whether that 230 GE is reasonable value, I'd had a look on to the "Gear Shift" section of the G-Wizz to compare with other offers....
About a month ago there was a member selling a white 93 300GDS for something like £7,500. Don't know if that is of any interest to you, but I can send you his details if you like.
Maxwell
Thanks for the reply, I am really looking for an older model at present and if it works for me and my business does well then I will get another 463 early in the new year.
I would like to see the details if you have them
Many thanks
Murph
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Thanks for your replies.
I have contacted the mag editor to find out whats on the selling page at present.
I have had both 460 and 463 diesels and really like them but every one I have tried to buy has been sold before I got there!!!!! (be quicker I hear you say)
I am going to see the 230GE Monday just for comparison but really think diesel is the best route.
I'll keep you posted on any progress.
Thanks
Murph