Buying Advice: 230GE 3dr 1989
I'm looking to buy a G Wagen for the first time. Been a big fan of these for years, and finally got some money together to get one.
Still a bit of a novice when it comes to G Wagens so looking to you lot for some help!!
Really like the look of this, and looks in good condition from what I can tell.
I know it's only a 2.3, but not looking to do any long distance or off road, so thought that this would do the trick.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Not as slow as a diesel but not as thirsty as the ge280 so a reasonable compromise. I would try and get someone to go along with you when you view it though...but it looks good in the photo's. Has it had a respray, if so why, has it had work in the rear 3/4, what’s the exhaust and fuel tank like, is it corroding from the top down, check the swivels. How are the brakes does it pull up in a straight line, are the footwells wet, check out for smooth gear change and that the 4x4 engages and lights up. When was it MOT tested last, finally any service history, condition of oil, coolants and brake fluid reservoir. Having put those doubts in your mind go with an open mind as it does look good and that with the condition of the interior usually show how well a car has been cared for.
A well cared for 230 GES will offroad as well as any G and is happy to cover long distances on the tarmac.
My 230 GES has done over 200K ( I think) covered 400 miles in a day in comfort, still burns no oil and is a joy to drive.
A 230 will suffer from all the same problems and expense ( excluding engine) as the 280ge and 300 gd but as far as the engine is concernd I have had no problems in 10 years - I just keep putting fresh oil and filters in every 6000 miles or every 12 months.
Get as much advise from the experts on this forum as you can and at the price asked a new MOT with very few Advisories (read none) is a must.
Most odometers on 460 G's do not work my total mileage is guesswork so buy on condition. On the test drive watch if the miles tick by - after 5 or so it may stop.
If you can find an expert take him or her with you and good luck.
hi there.
i have owned and driven a fair few G's over the years and tbh in the 460 range i would go 230 GES anyday...!!
this particular G has been on the market a long time.maybe its a good G ,but get it inspected. check rear end for rust as well as the rear shock coil perches. check the floorpans in the front and the boot. check the blower works and tghe heater too. check the wiper spindles for any movement. engine could be loosing compression. make sure it has history.
most importantly dont rush. if your patient the right one will come along.
would be interesting to know what this one is like close up.
keep us posted
rgds hus
Why not tell us where you are based and a rough location on the G? You never know there maybe a member close by who may pop in a take a look for you.
Spider1V
spıder you are rıght mate. i am sure theres someone from the club thats in close range to this G. i guess its been on the market for a while for this reason...200 miles away puts many off. plus the asking price means this should be an A1 vehicle.
Thanks Spider / hus55.
I'm based up north, not far from Newcastle. It doesn't specify the location, just that it's 191 miles away. As soon as I give them a ring, I'll find out and let you know.
Thanks for your help.
Hi, i see its 54 miles from me..if you can tell me whereabouts it is I might be able to combine a visit with something else.i had a 230 and loved it...let me know what part of the country it is..if its near an Ikea then all the better.
Cheers
Ian
you back in the uk ian ??
you back in the uk ian ??
SBB - this is the perfect person to see this. (pun intended). While this member is in the UK, he would be able to pass a very critical eye on the G for you.
Spider1V
Thanks for the offer Peter.
I will ring them tomorrow and find out where they are.
Hopefully they live next to IKEA!
Peter,
It is in Aylesbury, Bucks.
18 Miles from the IKEA in Milton Keynes!!
I'm off to Milton Keynes for an ikea run and the snow dome with my son on Saturday.....I'll call them to arrange a visit then, if you want to let them know
Cheers
Yes Huss..back to Saudi in Jan
looking forward to ian's accurate and critical eye on this G....
peter_perfect,
I have sent you a Private message,
Thanks for the kind offer, that would be a great help.
Oi... Perfect - let me know when your down there, I am but a few miles from Aylesbury. Could meet up and let you buy me a coffee??? YOu have my number - use it ;)
Spider1V
Paying a visit this Saturday..before ikea and snow dome...will pm my opinion and will leave it up to the potential buyer if he wants to publish here.
Thanks so much.
Can't wait to hear what you have to say, good or bad. Really above and beyond what I expected from this forum!!
Nice fella this Ian... a bit foulmouthed but good guy nevertheless...
Bollocks !
up yours !!!
leave my spanish mate alone...
bloody rascist git !!!!
best wishes too btw.
rgds hus
Sam you have a pm...seen it
what was it like ian ??
whats the history on it , was you convinced mate ?
very very nice....pretty much mint all bar very minor rust spot on bumper...well looked after..
sbb, what are you waiting for ??
stuff the turkey and go get the G !
merry christmas all....
rgds hus
Thank again to Ian and everyone else on this forum. Amazingly helpful.
As soon as I recover from this food induced paralysis I will be on the phone to arrange a viewing.
Could be a G owner come January!!
Merry Christmas.
hope you get it and share more pics.
I BOUGHT IT.
Just got back after driving it 250 miles home.
Can't thank everyone enough who has helped out.
Especially Ian (Peter Perfect) who actually went and viewed it for me before I went to buy it.
Here is what Ian reported back with. I kept it to myself until I knew it was mine!!
Been to see it, and its a lovely example.interior is mint,fuel tank is vgc... underside mint...stainless exhaust was £750 and they have done a very nice job, recaros where re upholstered by Merc's..new merc springs on rear, whilst it was an awful day to view I could see it was in great condition...as for 14 owners they have all looked after it...in my opinion if I had the money I'd offer him £6500 and drive it away..a little rust on lip of rear door, but can't see unless you open door , no rust anywhere other than a small spot on rear bumper...in short you don't see many like this in that condition...be aware the 230 is on its limits to power but a lovely engine and very easy to work on...engine bay with a little detergent and pressure wash would shine !....Extras like long range fuel tank.., rear headrests, and slots on rear bench seats for dog guard but no dog guard...new mud terrain tyres on rear by kuhmo which are different to fronts which give road noise and slight vibration, I had the same type of tyre on two of my 4wd and weren't to happy with them.'you'd be mad not to buy it, I say that from an enthusiast point of view and not a new comer to g Wagner. , if you've never owned one then try before you buy but as said, I'd have no hesitation in handing over the money given whate out there at the moment...seriously it's a no brainier .
Enjoy.
Regards
happy days....!!!
rgds hus,
well done, pop some photos on
Hi
Health to enjoy !!
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Thanks to everyone who has messaged and posted so far. really helpful.
This is how all forums should be.
It's nearly 200 miles away from where I am based, so at least I have some questions to ask the seller before I make the trip.
If anyone else has anything they'd like to add, the more info the better.