MB G-Wagon Versus LR Defender 90
 

I know people here are going to be -partial to MB, but try to explain to me what is a better 4x4, The g-Class or the Defender 90? I want to buy one of these, and Defender 90's seem to be easier to get than a MB.

That would be partial, not impartial.

Mercedes will for sure have a better engine than the 1961 Buick engine you'll get in the LR. That engine, however, was once a Formula One World Champion, which you can't say about any "street" Mercedes engine (although one did win LeMans).

The Defender Land Rovers are pretty scarce in the USA and in high demand, so they'll be expensive but will hold their value. They are no longer sold here, but you can go to your Mercedes dealer and buy a new G-Wagen. You won't be able to get a yellow one, but that may describe the majority of D90s you'll see.

I think the Mercedes are mostly seen as status symbols, which means their value will decline a little quicker.

You can expect either vehicle to be breathtakingly expensive to maintain, although the LR just doesn't have as much "stuff." I'd be mildly surprised if it even has ABS brakes, but you can count on the Mercedes having every electronic thing imaginable.

Have you checked out http://www.gwagen.com/flash.html ? If I were going to get a g-wagen I'd probably go for a little bit earlier Europa import model.

Well I think we might need some more details from your end as far as what your looking to do with it.

Do you plan on off-roading a lot?

What is your approximate budget?

Is a LWB model out of the question?


Defender 90s are pretty easy to find if you know where to look but like grey market G's they aren't cheap.
http://www.copleymotorcars.com/land_rover5_3.html

As far as which one is the 'better' 4x4....well there's always been a long running debate on that front... (Personally I'd take a G-Class)

1. some offroading if beaches count.
2. budget is around 15k
3. LWB is one I prefer. I actually prefer MB's Gwagen, but there are many more Defender 90's available on the market despite the claims that they are just as scarce.

I've read that nothing kills a car faster then off roading that close to salt water...(You'd be advised for many reasons not to drive through the water)

At that price you might be able to find a 2002 G500 with high mileage and it's hit or miss electronics.

Defenders aren't too difficult to find. Grey market G's on the other hand are probably some of the rarest cars in the united states short of exotics and super luxury cars.

Have you looked into a Discovery? It's basically the same running gear as the Defender and can be bought for a lot less.

2x on the Discovery... doesn't have the Jeep-like looks that catch people's eyes on the beach, but paint it up like a camel trophy truck and nobody will know the difference. and you can get an early model in decent shape with your budget. parts aren't cheap, so you're in the same boat as with a Gwagen, but there's Rovers North to keep you supplied. Personally, I like the Gwagen better, but I've had a number of Discos go through my greasy hands, and I can say they're nice trucks. reasonably comfy ride, HUGE space in the back, and cheaper to guy than a G. Just remember that they eat blower motor switches and relays, and you'll do fine.