Snipe10

Ever since I ordered my 2019 G 550 in January I've been a daily follower of the forum. Over the past 3 plus months, a lot of what I've read now have me nervous about the new model year G's in 2019. My build is like $145K plus tax and my local dealer has a few G63's including a 2015, 2016 and 2018 in stock. They want $95K, $109K and $131K respectively. I was going for a 550 as I couldn't justify the price of a new 63 being $20K more.

Color aside, (red) I'm leaning towards picking up either the 15 or 16. This is my first G Wagon and I know not to believe all you read on line but things like the windshield, the cabin noise, some engine issues, have me wondering if the kinks are worked out on the new models. I know MB will stand behind their product but I'm not interested in paying $150K and having a loaner car for a month due to some problem like a busted windshield not readily available in the U.S.

Question from current or previous owners is would you wait a year or two for the new model to get things vetted? Also were there any major issues with 15's or 16's I should know about. Really torn here as once I get a gut feeling somethings not quite right, it usually isn't. Am I overreacting?

thanks,

dunderhi

Gen 1 and Gen 2 G are very different beasts. I wouldn’t think of them as alternatives for each other. I’ve had my ‘19 for 6mo and 8kmi and the biggest quirk I’ve noticed thus far is that it feels air tight. My windshield is intact and the A/C doesn’t whistle, but you can tell that it is under a higher load when the windows are closed. As far as first year jitters is concerned, I picked up a 7yr/100kmi warranty, so I’m covered. My biggest complaint is the lane keeping assist which produces a near violent correction. I’m hoping a software patch will fix the LKA’s intensity.

BTW, this is the first vehicle that I’ve even considered owning for more the 4yrs since the ‘90s. I like it.

pdeacon

My advice is to drive a MY19 and compare it to the older models you are considering. I turned in my MY16 at lease end and after driving the MY19 I wouldn't advise going back. My dealer had a new MY18 G63 that I considered but I'm glad I stuck to my plan to upgrade. I wouldn't be overly concerned about the first year production issues. You will have a new car warranty and if you are overly concerned spring for the extended warranty. Some on the forum (older vintage) may remember the days when we were told not to buy a car produced on a Monday. I think these first year production concerns fall into the same category. Best of luck with your decision. Let us know what you decide.

ajm0623

my '16 is rock solid. no issues except the accessories battery died; benzo replaced it under warranty. i just love it and will never get rid of it as long as she performs as she has the last three years. 25,000mi now and just put new skins on. rides just like a g should. i won't buy the new model. i have an s-class and don't need my g to ride like one of those.

drew138

Buying a first year car of a new model is not for the faint of heart and TSBs and recall notices along with the odd catastrophic fail are sure to happen to a small percentage. If that is not for you, then best to wait til 2020 or 2021. It's one of the reasons I initially considered holding off the upgrade from my 2010. Still considering it honestly. I'd say your nerves are not unwarranted but MB will ultimately do the right thing.

Festertester

Companies with strong R&D and quality focus should have low probability of high percentage failures on the redesigned vehicles. Also if there are shared parts with other models, it should help. I don’t want to stereotype but I’d trust Germans over English on first year vehicle quality any day. JLR and Aston have lots of recurring quality issues regardless of redesign or not but German cars are solid, again if they have solid R&D
and quality focus. I can speak for Porsche as I have first model year car and it’s rock solid over 6 years later, yet I had many issues on any of the past British cars that I’ve owned. I also know that Audis have many issues (know of one such S3) but it’s typically when they share parts with VWs, which aren’t best quality. Higher end models of Audi still seem to be relatively reliable. I also recall that when current gen S class first came out, it had many new things/parts hence issues too yet new g appears to be doing ok relative to that or any British vehicle. It’d my first MB as well so I’m gambling a bit as well, really hope that quality/reliability is close to my Porsche.

drew138

^^Agreed. Also, i know these firms are super analyzing every issue reported within the first year and making tweaks on the line as its 10x cheaper to fix at the factory than to have a dealer recall. One of the advantages if having the car released in USA last too.

Sarlox

Keep on course for your new one. We have a 2015 and a 2016 and two 2019s. It is night and day difference drivablity wise