Dean, The truth about the G is that, as a very nice and expensive Mercedes, few are used as they were intended at the cars inception. That was the late 70's. Today they are maybe a bit too nice for rough and tumble off-roading. I am on my second one, both have been used off-road. I am pretty careful with them, I don't want scratches and dents on my G. So the mystique fades a bit. Truely the ideal G to me is an early 80's version, that way I could really USE it without so much trepidation about wrecking something. Instead I bought a '71 416 Unimog. I haven't had a chance to really try it out, but with its cheesy paint job and gruff personality rest assured it will get USED. As for Lebenz suggesting the Mog, believe me it is quite a stretch from the comfy quiet G to the industrial strength Mog(requires earplugs at speed!). Get the ML, if you really have a G itch to scractch, buy an old less expensive model. Use it as a hobby car, I think you would really enjoy it.
One last thought to expand on. I would not wait for depreciation on the G. I have a feeling the used prices will remain very near original cost for quite some time. The market is inflated due to Europa charging $140k for the G up until last year. Bringing in a used one from europe is still mighty pricey. There seems to be a sizable group willing to pay a premium for it as well. Heck, after spending $55k on a '95 G320 with 65k miles a new G500 is a bargain! Too bad the 320 may be a tough sell now without a big hit. Good thing I like it.
