2004 G55 238,000km
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Joined: Jun 2011
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300TD
2004 G55 238,000km
So, my beloved 82 300TD wagon got sold (bloody wife!), since then I have owned a couple of Saabs. Current one needs to go.
Feeling like something completely different!
A local garage (Toronto, Canada) has a G55 with 140k miles on it. Man those side pipes! AND supercharged!
Know nothing about the common problems with these, although am doing some research. Would anyone be so kind as to give me a quick rundown on common problems and repair costs? Given the ludicrous cost of these new, gotta think that repairs are costly. However, its a 20yr design, so possibly engine aside, should be easy-ish to work on yourself?
Any other iinsights on the joys of ownership much appreciated!
Thanks in advance!!
Feeling like something completely different!
A local garage (Toronto, Canada) has a G55 with 140k miles on it. Man those side pipes! AND supercharged!
Know nothing about the common problems with these, although am doing some research. Would anyone be so kind as to give me a quick rundown on common problems and repair costs? Given the ludicrous cost of these new, gotta think that repairs are costly. However, its a 20yr design, so possibly engine aside, should be easy-ish to work on yourself?
Any other iinsights on the joys of ownership much appreciated!
Thanks in advance!!
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From: Cape Cod
E450 wagon, C43 AMG Cpe, GLE AMG 63S
I would be somewhat concerned about the mileage but would need to look at overall condition and history of ownership and use. As you know as a MB owner, Mercedes are expensive to repair and G Wagons are VERY Expensive to repair. So a pre-purchase evaluation should be done by a qualified tech. Another suggestion; try to get some driving time in a G before you make the leap. A quick test drive around the block isn't sufficient. You should drive it in various situations including highway and around town.These are very different trucks and not for everyone. This is a thirty five year old design and much of the underpinnings and chases have remained unchanged in spite of technology updates with other MB products and the automotive industry as a whole. My experience with other owners and previous owners is that you either love 'em or hate 'em. Most owners I know have other vehicles in their stable as alternative transportation. One other caveat...don't be tempted by a low price. You can end up spending as much as your purchase price on repairs and maintenance. Good luck in your search.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
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g 55
Hi
Correct me if Im wrong but
I think that it was 2005 that was supercharged for the first time?
Huge difference in HP between the 2005 G55 and G55 2004
I own 2005 G55 and strongly recommend it, just need to replace the shocks to keep the wife happy!!!
Correct me if Im wrong but
I think that it was 2005 that was supercharged for the first time?
Huge difference in HP between the 2005 G55 and G55 2004
I own 2005 G55 and strongly recommend it, just need to replace the shocks to keep the wife happy!!!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2011
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300TD
Pdeacon,
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. Much appreciated.
Interesting, my brother in UK said same thing re. would make better second vehicle, rather than sole vehicle.
The 2004 is going for $US30.5k from a dealer that specialises in higher end cars. No mention of service history; doubt there is - ain't reassuring if that's the case.
There is also a 2003 G500 for sale privately, $33.6k, 107k miles, full service history from MB dealer. Likely better bet I am thinking (unless the 2004 has FSH). However, 2003 is not supercharged. Could be a bit pedestrian after my 2.8L turbocharged Saab. Used to driving pickup trucks with work, so ride quality, truck handling not huge concern. Are there any known weaknesses on these? Engine? transmission? drive shafts?those trick differentials? They have to be hard on brakes given the weight and auto transmission.Any ridiculous servicing $$$ requirements (am thinking of a VW Toureg V10 which seems like you have to raise the engine by 6 inches to do any routine maintenance )
Cheers!
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. Much appreciated.
Interesting, my brother in UK said same thing re. would make better second vehicle, rather than sole vehicle.
The 2004 is going for $US30.5k from a dealer that specialises in higher end cars. No mention of service history; doubt there is - ain't reassuring if that's the case.
There is also a 2003 G500 for sale privately, $33.6k, 107k miles, full service history from MB dealer. Likely better bet I am thinking (unless the 2004 has FSH). However, 2003 is not supercharged. Could be a bit pedestrian after my 2.8L turbocharged Saab. Used to driving pickup trucks with work, so ride quality, truck handling not huge concern. Are there any known weaknesses on these? Engine? transmission? drive shafts?those trick differentials? They have to be hard on brakes given the weight and auto transmission.Any ridiculous servicing $$$ requirements (am thinking of a VW Toureg V10 which seems like you have to raise the engine by 6 inches to do any routine maintenance
)Cheers!
Thread Starter
Newbie
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300TD
It is listed as a 2004 and has kompressor badging and side pipes.......am assuming kosher.
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2008 G55 AMG
On those engines that mileage is no bother at all. It's the other consumables/service items you need to look at. If the car is not rusty and has the main components working fine then I'd have no issue buying it (can't comment on price though)
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Member
Joined: Dec 2016
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From: SO CAL
2008 S550, 2004 G500, 2020 Cayenne
I have a 04 with 186,000 miles, and I won't trade it straight up with newer one even with much less miles if I don't know the whole history. Mine still runs perfect and looks like a new.
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