The 416 DoKa is a sweet machine but I am a bit prejudiced since I own one
. The neat thing about Unimogs, especially non-military ones, is that they come in an almost infinite number of variations with numerous options. Trying to compare one to the next can be difficult without considering all the options. For the recreational user, many of the options are not all that necessary. Features that are really nice to have are a front PTO and winch(winch made by MB also, can you say BIG
), fast axles (gets you going about 110km/hr on the flats), high air intake, auxillary air compressor, additional aftermarket fuel tank, auxllary cab heater(aftermarket also).
As for finding one, take Frank's advice and go to the Rocky Mountain Moggers page. There is more information and pictures there than anywhere else.
Parts availablilty is not a huge issue so long as you reallize that if something breaks you will have to order it from a Unimog parts dealer. Fortunately, like most MB products, perhaps more so with the Unimog, things don't just break![B]
I bought my Unimog from Classic Unimogs in Germany(
www.classicunimogs.com). Lisa and Ziggy took my specifications and found exactly what I was looking for at the price I wanted to pay. There are several dealers in the USA and Canada but my experience with some is that they want to sell you a pristine truck and charge accordingly. Others Owner's I have spoken with have had a hard time getting info from Dealers, the Dealer is either too busy to return calls or are sick of dealing with people who just want to kick tires.
If you seriously want a truck and are in a position to buy one, go for it. If the dealers shrug you off be persistant, especially if they have a truck you want. Don't kick tires pretending to buy, you'll just piss them off. If you see a truck you want but are not in a position to buy it, find the money!!!!!!!! or walk away. Unimogs, especially 416 DoKa's(reasoanably priced), do not stay in one place for long. If your not there with cash in hand when the boat hits the dock you'll probably not get the truck. In fact, many Dealers sell the truck before it gets off the boat.
If you want to kick tires ask someone who owns a Unimog, most Owners like myself will be more than happy to talk your ear off and show you every detail of their rigs. If you can't find a 416 DoKa, any 416 will do as far as mechanics, ride and handling go.
Good Luck!