Newbie Intro (1 Viewer)

[qdogg]

Hi all,

Just wanted to introduce myself, I'm Joe, currently living in Germany but moving back to Virginia Beach in July this year. I have been off-roading for many years now starting with the purchase of my 95 Jeep Wrangler and upgrading to the 00 and 03 Grand Cherokees for a little more refined daily driver. But then I found my trusty '06 Sequoia

. It broke my heart when I had to sell her as I thought I would ride her till the wheels fell off, but it brought me into the world of Yoda so I am very thankful. I am currently driving a Mercedes GLC 250 but really have no interest in anything this small or this German when I get back to the states, at least nothing that I can afford! I'll need to buy something when get back and I am looking at a newer 17-19 GX460 because of its mix of daily driver and off road capabilities that I can build up and keep around after my kids are out of the house! Still debating a Sequoia also if I can find one with decent miles under $40K! Thanks for all the information and knowledge i've already picked up from you folks out here on GXOR, I have already learned a lot reading through the threads.

 

[r2m]

Welcome to the forum!
Just to note, and I'm sure if you've driven a GX there is quite a bit of difference between a Sequoia and GX. The obvious is size. So the first thing you'll want to do is take stock of just how much room you need? in a GX, can you get by with about 6" of space behind the third row seats when they're up? Can it handle All the kids and ALL the vacation gear or Costo shopping? The other thing you'll notice is the solid THUD a door on a Lexus makes. They are rock solid. This is due to superior build quality (materials) and the added sound deadening. Next, speaking of sound deadening, you will notice much more quiet the GX will be over a Sequoia (assuming the kit's aren't screaming or fighting in the back seats). Also the added amenities you'll find an a GX, albeit, at an added cost. And then finally, what is your budget? The GX460's are beginning to become a hot item.
So just some food for thought!
Wishing the best!!

 

[qdogg]

Welcome to the forum!
Just to note, and I'm sure if you've driven a GX there is quite a bit of difference between a Sequoia and GX. The obvious is size. So the first thing you'll want to do is take stock of just how much room you need? in a GX, can you get by with about 6" of space behind the third row seats when they're up? Can it handle All the kids and ALL the vacation gear or Costo shopping? The other thing you'll notice is the solid THUD a door on a Lexus makes. They are rock solid. This is due to superior build quality (materials) and the added sound deadening. Next, speaking of sound deadening, you will notice much more quiet the GX will be over a Sequoia (assuming the kit's aren't screaming or fighting in the back seats). Also the added amenities you'll find an a GX, albeit, at an added cost. And then finally, what is your budget? The GX460's are beginning to become a hot item.
So just some food for thought!
Wishing the best!!

These are definitely the questions I have to answer when I get back to the US. There are not many of either here in Germany to be honest to compare. Mostly G-Wagons! I have become accustomed to a smaller vehicle being in the GLC250 for the past 3 years and have travelled all through the EU until recently of course. So I am honestly looking for something in the middle. My kids are teens so there is less kid crap but more big toys with boards and what not so I don't necessarily need a lot of trunk space like I used to when hauling pack and plays and diaper bags LOL! I would definitely need to invest in a good roof rack in the GX which would probably be my first investment along with some sliders and beefier tires. I don't think I would use the 3rd row much, with my Sequoia it was infrequent and mainly became the dogs seat on trips to the OBX. But we do take frequent trips to Chicago and FL to visit grandparents, so comfort is a high driver because 12-15 hour drives would be painful in a 4Runner! Budget is 30-40K, trying to stay in that range, of course lower would be better and leave room for more add-ons earlier. Thanks for all your comments!

 

[SIG383]

Hello Joe!
Just wanted to say hi on your post and sounds like we are looking for pretty much the same vehicle in the states. I’ve also tried to find something here to compare things to but no luck. I would be good with a 2013 I think if it was lower mileage. I was looking at an older G-wagon at one point to bring back but the cost is still insane and not sure on replacement parts when things broke. At least not for a daily driver. If I do import something later on in life, it will be a yota for sure.

 

[r2m]

Hello Joe!
Just wanted to say hi on your post and sounds like we are looking for pretty much the same vehicle in the states. I’ve also tried to find something here to compare things to but no luck. I would be good with a 2013 I think if it was lower mileage. I was looking at an older G-wagon at one point to bring back but the cost is still insane and not sure on replacement parts when things broke. At least not for a daily driver. If I do import something later on in life, it will be a yota for sure.

When I was getting rid of my 1998 100 series Landcruiser, I too was contemplating a G-Wagon. Some of the pluses that excited me were that if one had the money, you can get a G-Wagon AMG with just a stupid amount of horsepower! The other thing that really intrigued me was the availability of factory portal axles. The size of the 4 door was also just about the right size too, being about the same dimesnions as the GX or 5 gen 4R:

• GX460: 192.1" length x 74.2" wide x 73.8" high
• G-W: 190-162" length x 75-78" wide x 77-78" high

But even though I like vehicles a little off the beaten path (read: avoiding Taco's, T4R's or Jeeps) I still wanted a vehicle that had a decent following of enthusiasts and aftermarket support of overlanding. Neither of these did I find with the G-Wagon. I couldn't find any decent after market bumpers, suspension lifts, and all the other little things needed for a proper overland build. I've heard that the interior is a little archaic as far as amenities, feel and function, but I never went far enough to sit in one and test drive. Another negative point was that as expensive as a Lexus can be to repair from anything mechanical to just buckling a body panel on the trail, a G-Wagon would be considerably ($$$$$!!!) more expensive!
And then final clincher was the "buy-in". They want a lot more for a G-Wagon than a GX.

 

[qdogg]

When I was getting rid of my 1998 100 series Landcruiser, I too was contemplating a G-Wagon. Some of the pluses that excited me were that if one had the money, you can get a G-Wagon AMG with just a stupid amount of horsepower! The other thing that really intrigued me was the availability of factory portal axles. The size of the 4 door was also just about the right size too, being about the same dimesnions as the GX or 5 gen 4R:

• GX460: 192.1" length x 74.2" wide x 73.8" high
• G-W: 190-162" length x 75-78" wide x 77-78" high

But even though I like vehicles a little off the beaten path (read: avoiding Taco's, T4R's or Jeeps) I still wanted a vehicle that had a decent following of enthusiasts and aftermarket support of overlanding. Neither of these did I find with the G-Wagon. I couldn't find any decent after market bumpers, suspension lifts, and all the other little things needed for a proper overland build. I've heard that the interior is a little archaic as far as amenities, feel and function, but I never went far enough to sit in one and test drive. Another negative point was that as expensive as a Lexus can be to repair from anything mechanical to just buckling a body panel on the trail, a G-Wagon would be considerably ($$$$$!!!) more expensive!
And then final clincher was the "buy-in". They want a lot more for a G-Wagon than a GX.

I think that with all German vehicles in the US you will pay an uber premium for parts alone which makes one expensive to own. Also as you said there really isn't any big aftermarket for accessories or items for builds either.

 

[lawrence1]

There are quite a few people that wheel g wagons, although the number is small relative to toyotas and jeeps. They have a huge following worldwide and there is quite a bit of aftermarket support for them as well. That said, they cost more to buy, most parts are more expensive, and they are quite "agricultural" in ride quality and feel. There is no mistaking that these were purpose built (way overbuilt!) vehicles, designed in the 70s. Fuel economy is atrocious (like an 80 or 100 series), and they have their quirks but that's part of their character. The AMG models are silly fast for a truck. Overall, they're awesome, iconic trucks and extremely capable offroad, probably moreso than a LX or GX, due to the front and rear solid axle set-up, shorter wheelbase, 3 locking diffs from the factory, etc.

One thing to consider is that they are a bit smaller inside than a GX or 100 series, and A LOT smaller than a 200 series. They are also more of a specialty vehicle here in the US, so definitely not as mainstream as any toyota truck ... meaning you either do your own work, or look for a shop that is familiar with working on them.

I'm not big into offorading myself so I don't wheel my G55 but if you search around online you'll find lots of people that do.

See

Jack Wagon Overlanding - G Wagon Off Road Parts

Mercedes Benz G Wagon off road equipment, parts, and accessories including lift kits, roof racks, wheels, light bars, front and rear bumpers, side steps, rock sliders, underbody protection and more. Visit our instagram @jackwagonoverlanding to see the full capabilities of the G and stay up to date!

jackwagonoverlanding.com

Mercedes Benz Parts Accessories

Selling Innovative Mercedes-Benz G-wagen parts and accessories. Find Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen, G-wagon accessories, Mercedes Parts, Gwagon parts, G550 and G500 parts. We specialize in off road Mercedes W463, W461, and W460 models.

www.g-wagenaccessories.com

Mercedes G-Wagen Parts and Accessories

Find various aftermarket parts and accessories for your Mercedes G-Wagen in this section.

vikingoffroad.com

GwagenParts.com | Lift Kits, Carbon Fiber, Body Kits, Wheels for Mercedes G-class - GwagenParts.com | Mercedes G-class Parts

www.gwagenparts.com

As for forums, clubgwagen is probably the most useful from a technical standpoint, and mbworld and expedition portal both have G wagon subforums. Hope this was helpful to you!