Right this moment’s Good Value or No Cube G500 has an fascinating heritage. It was initially federalized and offered by importer Europa Worldwide, not Mercedes-Benz. Let’s see if that impacts its worth.
Within the motion pictures and on TV, having a “quirky nature” usually relegates a personality to also-ran standing, virtually by no means the lead. Additionally, that type of character is often one of many first on the killer’s to-do record in most horror motion pictures. The 1987 Merkur XR4Ti we checked out yesterday inarguably throws off a unusual vibe, which means it nonetheless struggles to discover a mainstream viewers at this time. That, and some niggling points, proved virtually an excessive amount of for the vendor’s $6,450 asking value. In the long run, nevertheless, it pulled out an extremely slim however decisive 52 p.c Good Value win, proving quirky typically qualifies.
What, in your thoughts, equates to toughness and long-game sturdiness in a automotive or truck? Is it a stout ladder body base? Easy stay axles at each ends? Or perhaps it’s the presence of a three-pointed star on the grille.
Remarkably, at this time’s 2000 Mercedes G500 Europa has all of these options and extra. That may simply clarify the way it nonetheless manages to look so good after having racked up a formidable 202,750 miles.
Earlier than we delve into that, although, we must always talk about simply what this G-wagon is. As we’re all little question acquainted, Mercedes launched the G-Class as a navy car in 1979. It transitioned, in numerous guises, to civilian gross sales shortly thereafter and commenced constructing a fame for the mannequin’s go-anywhere, do-anything capabilities and unapologetic boxiness.
Over time, as SUVs crept up in recognition, the Geländewagen grew to become a standing image, and Mercedes, in response, up to date the truck with options and luxurious fitments befitting of a top-tier competitor. That competitors prolonged to America, however it will take till 2002 for Mercedes to federalize the G-Class and supply it right here formally. Such a lapse led to the chance beforehand for unbiased importers to deal with America’s pent-up demand for Mercedes boxy offroaders, endeavor the Federal compliance updates and importing the vehicles on their very own.
This was a profitable sufficient enterprise that Europa Worldwide made a go of it for years, spending thousands and thousands of {dollars} on revising G-Class fashions to carry them as much as snuff and endeavor all of the onerous testing to get the federal government’s approval. That each one went bust with the official introduction of the G-Class in 2002, however Europa stays in enterprise at this time, serving the G-wagon neighborhood with elements, service, and mod gross sales.
That is a type of Europa vehicles and is just about undiscernible from the later Mercedes-imported fashions. The advert presents the wagon as virtually all inventory, save for a drivetrain skid plate and steering stabilizer beneath and tucked-in operating boards up high.
Aesthetically, the truck seems phenomenal within the footage, contemplating its excessive mileage and almost 1 / 4 of a century of life. The black-painted bumpers seem extra utilitarian than the body-color beams on the later vehicles and lighten the looks visually. Additionally interesting are the good-looking alloy wheels, that are fitted with brand-new and aggressive-looking BFG meats. The silver paint wrapped round the entire thing appears to nonetheless maintain a luster and appears to haven’t any flaws by any means.
There’s extra to impress within the cabin. Not solely is the leather-based upholstery seemingly in good condition, however so too are the ancillary plastics and the true wooden trim. The inside is a little more utilitarian than on the later Mercedes imports, but it surely’s nonetheless appreciably swank.
It’s the mechanicals that basically matter on any car of this age and distance traveled, and this G-wagon appears to have that lined as effectively. In accordance with the advert, the highest finish of the 5.0 M113 V8 was refreshed at round 140K, whereas the 5G-Tronic computerized loved a more moderen rebuild in 2021. Different updates and upkeep embody alternative brakes, shocks, and o2 sensors. The vendor touts that the truck “is in actually nice form regardless of the upper mileage and has been effectively maintained.” They’re asking $32,000 for the clear title switch, and declare to be in no rush to make that occur.
What’s your tackle this seemingly clear and well-kept G500 and that $32,000 asking? Does that appear like one thing an occasion ought to rush to purchase? Or is that an excessive amount of, contemplating the excessive miles and unofficial historical past?
You determine!
Los Angeles, California, Craigslist, or go right here if the advert disappears.
H/T to Don R. for the hookup!
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