I’ve been looking to get into a G500 for the last couple of months.

some context; I would only drive this vehicle 2-3k miles a year. I have 2 other vehicles.

i came across an 02 California driven G500 with 250k miles. It’s had 2 previous owners and the current owner has had it since 2019.

In his ownership, he got all major components serviced, transfer case rebuilt and also recently regreased (not resealed) the front axle swivel *****.

he has provided good service records, and honestly I test drove it and it ran great during the drive.

cosmetically the interior is pretty good for its age and the exterior just has minor paint chips here and there.

i have since had it inspected - no drive train issues were noted. The only thing noted was that the suspension is still original. It appeared to be in decent shape, with minor sweating at the swivel *****. They recommended a suspension refresh soon (but not urgent), tie rod change and wheel bearing replacement. Other than that they said it doesn’t need anything.

i just wanted peoples opinions here. I feel like this might be too good to be true? but everything is checking out. the seller is also a private party, and he coms across as very honest - every issue he noted was corroborated by the PPI. He said he never had any issues during his ownership, and i do believe him.

I am prepared for the high maintenance costs and planning to refresh the front axles. Just wanted to understand if this a realistic scenario or is it more likely that something is hidden. I’ve never seen one with this high miles before.

I want to be able to enjoy it this summer before doing major work. Just worried about any safety issues or being stranded.

I also live in the Midwest - I want to also take steps to get it ready for its first ever Midwest winter.

 

Does your planned 2k-3k annual mileage exclude winter driving? Midwest winters are accompanied with copious amounts of road salt that could rapidly disintegrate the truck.

 

I would like for it to include it. I live in the city and have a closed garage. I don’t drive much in the winter, but sometimes will need to. I would say maybe 2-500 miles would be in winter season.

what steps can I take to protect the truck before hand?

 

What do you think is good about it? That it made it to 250k mi?

 

well it seemed to be in good condition for its age. I test drove it for an hour and found no red flags sticking out. I also had it inspected and the mechanic did not raise any issues other saying he recommends resealing the swivel ball joints in the next 1-2 years. The front axle was sweating slightly but nothing major.

 

I bought my 02 G500 a year ago in Chicago. 137k miles on it. Ever since purchase, I have done a lot of work (spark plugs and wire, purge valve, transmission fluid/filter/connector, 4 new shocks, re-grease swivel ball, coolant flush, rear SAM unit replaced/programmed, washer pumps(2) replaced, 4 new tires, exhaust work, new battery, etc). I have also applied Fluid Film on undercarriage, as I live in Midwest. They hold up pretty well and certainly helps with the road salt.

24 years old vehicle, and everything becomes brittle, so be careful with plastic and rubber parts, as they will break.

Overall, G-wagen has a great drivetrain and certainly proves to be up to 250k miles. It is the rest of the stuff that breaks (rust, rubber parts).

 

Be sure to inspect it carefully for rust. As I recall, G's tend to rust from the inside out, and the areas around the windshield and door hinges are particularly susceptible. Look for evidence of small paint blistering, especially around the weld seams. If all is good from its life in CA, you might want to investigate whether an rust-proofing undercoat is practicable at its age.

 

can I dm or contact you outside of forums ? I’m also I. Chicago. Also a silver G500

 

Sure.