Background
The Mercedes-Benz G class is a 4x4 vehicle built by Austrian company Magna Steyr for Mercedes which was known as the G-Wagen between 1979 and 1994. It is known for its boxy style and its body-on-frame construction. It is one of the few vehicles to feature three locking differentials.
Early models were known for their sturdiness and were pretty much unbreakable although they lacked any luxury whatsoever. The original range consisted of two petrol-engined models and two with diesel powerplants. There was also a choice of three body styles, two short-wheelbased two door versions (either convertible or hardtop) and one four door long-wheelbased model. In 1990 the chassis was revised and anti-lock brakes added.
The G class is still in production today and there have been a great many changes to the range over the years. It is now a much more luxurious car (with a price tag to match) but it also retains its rugged charm.
Bang for your buck
With such a long history (34 years and counting) and so many variations over the years you will need to check exactly which features are available on any used G class on an individual basis.
Generally, you get a rugged SUV with plenty of power under the bonnet and an indestructible build quality. G class cars have always been hand built. They aren't the most beautiful of cars but have always proved popular and hold their value pretty well.
Interiors tend to be functional at best and the build-quality inside varies widely between the different incarnations.
What you'll pay
New diesel models start at around £82,000 and the new top-of-the-range AMG will set you back £118,000 or so.
Very early used Merc G class cars for sale rarely appear on the market but when they do they can be at bargain prices. For example, a used three door 230 GE from1982 with around 40,000 miles on the clock is around £7,000. A 1994 three door automatic 300 with petrol engine will be around £18,000. Examples from the mid-2000s are likely to be around £50,000 with nearly new cars fetching over £100,000.
What to check
There have been a few recurrent faults over the long history of the G class. For example, 2002-2006 models were prone to a fault resulting in owners being unable to shut one or more doors. You will need to research each model in its own right prior to purchase, or just chance it. Generally, the G has proved a very reliable car over the years.
A second hand Mercedes G class for sale will probably have seen some serious off road action so check the undercarriage for damage. Make sure the service history is complete and by approved Mercedes garages.
Parts
Replacement parts for older models can be picked up fairly cheaply if you can track them down. However, new parts for more recent versions don't come cheap and neither does Mercedes servicing. For example, a complete replacement exhaust will be about £2000 and brake pads around £95 for fronts and £65 for rears. A new alternator is about £300 and a replacement starter motor approximately £230. A radiator is in the region of £450.
How it drives
Brilliantly – off road. On the road is a different story however. Recent models need a ton of lock before they start to turn and when they do they weight up and the nose starts to get vague before the stability control has a chance to kick in. Once you get used to its foibles, the G can be a good drive with plenty of power and grip but you do have to stay alert.
The later 3 litre diesel model gives around 25 miles per gallon while releasing 295 grams of carbon per kilometre. The 5.5 litre 500 bhp AMG V8 will do about 17 miles per gallon and produce 372 grams.
Loved by footballers and rappers, the approved used Mercedes-Benz G class is a strange mix of luxury and practicality. Its price tag has continued to rise over the years but it has never lost its off road brilliance and its brute strength. Recent versions are extremely cool cars but the drive has never been great. However, a lot of people love this car and they are well worth a test drive.
