Re: OH no!!! hope this doesn't end up like the rover community
In an attempt to clarify some issues that have been raised on this site, may I note that I have been importing G wagens for nearly two years. Currently I have eighteen, and will have imported seventeen when two that are presently in Germany arrive. Most units have taken nine or ten months from date of purchase to arrival at my place of business with DOT/EPA completed. A few took eleven months, one took twelve months, and two are still at the test lab (they will have taken eleven and twelve months). The range of cost for DOT/EPA, including customs and bonds, has been $13,400 to $18,000. To these figures one must add the interest or other opportunity cost for the use of the funds invested during this time period, insurance, shipping, other costs of purchase in Europe, and domestic transportation.<br> I do not import 280GE's because of all these expenses plus the risk of probable repairs and possible rust.<br> Many G's have been posted on my website prior to their arrival here so that those interested know what is coming. Unfortunately, and for various reasons, completion dates promised or planned for by the Registered Importer have not been met.<br> Re the early 500: This is a great truck, kind of an extension of the impressive roadability of the 463 chassis, which with its superior off road capability, makes it the greatest multipurpose vehicle. The 500 engine fits the vehicle well, the only possible shortcoming being only two dif locks. This, the new 500, and the 300, 320, and 3.6 are all fine machines capable of doing most of the things that most people need or expect from a vehicle of this type. The 280,of course, is a work horse, and has the advantage of part time 4x4, but does lack the additional power that many enthusiasts want.