Mercedes are bringing back their fabled G-Wagen, with new engines and improved trim, but that same unique design. Which is exciting for fans, but don’t forget that there are lots of used models out there too, which are much cheaper. The new entry level cars are £57,000 and go up to well over £100,000 so are clearly looking to take the Range Rover on.
But 8-10 year old cars can be found for £25,000 with anything from 25,000 – 50,000 miles on the clock . If they are about to become trendy again because of the new model, these used motors might be worth buying as a sort of high-risk investment. Or you might just like to buy one because it offers go-anywhere ability in luxury style. As do my other two picks:
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The design has gone out and come back into fashion as a design classic. The older models are not nearly as refined as the new one, but they are just as capable offroad.
Best used buy: 270 CDI
Most economical: G500
UsedCarExpert.co.uk fault checks: 6
Used Car Expert guide price: A 2002 model with less than 50,000 miles on the clock will be around £25,000.
Land Rover Range Rover
Range Rovers still offer the best on and off road performance – even if the older ones can break down. But the latest models are more refined than the pervious generation and petrol engines can be cheap on the used market.
Best used buy: 4.4P
Most economical: 2.5TD
UsedCarExpert.co.uk fault checks: 13
Used Car Expert guide price: A 2005 4.4 Petrol with 45,000 miles on the clock will be around £24,500.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Supersize 4 x 4 which is spacious and unbreakable. Cheaper and tougher than a Range Rover and with more space. Costly to run but utterly reliable and brilliant off road.
Best used buy: 3.0D
Most economical: 3.0D
UsedCarExpert.co.uk fault checks: 12
Used Car Expert guide price: A 2007 3.0D with 40,000 miles on the clock will be around £27,536.