It goes by many names - G-Wagon, Geländewagen, or G-Wagen. In today's automotive landscape dominated by crossovers, few vehicles stand out more on the road. Mercedes-Benz calls it their G-Class. No matter what one calls it, the G-Class is instantly recognizable.
The appeal of the G-Class strikes people in different ways. Some people desire it as a status symbol flashing wealth, driving it on smooth boulevards never to kick up any off-road dust, save maybe in a construction zone. Others desire it for the entirely opposite reason, recognizing its genuine Overlanding capability mounting rocks and fording rivers.
Enthusiasts know the collector market grew tremendously over the last couple of years, with many vehicles from the '80s, '90s, and '00s seeing their market value rise rapidly. Cars such as the Volkswagen Corrado, E36 M3, Porsche 968, and the 90s-era Chevrolet Tahoe have seen overall prices increase in a short period and continue to grow. These vehicles and plenty of others were once quite affordable but have perhaps priced some buyers out of the market.
A G-Wagon For $50,000 Or Less
Working with a budget of $50,000, according to YouTuber Doug DeMuro, the G-Class is one of the best enthusiasts' pick for the money. The window of opportunity for a $50,000 G-Class may be closing, however, and may be closing quickly based on trends of the overall collector market. It is worth noting that the G-Wagon price trends follow a bit of a different track compared to other enthusiast vehicles.
Over the last several years, the G-Wagon's collector market prices have remained fairly stable, with many examples purchased below $100,000. Doug DeMuro specifies that for $50,000, the market narrows a buyer's options to the model years between 2002, the first year the G-Class became available in the U.S., to around 2007. Perhaps the G-Class is seeing those steady numbers because its desirability comes from two distinct buyer categories: high-end luxury in an SUV package and a confident off-roader.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon's Ascending Reliability Reputation
An additional reason for the G-Wagon's consistent market value as a collector vehicle, according to DeMuro, is the well-kept secret that it is actually reliable. Being a Mercedes-Benz, a brand not known for impeccable reliability, this likely kept those unfamiliar with the G-Wagon, or Mercedes-Benz in general, from taking a risk on it and raising market values.
DeMuro believes that this secret of solid reliability is getting out, which then could possibly lead to increased interest in the G-Wagon from buyers now confident in their purchase. Thus far, the G-Wagon has seen trends similar to its off-road competitor, the 80-Series Land Cruiser from Toyota, a brand well-known for its impeccable reliability.
Whether rooted in accuracy or not, perceptions of a brand affect a vehicle's demand and market values. DeMuro makes the case himself for the G-Wagon's reliability having firsthand experience owning one. He has a 1999 two-door cabriolet import G-Wagon and reports that it is difficult to find any issues with it, showing that just like most vehicles, maintaining them well goes a long way.
The G-Wagon Is An Exotic Off-Roader
Part of what makes the G-Class an unusual vehicle across the entire automotive spectrum and within the off-roading circle is its history as a military vehicle. Sure, the luxury component of the G-Class is notable, but there are other luxury off-roaders like the Land Cruiser and the Land Rover Defender or Discovery. The G-Wagon's international recognizability is partially due to its use in many nations' militaries all around the globe.
It currently appears or previously appeared in military fleets representing Canada, Sweden, Malaysia, Australia, and the United States. To some in Europe, especially Austria, Switzerland, and countries formerly part of the Soviet Union, the G-Wagon may be associated with the Puch brand, as the Austrian automaker collaborated with Daimler-Benz for the development and production of the G-Wagon in the 1970s.
The G-Wagon's three locking differentials form the foundation of its off-road prowess. A rare feature in a civilian vehicle, the G-Wagon's locking differentials in both axles and the four-wheel drive transfer case allow for a varied torque distribution to the wheels when conditions warrant it. As Doug points out, the G-Wagon comes with plenty of power, a 5.0-liter V8, and that power comes in handy climbing steep grades off-road.
The G-Wagon Is A Luxury Grocery-Getter
Looking back at the features of a 2008 G-Class, it is easy to see why it is desirable as a luxury vehicle. Standard equipment included heated front and rear seats, a backup camera (years before they were government-mandated), rear parking sensors, headlight washers, bi-xenon headlights, four-wheel disc brakes, leather seats, wood trim accents, rain-sensing wipers, and much more. Many of these features are now standard on entry-level vehicles today, but in the mid-2000s, this technology was a cutting-edge luxury.
If any enthusiast is searching for a vehicle with an illustrious history that offers family practicality, off-road escapades, and high-end grandeur in an iconic, boxy package, then for $50,000, a G-Wagon is the perfect choice. The G-Wagon has been around for over forty years. Aside from adding luxury inside, its exterior has essentially never changed. Mercedes-Benz figured out that they created a timeless automotive icon, and while the window is open, it can be had for $50,000.
Sources: Doug DeMuro YouTube, Mercedes-Benz