Early 2000 G500 Reliability - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shoe · #16 12-01-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

Not a problem. Unlike SEC's there is no single convenient "Buyers Guide" for Gwagens so we all try to pitch in when we can

Well nothing you guys have mentioned causes me any heartburn. As I stated earlier I have extensive experience with medium and heavy duty vehicles. Now throw MB in the mix and it can get a little complicated nothing I cannot handle though. I have some time since we have a little while before the E class is paid for but I like to begin my research early. This accomplishes two things; first is I am well aware of what I will be getting into and second after extensive research taking as much as two years to gather my infomation gives me plenty of time to make sure I am not just lusting over something. Gotta give wants time to gell so to speak. Again thanks for the info.

Fulcrum525 · #17 12-01-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoe

Well nothing you guys have mentioned causes me any heartburn. As I stated earlier I have extensive experience with medium and heavy duty vehicles. Now throw MB in the mix and it can get a little complicated nothing I cannot handle though. I have some time since we have a little while before the E class is paid for but I like to begin my research early. This accomplishes two things; first is I am well aware of what I will be getting into and second after extensive research taking as much as two years to gather my infomation gives me plenty of time to make sure I am not just lusting over something. Gotta give wants time to gell so to speak. Again thanks for the info.

Not a problem.

The first thing I would do is actually go out and test drive one to make sure that it's actually something you could live with. (Some people are often shocked at how archaic the car is and I have to say....I laugh every time I see how some are initially confused about how to open the doors

) The steering is pretty heavy and the ride isn't uncomfortable but isn't exactly soft either.

Looks like your local dealer has one. Keep in mind it's an 07 so it has the updated interior but it will drive more or less the same as the 02-06 models (They have 5 speeds, this one has a 7 but the engine is the same)

Pop over for a visit and give it a try and let us know what you think

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Factory-Certified-SUV-/220684034411?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3361cb216b

iwrock · #18 12-01-2010, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

Not a problem.

The first thing I would do is actually go out and test drive one to make sure that it's actually something you could live with. (Some people are often shocked at how archaic the car is and I have to say....I laugh every time I see how some are initially confused about how to open the doors

) The steering is pretty heavy and the ride isn't uncomfortable but isn't exactly soft either.

Looks like your local dealer has one. Keep in mind it's an 07 so it has the updated interior but it will drive more or less the same as the 02-06 models (They have 5 speeds, this one has a 7 but the engine is the same)

Pop over for a visit and give it a try and let us know what you think

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Factory-Certified-SUV-/220684034411?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3361cb216b

I would personally try to avoid the 7 speed.

shoe · #19 12-01-2010, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

I would personally try to avoid the 7 speed.

Any particular reason?

iwrock · #20 12-01-2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoe

Any particular reason?

Google "Mercedes 7 Speed Problems" and some conversations with friends about the type 9.... They seem to have all sorts of funky problems, and when your on a backroad somewhere without any phone service, you dont want those problems.

I dont know how you will use your G, but ours gets used for what it was built for, and then some. Go give you an idea, we have a hitch mounted winch, and keep 3 recovery straps with our G....

shoe · #21 12-01-2010, 04:21 PM

Is that the same tranny that is used in the E Class with 7 speed?

DUTCH · #22 12-02-2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Look at my thread on the open forum, my friend just went through this.

Firstly don't be in a rush, its going to take you a bit of effort to find a nice G for less than $35k. Most are beat to crap, but good ones do pop up. When they do be ready to jump because they go fast. By jump I mean call the dealer and put a deposit on it with your CC before you go look at it, you have only a few hours 24 at most before its snatched up. Any G that's been on the market for a long time is a dog, don't even bother looking at it.

As for finding one I wouldn't waste my time on one that wasn't at a MB dealer, unless its very close. My friend and I looked at a lot and all of them at small shops except for one early 90's example were POS. If its 2000+ and not at a dealer their is a problem. He found his by searching MB's CPO inventory every day, and just waited a few weeks for one to pop up that was within a reasonable drive.

As for problems my friends 2002 already broke a window regulator, I would figure on having to replace those on a pretty regular basis. Also rust is the big issue, look under the rear tailgate they rust out under their.

Other than that they seem pretty bullet proof, the truck itself is coming up on 40 years old so MB has it figured out pretty well. The motor is just your standard M113 which doesn't have any issues, same with the gear box. Just find one owned by someone who cared and had the money to own a G. Fuel mileage isn't terrible, my friends gets around 15.

Also stay away from any G with wheels on it, 100% waste of your time its going to be beat.

It's really a shame that you know not of what you speak!

DUTCH · #23 12-02-2010, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

Not a problem. Unlike SEC's there is no single convenient "Buyers Guide" for Gwagens so we all try to pitch in when we can

Well, actually there is. Unfortunately, it's probably too big to post here.

Fulcrum525 · #24 12-02-2010, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUTCH

Well, actually there is. Unfortunately, it's probably too big to post here.

Really? I've looked but i've never been able to find it....can you PM me a link?

Hatterasguy · #25 12-02-2010, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUTCH

It's really a shame that you know not of what you speak!

What are you talking about?

DUTCH · #26 12-02-2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

Really? I've looked but i've never been able to find it....can you PM me a link?

No links. See the chapter in the book "The Legend Keeps On Driving".

Fulcrum525 · #27 12-02-2010, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUTCH

No links. See the chapter in the book "The Legend Keeps On Driving".

Yikes, big book (And an expensive one at that) One day i'll pick it up. It would be nice to one day see a buyers guide online ala the SEC one.

http://www.mbcoupes.com/buyersguide/buyersguide.htm

Hatterasguy · #28 01-02-2011, 07:38 PM

Update, my friends 2002 now needs a bit over $2000 worth of work. Some door module, something for the climate control to get it to blow right, and a window regulator. As well as a busted door panel so say $3k.

I'm loving my Chevy, I could replace the motor for less than $3k.

When my climate control starts blowing funky its an $80 part.

If I ever buy a G its going to be new or CPO under warranty, and I will sell it when the warranty ends.

DUTCH · #29 01-02-2011, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Update, my friends 2002 now needs a bit over $2000 worth of work. Some door module, something for the climate control to get it to blow right, and a window regulator. As well as a busted door panel so say $3k.

If I ever buy a G its going to be new or CPO under warranty, and I will sell it when the warranty ends.

That's a 2002 and early 2003 for you. Sadly, infamous for electronics problems.

Fulcrum525 · #30 01-03-2011, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUTCH

That's a 2002 and early 2003 for you. Sadly, infamous for electronics problems.

Yeah I mentioned that when they were originally looking. Supposedly though this particular 2002 had been properly dealer maintained for it's entire life. It was also certified pre-owned BUT there appear to be some issues as far as the dealer not being truthful (No surprises there)