G wagons are made for overlanding but which one should you buy?
G wagons are made like tanks.
Some would say that they are “car tanks.”
And they hold their value well.
Why?
Because the buyer does not care about the newest model particularly.
They care about function and if your g wagon can still drive off land in the snow, dirt, and mud, it is good enough to be purchased.
Being a part of the Mercedes brand, you also need to drive with class.
With a G wagon, you get exactly that along with additional benefits.
The first G wagon was designed in 1979 and compared to modern G wagons, the design is very similar.
To the untrained eye, you would not even be able to tell the difference between the two g wagons, one made in the 1980s and one made in the 2000s.
- W463 – 2004-2006
The main reason this is my number one pick is because of the electronics.
If you are offroading, you will encounter dust. And lots of it.
And in the early 2000s, there were some electronic failures with the G wagons, and this was later fixed in the mid 2000s.
With a 2004 W463 G500, it feels raw but it has a splash of modern elements.
This makes for an excellent vehicle for a weekend trip or just a nice cruise off land.
The first thing you will be impressed by is its offroad reliability.
It is simply overbuilt for its time.
Its capability is another thing and you can feel the power of your vehicle up close.
In the mid 2000s, G wagons are typically sold with high-mileage with tons of maintenance. However, they still run well and if you are prepared to maintain your G wagon, it can be done for a good price.
A used 2004 G500 G Wagon with 86k miles would cost around $35,000 USD.
- W460
Older W460 G wagons are still quite popular for any car enthusiast in today’s market.
Perhaps people want a throwback to classic cars or vintage European cars…
With the increased demand for overlanding, most W460 G wagons will definitely be a fun ride for you.
However, do not expect this to be a low cost.
A good condition W460 should be around $30,000-$40,000 USD.
Compared to newer G wagons, this is an absolute steal, given that you put in some elbow grease with the repairs.
And do not forget the cost of maintenance if you do decide to take your G wagon for a spin on the weekends.
Repairing the tailgates, certain body bits, transmission, etc are some things you might want to look out for.
So, it is essential to make sure you have a detailed service history and check for rust or leaks. Get it inspected and have some peace of mind with your purchase.
- W461
Most W461 would be lumped into the same category as the W460s even though the W461 were produced 10 years after the first release of the W460s.
There is a reason for this.
One reason is because the W461s had the W460 chassis, a W463 powertrain and a W460 body.
Originally, the W461s were built for military, non-government organizations and public officials. However, there was a civilian model released and continued until 2014. These were limited and were not mass-produced.
- Modern G Wagons, 2014+
Newer G wagons are #4 on my list. And this is why…
Cost
A 2020 G wagon will cost you upwards of $100,000 USD, nearly $130,000 for just the base model.
While you attempt to justify that price or see how you can possibly resell it in the future for even a small profit or breakeven, you will drive yourself mad.
It is a no-win situation when you buy a new modern G wagon on paper.
But if you can find someone with an equal or higher interest in your G wagon, this can be a positive.
But for the most part, this will be a depreciating asset.
More electronics
Newer G wagons are more controlled by electronics than ever before.
Turbos and direct injections are two areas that are particularly influenced and could be problematic if your wires get fried.
However, this can be a great thing since more sensors and microswitches are placed and used to help control cruising and overall comfort.
Upgraded features
Cars are constantly in competition with each other to create a better product.
As a result, all G wagons should have:
- Luxurious interior
- Noise-insulated glass
- Electronically heated windshield
- Multiple touchpads
- Dual 12.3” display
- Sophisticated safety features
- Multiple lockable differentials
- Twin-turbo V8 engine
- W463 2nd Gen, 2018+
Newer G wagons are made to improve sustainability and comfort.
They aim to balance style and performance.
However, newer models, in my opinion, lose some of the ruggedness of the older models.
A modern G wagon will never look and replace a classic, vintage G wagon.
There is too much history, from the planning to the assembling.
The parts will be more difficult to find for the older models while newer models benefit from being created in a vast technological age.
For instance:
- Steering system chances – adaptive electric power assistance to increase safety and line-keeping help
- Pre-safe collision
- Avoidance systems
- Self-parking capability
- More lightweight materials – To allow weight reduction by 170kg while still maintaining a wide frame
Conclusion
Whether you decide to get a used vintage G wagon or a modern G wagon, you will enjoy yourself.
G wagons are built different and will give you a unique experience and ride on your cruise and overload.
And if you are interested in more vintage cars, Yenko muscle cars might be up your alley if you want something a little different.
