I'm thinking about buying a 2003 or so G500. They seem to be going for $25k-$30k.

My 08 E550 has Airmatic and that seems to be one of those expensive parts.


What can I expecting buying a G500 w/ say 75k miles on it?

Are there any years I should watch out for? Any significant changes where I should spend more and buy an 05 vs. 03?

Thanks in advance!

From the looks of a nation wide search over on CARS.COM for $30,000 and under it looks like the newest G Wagon you can get is the 2002 G500. Going to have anywhere from 70-100,000+ Miles on it. Not 100% sure but I belive that 2002 was a new start to the G Wagon adding more luxury features and electronics. Get a (PPI) Pre Purchase Inspection at any good indi shop and inspect, inspect, inspect!!! Get all records and get a long test drive and TEST EVERYTHING! Good Luck

Any major issues I might run into on a car with that much mileage?

Any estimated maintenance costs .. is $1000/yr on avg over the next 5 yrs sound right?

With vehicles out of warranty and rising fuel prices I believe there's some good deals to be had on the G. Typically, asking or advertised prices are just that and may have little baring on the actual sale price. This one looks interesting from where I'm sittin and may be worth a phone call. I have no information or affiliation with the car or seller.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/02-G5...#ht_676wt_1167

That is a nice one and its from a dry climate. I'm still in the research phase of what to expect, maintenance issues, etc. I will probably do a test drive at the local dealer and maybe do an extended test drive so I can keep a CPO G500/550 over the weekend and see how I like it.

Thanks!

There were some significant changes in 2005 with all of the Mercedes cars, including the G500. Electronics & Cerami-Clear finish just to name a couple. At the end of 2003, Mercedes Benz put into production a new scratch-resistant clear coat lacquer made up of nano-sized ceramic particles, which are baked and hardened in the paintshop oven, just like you’d bake pottery in a kiln. This process results in an extensively cross-linked, very hard paint finish that stands up better to mechanical car washes and day to day abuse.

If you've never driven a G I recommend you do so before purchasing. I suggest driving it for along period of time. Its one of those hate or love it vehicles. If you find yourself loving the G-unit, I would recommend forking out the extra $$$ for the 2005.

2003 Silver G for 36k with 55k miles.
http://www.mandfauto.com/vehicle/312...w-Mexico-87120

Yeah, my 08 E550 has cerami-clear and good to know it started in 05. Thank you!

I'm going to visit everyone thats selling theirs and drive it .. that should be long enough I guess. I'm going to try and drive any CPOs that are on the lots of various dealers.

Introduced for the MY03

Thanks PCH! Good info.

My '02 has Venture Shield thank gd. See my comments on the other thread.

Definitely good money spent regarless of MY. The newer paint is good but typically not good enough to deflect road debris from cars in front of you.

Just had two services done on my g500.

Service one was under CPO warranty 100kmiles @ 97k. I had the front diff replaced, the rear springs replaced, an exhaust shield replaced, and a bunch of other stuff that amounted to $4k value.

At 104k I went to the local indie and had a b service done, air filters, cabin filter replaced, all the breather hoses replaced, new Bosch oem plugs done, the valve cover gaskets replaced, 0-40 m1 oil and Bosch oem fleece filter, rear diff fluid repaced, brake and coolant replaced, a ps line replaced, new bulbs all around, touch up of several rust spots, and other minor stuff. I am awaiting the proper Bilstein shocks...the originals want replacing. The price about 40% of the dealer and all parts were at or near wholesale due to forum sponsor and various promotions on oil and so on.

The truck feels great and the indicated average gas mileage has gone up. The car seems to have more oomph. The tech explained to me it is advisable to replace the breather hoses and vc gasket when replacing plugs if you want to keep the vehicle. He takes a system approach. he also recommends no more than 6k miles between oil and filter changes. I am a fan of the 0-40 oil based on his advice. It makes the engine quieter.....

There was a sale on ramps so when the winter is over I shall wash the undercarriage with low pressure at the local car wash and do a touch up.

What does this cost over the years? It depends on maintenance record of the truck, a warranty, the post warranty maintenance, and how long you want to keep it. MBUSA doesn't mention many of these items so unless you ask for them they do not get nor do they stock

Wh

That is some serious money invested in to maintenance grane. I am in the same boat as the original poster. I will be on the hunt for a <$30k G500 with <100k miles in the coming months.

I believe grane may have been a bit over zealous. For 30K you should be able to do a lot better then a 100K mile car.