2000 Europa g500

[turnerc7]

Hi everyone,
Im new to the world of G Wagons and thought I would get some input from the people who know. I have been using a 97 defender 90 for daily driving as well as some trail work but lately I have been looking into the mercedes alternative. having done some research i decided upon the pre MBUSA models and since im in California a 2000-2002 would be just the ticket. If any one has input on realities of living with a G I would really appreciate it.
On a different note, there is currently a 2000 G500 for sale on the europa website. it has around 85k miles and is going for 26k. Any thoughts?

thanks

[stevegsmith]

Hi everyone,
Im new to the world of G Wagons and thought I would get some input from the people who know. I have been using a 97 defender 90 for daily driving as well as some trail work but lately I have been looking into the mercedes alternative. having done some research i decided upon the pre MBUSA models and since im in California a 2000-2002 would be just the ticket. If any one has input on realities of living with a G I would really appreciate it.
On a different note, there is currently a 2000 G500 for sale on the europa website. it has around 85k miles and is going for 26k. Any thoughts?

thanks

Howdy,
If you're used to driving a D90 as a daily, you'll love how a G feels on and off highway. That includes early G's (460's) as well. Drive a few and take your time looking around. G500's are now more affordable. If you don't mind a little more rugged feel, check out some 460's.
Where in California are you? The US west coast G community is very accessible and many of us would be more than happy letting you test drive our vehicles on any of the outings. We have several impromptu events throughout the year and one semi-official MB club event coming up in July.
Also, contact Mike Serpe and let him know you're looking. He's in the Bay Area. I'll PM you his contact info as well as mine.
Steve

[DUTCH]

On a different note, there is currently a 2000 G500 for sale on the europa website. it has around 85k miles and is going for 26k. Any thoughts?

thanks

If it's been well maintained, that's probably a fair price.

I have a Europe Int'l 2000 G500, and love it.

[turnerc7]

Thanks SteveGsmith,

Good to know, I was under the impression that to own a non MBUSA g it was either a 2000-2002 G500 or something before 1985. Is that correct?

[turnerc7]

Good to know, did you get yours through Europa? Have you had any issues?

[stevegsmith]

Gray market G's have been imported since their production beginning in 1979 (probably not that early but maybe there were a few) either privately via auto importer or by Europa (first official dealer). MBUSA brought the 2002 G500 then came the G55 and G550.

I'd join the G-forums and peruse a bit.

Here's some stuff:
history and some model overview:
http://www.g4rce.net/engl/history1.html

the two most frequented US based forums are:
http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/for...splay.php?f=57
and
http://www.clubgwagen.com/forum/index.php

on the clubgwagen forum, check out his thread:
and links to more:
http://www.clubgwagen.com/forum/view...st=0&sk=t&sd=a

[turnerc7]

I hadnt considered a 460 until you mentioned it, They look to be a great deal and more utilitarian. Any thoughts?

[otiswesty]

I test drove a couple of D110's before I bought my 1st Gwagen in 2000. I thought the 460 series 300GD that I ended up with was a much nicer and better built vehicle from a newb perspective. The Gwagen that I got was nicer than many of them with the factory Recaro seats, and was a nicer drive and more comfortable than the NAS Defender 110. I have since traded to a G500 (2002) sold originally by MBUSA and appreciate the available power (300HP) much more. The Pre-2002 vehicles have the same motor as the MBUSA truck but with less drivetrain and stability management, an advantage that makes them some of the best Gwagens ever sold. With the center diff locked they are a very similar beast though. Also, the early G500's have the benefit of a manual transfer case shifter. I looked seriously at a Europa G500 before buying used in 2008. However, all of the modern Gwagens are complex electronic vehicles and I feel that access to repairs is more available with the MBUSA trucks. Either way, it is a huge step from a D90 in a positive way. I do like the Defenders though, very classic style, probably the basis for the G design.

A 460 Gwagen is a great trucks also. The gassers are a bit thirsty with fuel and the diesels are a little slow on the on ramp, but on the trail they are all about the same, including your D.

[turnerc7]

Otiswesty,
thanks for the info, how does your g500 compare on gas to the older 460 series gassers?

[DUTCH]

Otiswesty,
thanks for the info, how does your g500 compare on gas to the older 460 series gassers?

My 292 HP 2000 G500 V8 gets almost exactly the same gas mileage as did my 150 HP 1984 280GE I6 - ~15 mpg on the highway. The 280GE was happy with low or mid-range octane gasoline. The G500 prefers premium.