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- are there specific things (typical problem areas) that i should examine closely before purchasing?
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Mainly the body. It's prone to rust around the rear tail lights, in the rocker panels (check underneath) and in the seams at the back and around the windscreen (look for bubbling paint). Use a magnet to check for excessive body filler, especially under the tail lights.
Also, take it for a ride and see how you feel about the level of driveline vibrations. These can vary a lot depending on the care it's seen. Getting rid of them usually requires drive shaft replacement, and maybe engine, transmission and transfer case mounts. Probably $2,500 worth of parts altogether.
Paperwork - visit the ClubGwagen Classifieds and read the READ THIS FIRST page. It's better to get one that is fully legal here in the US. (though you don't state where you are so this might not be an issue). Also service records. Try to get some indication if the regular service has been kept up. These vehicles are so mechanically reliable, they tend to be neglected sometimes (lack of proper service is the usual root of drive line vibes).
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- are parts readily available?
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What do you mean by "readilly"? All you'll find at the local pep boys is engine parts (and tune up stuff like oil filters, dizzy caps, wires, etc), since the engines have a lot of parts in common with W123 sedans. G-specific parts will have to come from Europa here in the US, but that hasn't been a problem for me. Always able to get what I really need in a timely manner. There are more sources worldwide, anywhere Gs have been officially imported by MB, you'll find complete parts sources.
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- is general reliability of G's comparable to other benz models?
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Can't answer this from personal experience, I never owned another Benz. But I do have a pretty close relationship with a local independent MB mechanic and reliability of my G seems to be on par with other MBs of it's vitage. By that I mean much better than modern Benz.
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- how does reliability of G's compare to that of Rovers & Land Cruisers?
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Hee Hee! My 1980 280GE with 280,000 miles on it gives less trouble than my wife's 1992 Range Rover with 120k. You have to think apples and apples here. I would NEVER consider buying a Land Rover with 200k + on the clock.....But I DID trade my 60,000 mile 1998 Discovery in an even trade, pink slip for pink slip for this 1980 280GE that had 230k on it at the time. The best thing is that the older Gs have no, or very limited, electronics. When there is a problem, there aren't 15 sensors, 3 computers, and half a dozen "modules" to think about. The reliability of the truck reflects this as well. The systems are simple and reliable. No fancy crap to go wrong.
Someone else made a comment about wheel bearings. They are not a weak point on the G. On the contrary, they are much better designed and built than most other 4x4s. The difference is that when they do need service they are more difficult to access than most others. But do check them on a truck with 100k+. Lift a front tire off the ground and shake the top of the wheel in and out. A little play is okay, but if it seems like there's a lot, then bearing service may be in your future. And yes, it is expensive if you need to hire it done (I think like $1200).
When considering any car you're unfamiliar with, the best thing is to get someone who IS familiar with them to look at it. I've done this for a few folks considering trucks in the Denver area. Others on this list have volunteered to look at trucks in the Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles areas.
Good Luck!
-Dave G.
http://clubgwagen.com
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