Need Advice -- Switch from first generation RR to G500?

[CarolinaRR]

I need some advice from G owners. I am considering the purchase of a G500 to replace my 1995 Range Rover County LWB. My request for advice is pretty open ended --- How will my ownership experience with the G500 differ from my experience with the RR?

Let me tell you a little about my experience with the RR. I now have over 155k on the lovable beast. I have used the RR as a primary commuting vehicle and as a long distance highway tourer. We use the vehicle to haul dogs and associated equipment to dog shows. We use the vehicle to tow our small stock trailers with cattle and sheep. We have used the vehicle as a pickup truck substitute -- carrying tools, feed and hay, long farm gates and lumber on the roof rack. You should get the picture that this is a real workhorse of a vehicle for us. We love the character of the vehicle and the fact that we can find it easily in a parking lot.
The downside? The usual maintenance nightmares associated with RR’s. I spend $4-6k a year on maintenance. Everything now rattles and squeaks. The end is drawing near.

We like the tough and unique character of the G500 and we find the new Range Rover a little too prissy. We could buy a new G500 but who wants to take the first year depreciation hit? We would probably buy a previously-owned vehicle.

Thanking you in advance for any feedback.

[Brent]

If you do not enjoy frequent dealer visits I would avoid the 2002 and newer G500. You may also find its interior appointments to be a little prissy with the navigation system and command electronics. The 99-01 G500s use and older style interior with fewer gadgets built in. For less money yet I think the G320 is a viable alternative. Believe it or not the 3.2 inline six has more power than the RR V8 and will give you very similar performance to what you have now. Make no mistake though, the G500 is a very nice improvement in power.

The G is going to ride a little more firm and have less body roll. The frame and drivetrain are a definate step up from the RR in strength and durability. I think the interior dimensions of the G run slightly taller and narrower than the RR, but not by a lot.

Otherwise, you are still in a very unique vehicle, very truck-like, nothing like todays tall awd cars being assigned "utility" status.

The few who have made the change from RR to G seem to consider the G a much better engineered vehicle. Fewer requirements for repair and upgrade as things were right the first time.

Having owned a few, including a new G500, I think the older the better. The issue is engine power, the older, the slower[:I]. My first choice is the '89-94 300GE/G300 with 170hp. These are a little slow but durable. The G320 is 210hp with more elctronic controls which help drivability and power but can be repair issues. The G500 with 300hp is awesome but again, there are fewewr and fewer user servicable systems. I think you see the trend. Good luck and post any additional questions.

[Flatbar]

I replaced my 95 RR LWB with a G 300- For me it was where I wanted to but my repair money- The power from the RR was better- repair cost are close - I did not see my RR going much longer- with out a major repair- I haul dogs and gear- it is slower - I get better mileage out of the G but I have a diesel- the ride is stiffer but soild - I could only encourge the switch- Like Brent said stay with the non- MBUSA version and you will be very happy for a long time - and the money spent on repairs will be more a investment for the future- Clubwagen.com has a few nice models in the 463 series - good luck - I have enjoyed our G so far- CW

[500]

You know in my family we have a 95' RR, and it's been practically rebuilt courtesy of General Electric/Warranty. It's been a good vehicle overall but you know the story.

Now as for the G500..? I had a 2002 and was very pleased. I sold it b/c I had a silly offer and my situation was changing, so it worked out for me. I will however be back in the market for a new G this fall. You should not be worried at all about getting a new one. Get the warranty, tell the salesperson that you want it at invoice, yes invoice, and I am sure you will get a deal. Good luck and let us know what you end up doing..?

500.

[JRW]

keep in mind with the new g you can't turn the parktronic sensors off which is annoying if you tow. MB has no plans to fix this.

Out of frustration my dealer paid a local high end auto electronics place to install a switch for me.

[CarolinaRR]

Thank you again for your advice and input.

What kind of reliability issues are most associated with newer G500's? My experience with European vehicles would lead me to guess that door locks and power windows would be on the list. Anything more serious?

Do you catch yourself looking back at your parked vehicle and admiring its character?

[Gnubie]

I am the proud owner of a 02 G500 now for 3 months. I really enjoy this car more each day. I honestly beleve it is one of the best built trucks on the road. It just has that original Mercedes feel of quality. (unlike the ML class which I felt was lacking something special, somewhat un-Mercedes like)

Every time I park it, I have turn around for another admiring look as I walk away.

I had an issue with the passenger door lock, and it is now fixed. Ours came with an extended warranty up to 2009 or 100K miles. Definite piece of mind.

I don't recall how the rear hatch on a 95 RR works, but you might be frusterated a bit with the side mounted rear door on the G. While you will never bump your head on it, you really can't leave it open with boards or long items sticking out very easily. But that is what roof racks are for.


Good luck,
Brad

[TH]

CarolinaRR - 4/10/2004 7:13 PM

I need some advice from G owners. I am considering the purchase of a G500 to replace my 1995 Range Rover County LWB. My request for advice is pretty open ended --- How will my ownership experience with the G500 differ from my experience with the RR?

The downside? The usual maintenance nightmares associated with RR’s. I spend $4-6k a year on maintenance. Everything now rattles and squeaks. The end is drawing near.

We like the tough and unique character of the G500 and we find the new Range Rover a little too prissy. We could buy a new G500 but who wants to take the first year depreciation hit? We would probably buy a previously-owned vehicle.

Thanking you in advance for any feedback.

Well, at least it will depend what you want.
Generally I can say about RR, compared to a G Wagen, you can forget them totally when Reliability is a serious task.
From comfort the RR is nicer.
The only Range I think is interesting, is the latest from BMW.
But like you wrote, after some time they all rattle, this is something, the G Wagen will never have, no matter what roads you drive. It's quality is superior and based on it's frame, it is a life insurance for it's passengers..

Taste is different, but when you look for a car to get old with, that's the one. Based on military design, everything is modular and can be repaired easily.
It is the last one being built without robots.

[ewalberg]

You wrote: "Do you catch yourself looking back at your parked vehicle and admiring its character?"

To answer your question, Yes, absolutely. In fact i don't think i'll ever get over it. You'll get approached in gas stations and you'll notice in your side and rear view mirrors that people turn around for "double takes" of the vehicle to figure out what it is.

The feel of driving one is also quite remarkable. The veiw of the road is wonderful... only only achievable in a vehicle as square as this one. The bumper only extends probably 6 inches from surfaces you can acutally see so there's very little interpreation and guess work. You don't have to "know" the shape of the vehicle because you can literally see the corners.

There are certainly cars that are more rare, but the combo pack of practicality, uniqueness and relative comfort is simply well at the top of the list.

I'm used to ultra-reliable japanese cars so having to do any maintenance has been my only sore point.

I've chosen the late model 2000 because i drove a gutless pathfinder for years and i really, really wanted more power, but didn't want the additional electronics... as one example i don't brake much in turns so i trigger the stability programs.

[nils in Dubai]

Very good choice. I have a G 320 short and G 400 long and my brother has a G 320 long and a G 400 convertible. We also have a G 230 at work and my dad has a G 500. I know all the models. As compared to a G the RR is a toy in the work horse department. The G is realy an off road vehicle made to go on road, Don't worry at all about the off road and work horse abilities, but test drive it to see if you like the drive. Depending on how fast and far you drive and coutry you are in the 320 may be enough. In the US I guess the distances are longerand you should go for the G 500 and it may be hard to get a G 320.

If fuel is an issue the G 400 CDi is a V 8 deisel and is great, just won't be able to sell it easily.

I would agree, don't go for a new one especially with the US dollar being so weak it will cost a lot. Also do you need the navigation etc ? it's just more that can go wrong. Try to find one that's 2 years old without navigation system etc unless you really want that.

One thing is for sure once you drive a G for a while you will ask yourself why you tortured yourself for so long with the RR.