Which G Wagen?

[MarcoThePolo]

Hi all!
Just a query on behalf of a friend interested in a 460 series G wagen. He is most likely in need of a 5 door version + an automatic (if that makes a difference to engine availability), and would like to know which engine is considered the best in terms of reliability/serviceability/maintenance/torque. From Wikipedia there is apparently everything from a 2.3 I4 to a 3.0 I5 and everything in between! 4WD is preferable, and occasional off road use as he lives in deepest darkest Surrey!
Many Thanks,
Tim

[richs2891]

For the 460 series the auto with a diesel can be best described as slow
A petrol auto 280 series would be better if sticking to a 460 series

A 463 series would be a much better choice imho, but more money.

Have a read on here, (buying advice) plenty of info without having to join
http://www.gwoa.co.uk/forum

[MarcoThePolo]

richs2891 said:

For the 460 series the auto with a diesel can be best described as slow
A petrol auto 280 series would be better if sticking to a 460 series

A 463 series would be a much better choice imho, but more money.

Have a read on here, (buying advice) plenty of info without having to join
http://www.gwoa.co.uk/forum

Cheers, will have a read, 280 petrol seems like a good bet, much appreciated!

[bigblock]

The 280 petrol is a decent engine as long as you don't mind around 15mpg !

[mgrays]

463 are another price hike; Interiors more delicate than a 460 but then 460 are 25 years old now. Permanent 4wd on the 463 is nicer idea. If I was doing it I would go for 280 (petrol) and fit 2 torpedo lpg tanks down the outside of the chassis - that will make the 15mpg more like 25mpg.. I have a 300GD swb with aftermarket turbo and while you can wind such a thing up to 100 downhill with a following wind .. I now tend to cruise with the HGVs at 60 .. hence 22-23mpg not the 18-20mpg @ 70. Anyway.. an occasional snow wagon yes but not a real every day driver. Have to ask why a G.. my ML500 with lpg is doing 28-30mpg equivalent at 75 but I suspect the G handling is better .. mind they all need TLC by this stage... I guess the G is going up in value.

[PugwasHDJ80]

Genuine question- why do Gs achieve such high prices? I've had a number of different 4x4s (a number of series/defenders, loads of RaRos, an LC80 and LC100), and never owned a G, but cuoldn't see me buying on in preference to other kit of the same price.

I'd understand if they were unbreakable and never rusted, but i'm not sure that's true is it?

They seem capable off road but an 80 series landcruiser will go everywhere a g will.

What have i missed?

[richs2891]

I guess they are like LR products, is an itch that needs to be scratched for some people.
Compared to the defender at least it rides on the road a whole let better.
Technologically wise it was way ahead of the LR RR at the time,which it was more comparable to, but cost way more.
The price of them made them quite rare in the UK - due to been one the few vehicles still hand built has limited the number of available ones.
They are iconic - a bit like Jeep wranglers in this country, so again a premium
They are pretty bomb proof if looked after, Look on the BBC web site for the guy that has done 500K miles going around the world in the light blue 460 one, yes they do rust, not as badly as LR products though.


They are very capable off road - though it weight is its hindrance, it will certainly go where a 80- series will go. As to whats best off road - well that's another whole argument.

Edited by richs2891 on Monday 8th June 13:43

Edited by richs2891 on Monday 8th June 13:57