Thoughts on this 2014 G550?
 

Hi everyone,

I was looking for a new AWD car and was choosing between a Macan S or a G-wagon.
Luckily, I found a nice 2014 G-class locally: https://www.iseecars.com/used-car-fi...d=100402933447 with not so many miles and good price.
Wheels will be gone. Or would you recommend getting a 2011 G55 AMG like this: https://www.iseecars.com/used-car-finder#id=100418765462

G-wagon is a bit outside of my budget but given they hold value extremely well, I'm not bothered (unless you tell me the new G-wagon will cause older models depreciate a lot).
While I do know 2015-2017 Macans have expensive transfer case failures I was wondering if G-class of 2014 or similar model years had any typical and costly issues?

In essence, I'm looking at two things:
1. Common issues with 2011-2014 cars and what to check when buying
2. Is it a bad purchase from the depreciation standpoint given the new platform is out? I haven't noticed the old body cars getting any cheaper in the last few months.

Your input is much appreciated!

Thanks,
Alex

I’d do some follow up. Firstly; I’m not local so I’d make sure that dealer is reputable. Secondly; the car was a rental vehicle, which may or may not bother you. Not many people can afford to rent a high end car like a G550 (probably $500 a day), so maybe it wasn’t driven too hard, who knows. Then it was leased, then auctioned to this dealer. It had a couple services including a pulley replaced and seat repaired. Probably not a big deal.

FYI; I just bought a 2014 G550 for $71k with 29k miles, one owner and a clean Carfax. We love it. Price wise this one you’re looking at is a good price. Great color and upgraded wheels. We bought an extended warranty through a dealer from Axiom to help us feel better about the age. You might consider something similar.

Also, we own a 2018 Macan S. Fantastic sporty SUV. 180 degrees different than a G Wagon. One sits low, one high, one is tight, one is loose, one is nimble and light weight, the other a heavy tank. Not sure why’d you’d be comparing them, but hope that helps a little.

It's hard to really gauge the depreciation on them now that the new one is out. I also thought maybe they would take a hit but to be honest they're still selling very quickly and holding value well. Only time will tell as the new 2019's become more available and at MSRP.

Depreciation doesn’t seem to be a challenge for the foreseeable future. Firstly; the new 2019’s are selling at a premium over MSRP which will drive up all residual values. Secondly; there are purists who while they might appreciate the tech in the new 2019’s feel the body style has become too “car like” or “mainstream SUV” and will revert to the older models.

At the end of the day all luxury cars are going to depreciate terribly, it’s just how much how fast. The only way I know of to counter that to any degree is to be able to write the depreciation off if the vehicle is a owned/used by your business...

I wonder if my '14 command can be upgraded to the '16 version.

I'd love to have Apple CarPlay.