[24Hours]

My first post... there are bound to be mistakes on my part, so please foregive me.

My wife and I have been trying to decide on a second car (just moved to burbs from NYC). My wife is set on having an SUV. I drive (wait, we drive) a 2004 V70R Volvo, which is not yet tuned, but with a new Stage II product, I might see it push the 400hp range. I like wagons for the versatility and in this case, the sleeper effect.

But I digress... So today we drove an '02 G500 and loved it. Love it! Our comp list is the new LR3 (drives far better in every way than Disco II) and the new V8 XC90 not yet available from Volvo. The G500 has no 3rd row and less power than each of the other two, yet, it's at the top of our list.

An '02 G500 can be had in the high $40s from what I've found (w/~30K mi), which puts it (as a USED car) in league with a new, fully warrantied LR3 or XC90.

I've read on this forum that the '02 G500 was problematic. What concerns should I have? Anyone here have some objective and tangible comparative input with other SUVs?

I have to be honest: the G500 really threw me. I was not expecing to be quite as impressed as I was, esp from a 5,000lb vehicle. If I had my druthers, I'd swing for the '05 G55, but the house needs work and our daughter's college fund won't pay for itself. I guess I'm not there yet, though I wish I were as I hear that the G-wagon will not be the same after '05. Is that true? What a shame!

Well, anywho, thanks for your feedback and I look forward to reading more here. []

Don Jones
----------
2004 Volvo V70R (all the bells 'n whistles)

 

[LETO]

i just traded in my 03 G (it was an early 03) hence it was plagued with some electrical problems. The vehicle was under warranty and it did not cause me a dime. However, i missed having access to it all the time.

Having said that, the car had no drivetrain problems at all and is simply tremendous in the snow. I have owned 2 mls's and a disco in the past and the G was in a whole other class.

I simply loved that older G hence i did trade it for an 05....which i plan on keeping till the ML60 AMG is due next year (if it is what it is rumoured to be).

Keep in mind the car is extremely thirsty on gas (premium only at over $2 a gallon will run you close to $50 for a tank of gas these days). I picked up a cooper for in town driving as a companion to the G.

If you are ok with the gas issue, i would try and pick up a late 03/ early 04. I would say these would run in the mid 50's which would be +5K over the LR2 HSE. You will have more warranty time and MB free maintainace (which i dont have on my 05[V]).

The 07 G class looks like a ford excursion. It is nothing but an ML that will have the soccer mom package to the max. Check out www.autobild.de for spy images and you will know what i mean.

Hope this helps

best

 

[TheDogsCar]

Leto,

Someone posted that the 2005 G500 "has a better ride". I test drove the 2004 and 2005 back to back and noticed nothing, and the dealer told me there was no change.

Do you feel a differnce from your 2003 to your 2005?

 

[LETO]

My car will be here mid feb. Will let you know at that time. All i know as far as a difference is that the 05 has side curtain airbags, SAT radio and the CD rom software is better.

I dont think there are any chasis/drive train changes. I am sure it will ride a bit nicer new tires make a difference


Sorry

 

[belosch]

They were probably talking about the g55/g55k not the g500.

 

[24Hours]

LETO:
Thanks for the input, as that seems helpful and rather encouraging even if we "slum it" and get an '02. I liked the feel of the ride and was impressed with the lively feel.

I think the wife is stuck on getting one b/c they are not commonplace like Disco/LR3 or MDX, or XC90 or really any SUV here in Westchester.

Thanks again.

 

[ewalberg]

if she's the one driving it, i recommend you have her spend at least 30 minutes behind the wheel driving one before buying. Lots of people like they way the look, but they still drive like old heavy trucks. Steering, brakes, and gas, all take effort.... and then they sell after a short bit because it doesn't drive like a luxury vehicle.

 

[LETO]

ewalberg is right. The G takes a heavy foot to get moving and one has to get used to partronic controls to back it up. There is a small learning curve to this vehicle...once you are over it...you will be fine.

Also, do keep in mind that everyone will be watching you ....pick your nose at the signal light at your own risk [)]

 

[ewalberg]

... although now that i think about it, if you really want one, don't let her drive it any more... buy one... maybe she wont like it and you'll get to keep it!!!!! I think that has been Kerr's strategy.

 

[MBZ933]

Hey LITO...tinted windows..if now for you then for the rest of us!![]

 

[Gwag02]

As an owner of an 02G500, I say buy one. I, like most other 02 owners had "some" electrical issues but under warranty they have been worked through and resolved to my satisfaction. Given the perception that ALL 02's are problematic there is likely to be a permanent price discrepancy between the 02 and it's successor's. Take advantage of that. BUT, be sure to ask for the service records first, get an idea of how it's first 30k miles have panned out. My 02 has generated a very long list of warranty work oders that would likely affect it's resale value if ever inspected, but I bought this beast to own for a lifetime. If you liked it at first sight and drive, expect to LOVE it well into the future. It has a tendency to grow on you and never wear old. There is nothing like a G, period. I don't just mean that for the stare factor that it generates, but in how it drives and performs. Generally, people love it or hate it. I am personally happy that it only appeals to a small number of people, exclusivity is nice... though I am disappointed like most to see it get put to rest after 05.

Good luck with your choice, consider this another vote for the G.

 

[MarcO]

Living near you (Rivedale section of the Bronx) and dealing with the kind of winters that we have had, I strongly recommend the truck. In fact my wife who hated it once now loves it and we are going to be buying another one. Though I have had one of the troubled '02's mine vehicle is now trouble free after some significant negotiating with MBUSA. Having said this I would not buy this for my wife if she did not ask for it. It took her 3 years to warm up to it and now she is asking me. I would suggest that your wife drive one before buying. There are easier vehicles to drive in Westchester and NYC traffic. Rear visibility is limited and parktronic is not the answer. Also understadn that these vehicle require owner maintenance (lubrication of hinges and locks mostly). Also do not buy from local dealers (private email me for a list of honest dealers locally).

Good luck.

 

[24Hours]

Well, great advice from all... thanks.

My wife and I both had the opportunity to drive it and now it's my wife who is obsessed with it! The V70R is also a DBW throttle and I noticed that the G500 is significantly harder to mash down on when accustomed to a lighter touch, but once I was on the road, it was fine.

My wife, well, she loved it. The feel, the height, the interior space is perfect (not too big and not too small) and the baby seat is at a good angle for my wife or I to view.

The model we drove already had the LCD screens and DVD player (Game Cube or something) so our daughter would have something to do too.

As far as door hinges, yup, they're tough, but the sound of those doors closing is closing a vault! What a beast! Well, I told my wife to take this search seriously only if she can truely see herself driving it for a good five years or so. Afterall, I may not be on the waiting list for the E60 M5, but I can dream about '07!

Thanks again to everyone for the guidance.