Vik888

How is the ride quality of a G500/550 or G55?

I'm thinking of buying a used one. Is the ride going to be terrible compared to my E550 which has Airmatic? Would it be a bad car for long trips (5hrs+)?

DHS

I was worried about this issue. I drove a friends G500 prior to buying one and the drive was choppy,slightly crude and.....And I Loved it. This truck does NOT drive like your E550 and it was not designed to. If the G is going to replace the G, I would spend some quality time behind the wheel of one to make sure you are OK with the ride. The interior of the G is very nice and as a owner of a late model MB, you will feel at home behind the wheel.

I do NOT regret my purchase and I love driving my G. The build quality is superior to just about everything i have driven or owned.

The G is a serious chunk of metal and with the price of gas and the "green" attitude of our world, I can't see the G being around forever. Buy one now before they disappear.

jimmyg

You're comparing the bed at the Westin with a sleeping bag under the stars...if that makes sense. Sounds like the GL is more appropriate for your needs.

Vik888

Nah, I know it won't be like my E550. It isn't replacing my E550 but my 1995 Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner's ride quality is so bad, my father won't ride in it at all. I'm sure the G will be better than that.

jimmyg

Your '95 4Runner was designed 15 years after the G-Class. The G-Class is a 1979 design for a military vehicle which has been "softened" for civilian use. It's optimized for ruggedness and durability, not comfort. Take a test drive with your father and decide for yourself.

Vik888

Thanks for the info jimmy! I do plan to take a test drive soon.

CakeDaddy

No way. The G ride is nothing like the E ride. The G is very up-right and choppy. Hell....the doors dont even close the same. You'll see what Im talking about on your test drive.

PCH

Didn't you mention you had a '02 G in your thread, Reviews from cars.com? Or were you referrig to a Lexus G5 or...?

Vik888

I don't have an 02 G-Wagen. I'm looking to buy one and my budget will probably allow me to buy an 02-04 maybe 05.

grane

The ride improves as you load down the truck unlike many vehicles that start to "bottom out."

I have an '02. If I were in the market for a used one I would buy an 04-09 that uses the DVDs, not the CDs in the benighted Comand system. Get a CPO 100k mile warranty...it will pay for itself if you know how to use it.

PCH

DVD based command was introduced for the US G in mid '07. IMO the command upgrades were near insignificant until the MY09.

CakeDaddy

I remember reading back in 2007-2008 that G is on its way out, but its 2011 and its still going strong. The G isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, especially with RangeRover getting back into the game with their new box style defender SUV seen in link below:

http://www.teamspeed.com/forums/bent...e-jealous.html

PCH

RR ceased US production of the Defender in '97. To date, I haven't read any confirmed info. stating that's changed. Regardless, IMO two different customers.

CakeDaddy

Its a US DOT issue I'm guessing, but my point was that the G isnt going anywhere soon, but thats my opinion

PCH

Let's hope so! As long as the factory stays busy with military production I believe they'll continue the civilian production. As to whether MBUSA and their dealers feel optimistic regarding future sales in this environment may be another story.

C240-Merc

I am amazed by the ride quality of our new 2011 G550 in comparison to my mother in law's 2003 G500. The 2011 g550's ride quality and steering is greatly improved over the prior years.

grane

Too bad one cannot officially tow anything with it.

I admire your ride truly and hope it meets your needs. My g500 is a long term ride.

Oh, my tech says to make you regularly change the xmission and brake fluids.

grane

I stand corrected and it makes me happier that I have an early model because I am not missing something that is not there anyway.

C240-Merc

Thank you

I don't really tow anything but if I did I would use the 08 Escalade. It came with a tow package.