Americas Went to pick up my Grenadier...

[moosetown]

Imo don't buy a new G Wagen. You don't have to buy a Grenadier, but don't buy a G. Mercedes reliability has been terrible recently, downright last place in rankings. The US specs are not meant for offroading like the professionals or the older solid axle rigs. The ones currently sold in the US are conspicuous consumption, poor taste signalers, nothing more.

There are much better options like the LX, GX, Tahoe Z71, Grand Cherokee, or 4Runner.

Wait out the new GX or 4Runner imo.

 

[LC0013]

Imo don't buy a new G Wagen. You don't have to buy a Grenadier, but don't buy a G. Mercedes reliability has been terrible recently, downright last place in rankings. The US specs are not meant for offroading like the professionals or the older solid axle rigs. The ones currently sold in the US are conspicuous consumption, poor taste signalers, nothing more.

There are much better options like the LX, GX, Tahoe Z71, Grand Cherokee, or 4Runner.

Wait out the new GX or 4Runner imo.

But but but his wife wants it man!

I looked at a G Wagon in 2017 and found it to be rather narrow and short on passenger and cargo space. Nice looking vehicles but with their reliability tanking one should contemplate pretty hard about purchasing one. With that said, if you got the money to burn go for it.

 

[offender110]

If you go the Gwagen route, the W463 cars (<2018) are really comparable to the Gren and hold value really well. I purchased a 2004 G500 and just sold it after 11 years. Extremely reliable and I ended up selling it for more than I purchased it for, so it was the cheapest-to-run car I ever had when factoring in depreciation (even offsetting the terrible gas mileage!).

Good news, you get a “G” either way.

GTank

 

[reauxheaux]

If you go the Gwagen route, the W463 cars (<2018) are really comparable to the Gren and hold value really well. I purchased a 2004 G500 and just sold it after 11 years. Extremely reliable and I ended up selling it for more than I purchased it for, so it was the cheapest-to-run car I ever had when factoring in depreciation (even offsetting the terrible gas mileage!).

Good news, you get a “G” either way.

GTank

Yoy have to get 2019 or newer though. The <2018 won't work when it comes to cupholders.

 

[Rubicon Maybe]

Base on reviewing the residuals of the G wagon and the projection of the value of the Grenadier - there was a significant difference. The Grenadier is projected at 50% value 2 years in. That could always change as well - it’s just what the financial models and leasing residuals predict.

G wagons I’m looking at are about $165k. In 8-10 years the projected market is mid-$90k so a $75k loss over 10 years. If that was my Grenadier it would have dropped $94K - so it’s not a whole lot of difference- but the point I was making is that they hold the value very well.

I am still a HUGE Grenadier fan - and plan to keep following this forum for a long time. I’ve met some awesome people along the way that I will still keep in touch with and trust me - i will still be drooling over every Grenny I see on the road!

Ha Ha, I understand about the BMWs. I had a 7 series that after 9 years the dealership offered me 2-3K for what was once a 100K purchase.

 

[AZGrenadier]

I think the low residual values for the IG are simply because they are so new they don’t know. They project the low residual so they can bump the monthly lease payments and not lose their shorts if the residual actually is that low. My guess is in 2-3 years when those leases come to an end most vehicle will be worth significantly more then their buy out.

 

[YellowLab]

I think the low residual values for the IG are simply because they are so new they don’t know. They project the low residual so they can bump the monthly lease payments and not lose their shorts if the residual actually is that low. My guess is in 2-3 years when those leases come to an end most vehicle will be worth significantly more then their buy out.

I hope you are correct for the many 1st generation buyers!

 

[evomind]

I think the low residual values for the IG are simply because they are so new they don’t know. They project the low residual so they can bump the monthly lease payments and not lose their shorts if the residual actually is that low. My guess is in 2-3 years when those leases come to an end most vehicle will be worth significantly more then their buy out.

IDK about that.
Unless they are no longer making them or the current new IG sells for a lot more money than it is now.
Who knows?
Throw the dice!!

 

[offender110]

With CAFE rules limiting production, I think we could really see the Gren depreciate similar to the G550 over the long term…my $.02.

They sell ~7k G-Classes annually and there was a huge bump from the older generation where they typically sold less than 3k/year. I think there will be strong demand for the “last of the true ICE” G-Classes before they hybridize or go electric, but I can’t see that holding as well as the older W463s mainly because of the tech and screens that will be really dated in 10-15 years. It’s still a fantastic rig and a better overall car than the Gren, and that’s reflected in the price.

I mainly started looking at the Gren to run away from the flash of the G-Class. Apart from a small community over on Club-G, the typical driver is usually in it for the status unfortunately. That always drove me crazy as it’s such a good car with an amazing legacy/history! @YellowLab, sounds like you’d be closer to the Club-G crowd than the latter. Congrats either way.

 

[YellowLab]

With CAFE rules limiting production, I think we could really see the Gren depreciate similar to the G550 over the long term…my $.02.

They sell ~7k G-Classes annually and there was a huge bump from the older generation where they typically sold less than 3k/year. I think there will be strong demand for the “last of the true ICE” G-Classes before they hybridize or go electric, but I can’t see that holding as well as the older W463s mainly because of the tech and screens that will be really dated in 10-15 years. It’s still a fantastic rig and a better overall car than the Gren, and that’s reflected in the price.

I mainly started looking at the Gren to run away from the flash of the G-Class. Apart from a small community over on Club-G, the typical driver is usually in it for the status unfortunately. That always drove me crazy as it’s such a good car with an amazing legacy/history! @YellowLab, sounds like you’d be closer to the Club-G crowd than the latter. Congrats either way.

The G wagon crowd scares me as well - the fabulous people who drive cars only to be seen in them. Hard to argue with the capabilities though. But the vehicle option pool is a bit thin - how many in the high end Range Rover crowd even drive on dirt roads….

 

[Krabby]

The G wagon crowd scares me as well - the fabulous people who drive cars only to be seen in them. Hard to argue with the capabilities though. But the vehicle option pool is a bit thin - how many in the high end Range Rover crowd even drive on dirt roads….

What’s the smallest diameter wheel a G can run?

 

[YellowLab]

What’s the smallest diameter wheel a G can run?

I’m opting for the 18” wheels

What’s the smallest diameter wheel a G can run?

I like the 18” wheels which have plenty of beefy rubber options

 

[Stu_Barnes]

I’m opting for the 18” wheels

I like the 18” wheels which have plenty of beefy rubber options

Whatever you roll in with, you’ll be welcome at any of the meetups and drive that we’ll be having.

I saw a fully kitted out new G wagon last week and the guy was doing a round the world tour. It was on German plates, special wrap on as well with all his sponsors. He had 6 Jerry cans on the roof as well as 2 spares though so I think it was real.

Didn’t see any dogs in the back though

 

[VTranger352]

@YellowLab you have been here from the start and I am sure you must have been aware of the issues.

Think positive:
1) You don't need to be drinking less stress making Coffee or other beverages while on the move.
2) We all desired a basic vehicle and they gave us one - especially with the AC. Your experience not being able to cool each zone separately shouldn't be a deal breaker. I do understand that the AC should get Cold, ours does, maybe it needs a PDI.
3) NVH, surprised to hear that on the Petrol, I do experience that in 8th gear at 65mph in a Diesel, but it has decreased with mileage.
4) Totally agree with Fire Extinguisher position, just move it ( think the same is valid in most cars).

Hope you make a decision you are happy with, it is difficult as it is a lot of money and risk - good luck.

Oh, BTW, we once had an X5 and they are totally different vehicles.

I wanted a basic build and was one of the first reservations for the IG. I am so torn now though due to the 77k price, I think mine has arrived at dealer just waiting for call. My build for my grenadier without the roughpack (locking diffs) but plus some other features is at 77k. My overtrail Lexus GX build is coming in at 71k- although the dealer told me they’re at about 2k over MSRP on the Lexus right now w/ pre orders… man, what do I do! All I will say is that while I expected “basic” I didn’t expect that price with my stripped down version.

 

[Krabby]

I wanted a basic build and was one of the first reservations for the IG. I am so torn now though due to the 77k price, I think mine has arrived at dealer just waiting for call. My build for my grenadier without the roughpack (locking diffs) but plus some other features is at 77k. My overtrail Lexus GX build is coming in at 71k- although the dealer told me they’re at about 2k over MSRP on the Lexus right now w/ pre orders… man, what do I do! All I will say is that while I expected “basic” I didn’t expect that price with my stripped down version.

Is the price what’s potentially holding you up? If your build was that same $71k would it be a no brainer?

Also, where in VT are you? We’re in Alburgh.

 

[VTranger352]

Yeah absolutely, even the Lexus GX is tip top of my range but seems like they intentionally priced it lower than the IG and a reliable, proven brand etc. I’m not the wealthy hobby car type, I live in rural area and daily driver. But I have respected the IG since the beginning and it was going to be the dream rig. Just struggling with that price given the fact my build doesn’t even have the locking differentials…

 

[shiv.nandak]

I’m going to pass I think - driving a G550 today which gives me the off road I want but the interior my wife does.

The down side will be waiting another 4 months after ordering for the color combo if we like the drive

The G550 is very nice. I saw the newer gen and it looks huge. Have you found a dealer that would sell it for MSRP or a discount?

 

[Chadd7]

We buy cars outright and keep them about 10 years - and more importantly, maintain the daylights out of them. I’d like to think that at the end if I chose to part ways with a car that there is some value in it.

After riding 2 high end BMWs to worthless it’s a bit frustrating- hence the approach looking for something of higher long term value. The Grenadier i was looking at was $94K - and the residual projections were eye openin

Yeah absolutely, even the Lexus GX is tip top of my range but seems like they intentionally priced it lower than the IG and a reliable, proven brand etc. I’m not the wealthy hobby car type, I live in rural area and daily driver. But I have respected the IG since the beginning and it was going to be the dream rig. Just struggling with that price given the fact my build doesn’t even have the locking differentials…

I don't blame you. I'm taking a hard look at the GX for my wife, who currently daily drives our 2014 200 LC. Might trade that in for the GX if she wants it.

 

[VTranger352]

The G550 is very nice. I saw the newer gen and it looks huge. Have you found a dealer that would sell it for MSRP or a discount?

Not yet, I think Lexus is overwhelmed with preorders on them from what I’m hearing- but all I was told is 1500 over MSRP(at least). I respect that IG is holding dealers to the MSRP, but man I was hoping for around 60-65k for my very basic build.

 

[VTranger352]

I don't blame you. I'm taking a hard look at the GX for my wife, who currently daily drives our 2014 200 LC. Might trade that in for the GX if she wants it.

The GX is definitely more of a mall cruiser than the grenadier, but they’re still capable machines worth a good comparison imo