Looking to buy a G

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Alcam86
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would be grateful for any help! Looking to buy a G came across this http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201510057522153/sort/atcustom/postcode/nn39su/radius/1500/make/mercedes-benz/model/g_wagen/page/1/usedcars. Good buy from what can be seen/ described? 

G-Restorations
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Re: Looking to buy a G
Arnie
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Re: Looking to buy a G

Does indeed look good - almost too good.

I'd check the bodywork thoroughly, underwear, door edges, wings, under mats...

Also would question why the steering box would require reconditioning at  less than 50,000 miles.

No pictures of the engine and under the bonnet, but if things check out, it does appear from the pictures to be a nice one. I like the 3.0 diesel with auto box. They go very well. And the OM617 is regarded as MBs most reliable engine ever.

 

prwales
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Re: Looking to buy a G

tough engine but very old fashioned and rough compared to the 603 and its child the multi-valve 606, quite a high rev limit but its pointless revving the socks off as the power falls off just as dramatically too. Mated to an auto this must be the slowest G-Wagen out there, nothing wrong with that as it cuts down on wear to tyres, brakes etc. I'd would try a 463 with a 603 in it though or even a 606a turbo conversion, you might chose to spend your money elsewhere. I'd also assume it has done 150k and that its been re-sprayed too

JASONGDS
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Re: Looking to buy a G

Slowest G honour would have to go to a G240 auto, if any still around in uk? Must be rare now. Black 300 in add , looks wrong with modern clear indicators and gloss everything, respray?

Simon666
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Re: Looking to buy a G
Definitely had a respray, or its been kept in a garage all its life and never seen the rain - and just being detailed within an inch of it's life... and of course the arch extenders were originally very dark grey PU. An then of course there is a similar treatment of the headlight surrounds - which were also PU and not colour coded etc.. The only bad bit about that of course is you can't tell how good a job it has had - The reg doc should also give the original colour, or they date they changed it, if it has had a colour change (Or Gav can find the original colour with is currently listed as Black and first registered in 1987 - It looks that nice purple/black now - which was not even an option, OK it's definitely had a respray :-)))... So the issue here is, is it better to get one where you can see all the corrosion damage and be sure it is put right (which is a bit of a lottery - or get one where someone has had the cost of putting it right, but it might come back to bite you? Got oodles of originality though - taco, interior is unmolested (but might have had a re-trim, but if so they got some fabric, as the driver seat does not have holes in it, either that or the 50,000 miles are correct - which is very hard to believe). It has got the rear seat wheel arches cushions and it has a lot of official paperwork. obviously a well specced one originally - tow hook bumper and electric front windows etc.... As for the actual driving experience... an auto 300GD will be just about the slowest car on the road, both in terms of acceleration and ability to comfortably hold it's own amongst any traffic that consists of cars from the mid 90's onwards.. I loved my manual version though... but not enough to eventually put a 617a engine in. All that said - have a look underneath 460's tend to show their age underneath and in the engine bay in ways that are hard to hide.. and of course there are the broken springs and corroded shock mounts to watch out for and indicate true wear/use. And don't let this put you off too much.. Your chances of buying a well specced original 460 that does not need significant body work is just about nil - so this might be a good start... BUT if you are not after that, or you want a 90's (ish) driving experience, look for a 463. Thank 460 - 30 year old defender 463 - 2nd generation Discovery evolving to almost a RR equivalent - I would argue the latest generation is a better comparison - apart of course from the horrific reliability issues that come with any Land/Range Rover product - true me I know... never ever buy one without an RR full continuation warranty! It will save you money in the end. All the best