WTB G-Class Not sure where to start looking
 

For the better part of the last decade I have wanted a G-Wagon. I think that I am now financially able to afford one.

My ideal G class would be a 4 door ‘80s 9 passenger diesel. I care less about cosmetic issues than mechanical. Other than the basics I don’t know a whole lot about where to find one, what to look for, or how much to pay.

Ideally it would be around $10K but I understand that is the low end of the price range. I have waited a decade to get one so I can wait a bit longer to find the right one at the right price.

Any information on a good place to start looking or what to watch out for or a realistic price would help.

Ebay is one source. There are also some other forums with For Sale sections where G's show up occasionally. Here's one:

http://pointedthree.com/disc/forums/showthread.php?tid=18514&mid=193388#M193388

Not sure how you figure "9 passenger". Normal seating is 5 passenger in both the LWB and SWB models. Some European LWB models had side facing "suicide" benches in the back; but fitting four adults back there would be pretty difficult, unless they were small.

Thank you for the advice. I really want a diesel but everything else about the car is right. I will keep looking. I was referring to the two center facing seats when I said 9 passenger and I do know that it would be quite a squeeze to get 9 adults in.

Look closely. It's a diesel conversion.

In addition to a tight squeeze, those side facing seats are killers, too.

There has been a real diesel 1991 G-wagen for sale in 'The Hartford Courant' newspaper for like the past 2 months....low miles for the year but he wants about 30 grand for it. Car is in NH or VT.

His price is too high IMO for a 21 year old car, rarity aside. 05' gassers can be had for under 30 grand lately.

I'm not sure a 10 grand G-wagen is really what you want, is it?

Diesel G's are currently going for a premium over gassers. $30k might be a bit high; but not too far off, depending on the model and if it's in good condition.

Diesels Gs were never available in the US... correct?

I'm looking at them too and even though it gets obvious better mpg, to me, it doesn't hold that much more of a premium over another G that's 15 years newer. Hopefully someone does covet it tho at or near his price.

Now , if it had modern MB diesel technology then it might be worth arguing the 10-15 grand premium. But 1991? :)

No diesel G's through MBUSA, although many were brought in through other channels.

The older diesel technology had the advantage of simplicity and bullet proof design. There's not enough data on the common rail diesels to know how bullet proof they are; and have you ever seen under the shroud just how much non-simplicity there is in these newer diesels?

Also, without having the VIN of that diesel G in NH or VT, it's not possible to know whether it was built as a diesel or if it's a diesel transplant. Lots of the latter.

It's in MA and has been for sale for quite some time now. (I've driven it ;) )

Is it a legit factory diesel and did you happen to grab the VIN? Thoughts on it Mike? Yeah, its been for sale for QUITE a long while. Most folks around here generally won't think of spending 30 grand on a 20 year old SUV....there's a special buyer waiting for it to come.

I'll post the guy's ad phone number and DUTCH, you can get the VIN if you are curious.

The G is just such a heavy/solid thing, but with old (and bulletproof) diesel technology...poor thing prolly can't gets out of its exhaust plume.

Nothing at all wrong with the old diesels....today's cars you fix via computer, and get a whole lot more hp and torque; its different, but not necessarily better (or worse)...

The green 1991 is very clean but still about $10,000 overpriced. The story is that someone paid to have it imported but then backed off at the last minute and left the importer stuck with both the vehicle and the money that he had spent bringing it over.

It is SLOW. Much slower then my G as it's heavier and has an automatic. It's a real around town truck and non meant for the highway (However a turbo 603 would help out with that) Also it lacks AC. Beyond that it's a great truck and is in great shape.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4559/ss851126a.jpg

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/4641/ss851122.jpg

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/495/ss851123.jpg

Yeah my buddy and I looked at it too, I think its been for sale for 2-3 years. Nice truck, just way to slow and way to expensive. IMHO its worth $12k-$15k. The guy won't sell it unless he is forced to, has $30k stuck in his head. Also won't drive it either, so by now its probably suffering a bit from lack of use.

The one Chip had that you looked at Mike was a better gray market G.

For $30k buy a newer G, its the same truck just with everything you need. Plus it will run at 80 all day long with the AC cranking.

Here's the number (413)374-8561 ....he's nice guy on the phone and his story seems geuine (tho I would operate a business like his MUCH differently !) :(

81K miles 1991 model...yeah, I think Hatterasguy's take on its value is more like spot on.

Wondering what engine they would have put in a 1991 diesel G... the rod bender 3.5 I6 or ???

I will admit I first looked at this thread thinking GL320... just a thought: for around 30K you could have a 2007 or 2008 (the pre-adblue years) GL320CDI...