[cyntaxx]

I'm in the market for one and was wondering if there's anything I should be concerned with? I know it was the first year MB offered the G500 Stateside so I didn't know if there were any glaring issues at all?

Also, I know most of you seem pretty hardcore into off-roading but I just have to ask: how docile is it daily driving in the city? Should I look elsewhere? The reason I am wanting this truck is so I can drive it year round and not worry about reliability, snow/salt, etc. I currently drive a Honda CRV daily and have a 2002 Lightning as a toy. I want to consolidate to one "fun" vehicle I can drive year-round. Does the G seem like a good fit?

 

[BrentG500]

No. 2002 G's (a high proportion of those in the USA) are plauged by electronic gremlins. Your G will probably see more time in the shop than on the road: one mechanical failure after another.

Compared to your Honda and Ford, the G's steering will feel VERY heavy. Acceleration is good for my needs, but you seem like you want something really fast. Look elsewhere because a stock G500 is not a Ferrari.

I think the GL would be a better choice for you. New ones run between $55K-$70K.

On the other hand, I could be wrong. The G could be problem free and one of your favorite vehicles to drive. You might appreciate the slightly numb steering and find the acceleration to be adaquate for your needs. If so, go buy it and welcome to the club!

 

[Brent]

The G500 will seem like a tank compared to your current vehicles. It is heavy and require deliberate control inputs. The steering will actually be similar to the Lightning, firm and sporty feeling. It will feel tippy by comparison, even though they are very stable. The acceleration with the V8 impresses me and would probably be enough to keep you entertained. The fuel economy is poor though as the G is shaped like a brick and weighs in at almost three tons.

As for issues...there are more than a few problematic 2002s. There are some that have been fairly trouble free and generally service records can be had from dealers with the current owners permission. This is a very good way to determine how problematic a certain truck may be. I think you may be dissappointed going from a Honda though. By no stretch of the imagination will any G be that problem free. I personally would look for a later '03 or '04 truck. Those seem to be much less troublesome for just a few dollars more.

For most of us, the G bug has bitten. The trucks have tremendous appeal and that takes us through the rough times. A good dealer and an extended warranty wouldn't hurt either. [] So even with the maladies present I know that I will always have at least one of these beasts around. They are not right for everyone, that is for sure, but once bitten they become the single coolest 4x4 rig ever, so be careful[]

 

[ewalberg]

BUying one of these without a pretty decent test drive is a risky proposition because of how the feel with regard to the weight of the pedals and steering. If you love it immediately then you're probably safe, but if you drive it and have concerns they will probably not get better with time... much like most relationships. Much like a post above this, we've talked alot recently about this in some nearby posts.

 

[Gnubie]

My 02 thought it was an 80's Jag the first year with several visits to the dealer. Mostly to replace the window regulators as they failed in random order.

The 2nd year had only one or two visits.

The third has been very Honda-like. I think my only visit over the past 12 months was to have a burnt out tail lamp replaced at no charge while I drank some free Starbucks and drooled on an SLR.

I personally don't think you can lump all 02's together as being problematic.

 

[Kerr]

lol.. my 02 G still thinks its a G.

Bottom line if you get one get a 03 or 04. I think you want a late build date on the 03's

Im at over $30K in warranty repaires and still have problems.

 

[cyntaxx]

Thanks for the honest comments guys.

I am not looking for another 12-second vehicle at the time. My Lightning has been very fun to drive and romp on, but I need something a bit more civilized for everyday driving. It's no fun having to pussy-foot in any less-than-ideal weather for fear of the rear-end floating around. If I do end up with something like a G, I will more than likely invest in another go-fast toy within the next few years. Thus, speed is not my main concern and I've heard the G's are adequate for most.

As far as mileage goes, I don't expect much on this end either. My truck gets roughly 8 MPG in the city coupled with my lead right foot, and I can only hope for 10 MPG on the highway. This all on premium of course. Thus, the G will be an improvement in this area, believe it or not.

The electrical gremlins do bug me. I've come from a long line of Mercedes (ever since my dad's old 1981 240D and know that it's hit or miss with power window failures and other annoyances. Will I be able to steer clear of these problems with an 03 model? Will I need to track down a late build date as well?

Going from an 02 to an 03 will beat up my wallet a tad more, but I am willing to entertain this option if I can end up with a trouble-free vehicle.

So, as the direction of this thread changes, I must ask: Any worries for an 2003 model?

P.S. I will most likely purchase an extended warranty.

 

[Brent]

They tend to get better as the model years go on. I understand '04 and '05 trucks are substantially better from reports here. Later '03s are definately less prone than early 02s. I still think the best bet is some due dilligence regarding service records. Seek out one that has a short list, run from those with long lists. Pretty hard to generalize or promise one will be better than another.