Milobeans22

Hello! I've recently caught the G wagon bug and am certifiably obsessed. I'm hoping to purchase one within six months and would love to hear any opinions on buying a low mileage '11 G55 or a new G550. I've only test driven the latter and it was the best driving experience of my life. If money were no object, I'd own the G63.... But alas, it is.

Chirenj

If it were me '11 G55, no doubt.

Milobeans22

Cool. Appreciate the feedback. Might as well go w the big beast. Thank you!

vcruiser

10000% the 2013 G550

The interior of the 2011 cars is archaic compared to the new update.

I drove the 2013 G550 and its not that far off from my G63.

Your driving experience will me much more enjoyable in the 2013 car.

Milobeans22

Good morning VCruiser! Thank you very much, although I wish you hadn't said that! Just kidding of course. In gen, I prefer new cars and, if affordable, the biggest engine. In this case, the g63 is just too rich for my blood. I drove the 2013 g550 and still get chills thinking about it. That guttural feedback... Wow. While the sound and even sensation of acceloration was impressive, I noticed it was a bit slower than I thought. Not that the G is a road performance vehicle, but I do like to punch it when the opportunity presents itself. Completely agree, the interior updates had been well overdue. Does the g55 sound any "meaner" than the g550? Thank you for your help. What color is your G63? I dream about them every night.

G55K

I'd also pick the G550.

Milobeans22

thanks G55K. btw, really enjoyed your discussion/pics re the G63 in moab.....

G63DCC

Get the 550 and have the ECU flashed...then you'll have some extra HP and torque to add to the already impressive motor specs. The interior update should be a consideration as well, not to mention piece of mind from having a full 4 year warranty. I'm on my 4th G and I can assure you that the warranty comes in handy

Milobeans22

That's a great point... One I hadn't considered. The 55 I was eyeing has a remaining warranty until 9/2015, although that will be upon us in no time. I had always heard G's could circle the globe with not much more than an oil change or two. Not the case? Thanks very much for your input... Valuable information from a g vet.

G63DCC

Don't get me wrong, most G's should give you an outsized life expectancy, provided its maintained as prescribed...I've never been "stranded " or otherwise but there have been historical known gremlins such as faulty window regulators/transfer cases and etc. Parts/service...yep, not cheap. So far my 63 only suffers from a rough noise when opening/closing the sunroof. Now back to you...you really won't be disappointed with either of them.

drew138

I would hold out for as long as possible and pick up that used G 63 when They start hitting the resale market

Milobeans22

ok cool...right, just like any vehicle, it'll have some hiccups...and as one would imagine, when a hand-made tank has a problem, the fix won't come cheap.

Milobeans22

hi Drew, that has definitely crossed my mind. as G63DCC alluded to, i won't be disappointed either way. we are lucky men if our biggest dilemma is a new or used G wagon. my theory has always been if you're going to do it, then do it right. maybe that's an excuse i've been making to pay up for quality over the years when i can afford it, but i think there's some merit to it. so, of course i'd want the G63...but at the moment, even 100-110k is a stretch (ie, i'm going to have to battle the wife - my solution: just bring it home one day without asking ). when do you think 63's will start hitting resale? spring/summer 2014?

vpr80

G550 by a mile. Drove the G55 and G63 back to back and the improvement in the new 2013 models is day and night. The new old ones look really old inside, but the biggest difference is the ride. It is tremendously improved, go try a G55 for yourself and you'll see. As someone said, a G550 with a tune (not really needed) is the way to go.

Milobeans22

VPR, thank you very much. It seems like the guys who've driven both agree w you. Appreciate the feedback and taking it to heart.

Luxurious

I would have to chime in with another 2013 G550 recommendation. As it has been mentioned in this thread already, the interior is a big step-up, and you get some bonuses like LED lights front and rear.

Milobeans22

Definitely appreciate the feedback. So, in your opinion, the interior upgrade and the LED trumps the 500 hp (vs ~380 in the g550) and the amg styling (exhaust, etc) ?

Luxurious

In the case of these two cars, yes, I think so. The G550 exhaust sounds much closer to an AMG exhaust than on other MB models, e.g. E550 vs E63, so you won't miss out on the signature AMG sound .

Or it seems the best option might be to wait 6 mo. until a pre-owned G63 comes into your price range.

Milobeans22

Now you're talking, brother! That would ideal.....thanks again.

RBYCC

New G550 and you will take the depreciation hit.
Used G55K and depreciation was the original owners problem.
G55K more desirable and holds value a bit more then the G550.
Buy a used G55K at the right price, keep it a few years and sell it for what you purchased it for...
I've done this twice with success.

Milobeans22

That's a great point and one I hadn't really considered. As you seem to be a man who can identify value, where do you think a 2011 G55K w just 8k miles and warranty until Sept 2015 should trade ?

RBYCC

Depends on the market you are in and sometimes the color.
I would think about $85K would be a buy price, a bit more if it's Merc CPO.
The real values are in the 3-4 year old CPO G55K.
The higher the price of the new G, the more value the used retains.

Milobeans22

Ok cool...that's very helpful, thanks!! Hopefully one day soon i'll be able to report back w a pic of my beautiful black G.

pagepro

Go with the G55. Virtually, nobody buys a brand new non AMG G. The sales figure is about 60% to 70% AMG models vs G550(or G350 Bluetec). For such a heavy car, you will regret the driving a G550 on the road. And your 2013 G550 will be lower in value vs the G55 in 3 years.

Milobeans22

yeah, i floored it on an on-ramp in a 2013 G550 and, while the experience was still exhilarating, i was left wanting more. i suspect the amg won't leave me with that same feeling. i think i'm with you....if i could act today, it'd be the G55. now if i could only get out of my X5 lease..........patience is a virtue.