Hey all,
I'm looking into purchasing this G Wagon:
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/WDCYR49E32X132429

I would be doing only about 10 miles a day. One of the issue I have is that I live in an area that is 1.5 hours away from the nearest indy shop (Philly, can you help recommend?). If I maintain it, do you see it being cost prohibitive for owning one of these due to repairs? I am not sure about it's long term reliability as a hobby car. Thanks!

The drivetrain of those older G500's is a reliable one but you're still dealing with older, early 2000's electronics.

I briefly had a '03 with more than twice the miles. It ran and drove perfect but things like the head unit failed and I learned replacement parts were no longer in production and are hard to acquire.

I do not recommend. Not because it isn't a reliable car, but because issues do come whether its benz of honda and when they do, its not just ez fix. Miles are relatively high on this model, and due to the age parts might be hard to get. Sounds like indy shop isnt close to you. That in it self should be a red flag for you.

In any event, good luck to you and your search. If you decide to pull the trigger on this, i hope it doesn't give you a hard time. Specially if you're planning to drive it only 10 miles a day. Having to spend time and money on a car you drive very little is the most annoying thing.

Lots of questions to ask first.

How comfortable are you working on older MB's? How comfortable are you with working on big heavy trucks? Do you have the space/garage to do the work?

Overall working on the G isn't bad, but you need the time, the space, and the tools. Some repairs are better left to experts like axle bearings and those can get costly, but normal replacing of parts isn't too difficult. Depending on how much rust the vehicle has. Parts are generally available but they're usually more expensive and you'll have to rely on dealers, Online dealers, or specialty G part sources.

The one you listed doesn't have any closeups of common rust areas, nor does it have any underbody pictures. Those would be the most important to request and look closely at. The miles are quite low for the year and you shouldn't be scared off with M113 engines with 100k miles, as long as proper service has been done in the past. The 2002's had electrical issues, but there's a good chance that they have been worked out on this one if it's still running without any codes now.

Common rust areas:
Around the windshield, lower doors, around the tail lights, around the other windows, lower rocker panels, top and bottom of the doors, spring/shock seats.

I, like you was on the fence. How could I even think of buying a used German car. A Mercedes Benz truck no less. I talked myself out of buying one three times. But after a due diligents I pilled the trigger a 06 with 120000. I did purchase an aftermarket warranty just in case. $99 a month until I have peace of mind
Well, the votes are in and I love it! These G-wagons are fun to drive. Keep in mind there are so many on the road still because they were built for reliability. Yup manufacturer can do that if they want and they did with this platform. I've owned Audi's, 911's, turbo Lexus's and a few jap SUV's But the G is my favorite vehicle Ive ever owned.
Since buying mine I've upgraded the sound and brakes and did a facelift. If I had to do it all again I'd bought a AMG with the brembo brakes and Sound system and beefed induction. The AMG is with more power that's why I shied away from Turbo's or a supercharger but now I'd trust them just fine. The the stock V8 has plenty of power though. My review BUY IT!

which warranty did you buy? Do they fight claims?

Endurance. I just googled the top 10 after market companirs and started calling indie's and Park Place Mercedes and asked. The say Endurance is good to work with.. They also said Carshield is useles.

Funny Endurance had told me they do not warranty G Wagons as they are too expensive to repair.

@DABRONX Our provider Freedom Warranty has no issue covering G Wagons, and prices are quite affordable, below is one I just quoted today. If any one is interested in an example contract, you can reach me at tgibson@highline-autos.com (855) 924-1333

2017 Mercedes-BenzG63
37,500

Freedom Warranty Complete Manufactures Extension:
36 months / up to 100k miles
$0 deductible
-$4,470
$100 deductible
-$4,320

48 months / up to 100k miles
$0 deductible
-$4,580
$100 deductible
-$4,430

60 months / up to 100k miles
$0 deductible
-$4,745
$100 deductible
-$4,595

Endurance BBB profile: Not accredited and B- rating is not the worst.... but not great either.
https://www.bbb.org/us/il/northbrook...-0654-88077689

Wow that's an experience. If you had to do it all over again, would you be looking at a private sale (if so, where?) Or a dealer or national site.

Also, how did you find your Indy shop?

Thanks!

I would add an aftermarket warranty if this is your daily driver, since you'll want to get repairs done more quickly at a shop rather than DIY. I have a newer gen, but it's nice knowing I don't need to worry about stuff breaking.

Also for a daily driver, I would recommend getting a windshield film installed. You can go to a detailing shop for whatever film they use, I installed a diy kit though from grab-gard.com and am happy with it. These windshields are prone to breaking since they're so upright, and on a daily driver, that's a potential issue. I'm not sure if they have a kit for the year you're looking at or not.

It depends on where you're driving too, though.

Does that repairs shop 150 miles from you have access to parts? I would check that first.

Also if you're planning to use a Warranty for repairs, make sure it is one that will pay for the tow and that long of a tow, or that will be a big bill by itself if you ever have an issue that requires a tow to the shop.

goals for said G ? keep it stock and a DD or toy with some mods ? coming from many of the brands/flavors you noted I would share that the G's service/ repair costs for major things are not for the weak of heart....I'd be hesitant to own one without a freindly Indy nearby .....or AAA platinum....

While I love our G55 and consider it a "rescue" - it's deferred maint and baselining has hit over 5 figures in a quick 4 month build / rehab.... but at this point I'd be happy to head to Maine or Ouray in it for a week....

Mods also often seem to have the AMG tax .... 3X what a Landcruiser or Rover would be for similar parts, .somewhat attributable to low demand/volume ...

I'd highly suggest 2006 or newer if it's in your budget - and get a PPI and rust inspection from someone you trust ....and find a southern vehicle if at all possible.

best of luck and keep us posted.