Jwestpro
Explorer
I've been solidly a Land Rover person for almost 400,000 miles/10 years.
My first "travel" vehicle (and first suv) was a 1996 Discovery bought used in 2000. It was great when I knew nothing of the other options out in the world because it was simply the best thing to me, I was happy. Over 200,000 miles later, I desired more space, more modern comforts, something more "cool". I got bit by the gizmo wizardry of air suspensions, auto windows, flat load floor folding seating, icons for driving terrain conditions, etc.
Now, I realize the inherent merits of having a few less wizardry and linked electronics (i.e., an air suspension that might sense a height issue and limit your power or height for "your own safety") Aside from the fact that my LR3 has a couple nearly insurmountable limits such as tire size (biggest size is 31.5" without serious modifications or trade-offs in safety and/or reliability), it rarely feels like "the right" vehicle. I want safety, reliability, capability, comfort and fun.
A modern version of the Discovery would work, but the closest thing I can see in that vein is the G Wagen. Now, that's not a bad thing, they just cost so damn much (remember, I like the modern crap, the sweet newer seats, heated windscreen, traction control/safety, air bags, etc.)
I know G500's are the "value" direction, but I like what I've read about the 55's in that the transmission and some other items are built better (?). I also like the AMG fender flares, but you could swap those onto any 463 G. I would bet you could also easily have the heated windscreen and controls installed, in addition to a reverse camera, etc, etc.
That all leaves me with handbuilt AMG powered '05+ G55K (supercharged) with nearly 500hp for ~$50k or an '03-'04 G55 naturally aspirated but still AMG built.
I realize AMG brakes will cost more but there are sources for pads n rotors and I don't mind the additional stopping power as most trips involve 1000's of highway miles too.
A MB tech mentioned the potential problems of running a supercharged model in very extreme conditions, deep water, -40 temps, etc, so I was wondering if the non K version of the G55 would be the best of both: hand built but naturally aspirated.
My goad is not to build out an expedition only vehicle that isn't also nice for family travels (comfortable, safe, etc)
I have bought too many vehicles over the years only to learn more later and realize I should have researched more first.
So, this time I'm taking quite a while and saving up while also allowing depreciation to continue in my favor.
I basically own the LR3 which I bought new. I then spent $25,000 on parts and labor to make it into what it is. If I want a steel spring suspension, that option is becoming a near future option but it still won't really allow the clearance I could get with 33-34" tires on a G.
My first "travel" vehicle (and first suv) was a 1996 Discovery bought used in 2000. It was great when I knew nothing of the other options out in the world because it was simply the best thing to me, I was happy. Over 200,000 miles later, I desired more space, more modern comforts, something more "cool". I got bit by the gizmo wizardry of air suspensions, auto windows, flat load floor folding seating, icons for driving terrain conditions, etc.
Now, I realize the inherent merits of having a few less wizardry and linked electronics (i.e., an air suspension that might sense a height issue and limit your power or height for "your own safety") Aside from the fact that my LR3 has a couple nearly insurmountable limits such as tire size (biggest size is 31.5" without serious modifications or trade-offs in safety and/or reliability), it rarely feels like "the right" vehicle. I want safety, reliability, capability, comfort and fun.
A modern version of the Discovery would work, but the closest thing I can see in that vein is the G Wagen. Now, that's not a bad thing, they just cost so damn much (remember, I like the modern crap, the sweet newer seats, heated windscreen, traction control/safety, air bags, etc.)
I know G500's are the "value" direction, but I like what I've read about the 55's in that the transmission and some other items are built better (?). I also like the AMG fender flares, but you could swap those onto any 463 G. I would bet you could also easily have the heated windscreen and controls installed, in addition to a reverse camera, etc, etc.
That all leaves me with handbuilt AMG powered '05+ G55K (supercharged) with nearly 500hp for ~$50k or an '03-'04 G55 naturally aspirated but still AMG built.
I realize AMG brakes will cost more but there are sources for pads n rotors and I don't mind the additional stopping power as most trips involve 1000's of highway miles too.
A MB tech mentioned the potential problems of running a supercharged model in very extreme conditions, deep water, -40 temps, etc, so I was wondering if the non K version of the G55 would be the best of both: hand built but naturally aspirated.
My goad is not to build out an expedition only vehicle that isn't also nice for family travels (comfortable, safe, etc)
I have bought too many vehicles over the years only to learn more later and realize I should have researched more first.
So, this time I'm taking quite a while and saving up while also allowing depreciation to continue in my favor.
I basically own the LR3 which I bought new. I then spent $25,000 on parts and labor to make it into what it is. If I want a steel spring suspension, that option is becoming a near future option but it still won't really allow the clearance I could get with 33-34" tires on a G.