G Wagen 101 – How does G-Wagon compare to Jeep 392 and Lexus LX470
May 12, 2025
Most people hesitate when they see a G-Wagon with over 100,000 miles—but the truth is, high mileage doesn’t mean high risk. At Alliance Auto Care, we’ve worked on G-Wagons with 150,000+ miles that outperform “garage queens” with half that. It all comes down to maintenance history, condition, and smart upgrades.
Here’s what to look for when shopping for a used G-Wagon, plus why the right high-mileage model might just be your best option.
We say it all the time: a high-mileage G-Wagon with documented service is often a better bet than a neglected low-mileage truck. Look beyond the odometer:
Check Carfax for service history, not just accidents.
Ask for maintenance records, especially:
Oil changes
A/B/AM services
Transfer case, differential, and transmission servicing
Independent shops like ours can access this data and help you spot gaps.
We document everything for every truck that comes through our shop, and we’ll even show you examples if you want to see how we assess vehicles before we buy or resell them.
Here are the most important mechanical areas to inspect under the truck:
Transmission + Transfer Case: Make sure the pans and cases are dry. Small leaks are common and fixable, but large ones are red flags.
Rear Axle: Rarely fails, but check for leaks around wheel bearings.
Front Axle (Solid Axle Trucks): Look for green grease or fluid leaking from swivel balls—this may mean a CV boot or seal issue.
Brakes, tie rods, tires: All typical wear-and-tear items—easily inspected during a basic pre-buy.
Want to go deeper? We also have a separate Pre-Buy Checklist Video you can reference.
If you’re looking for the best balance of price, reliability, and performance, target:
2013–2015 G550s – Naturally aspirated, handbuilt, and incredibly reliable.
Final years before major turbo complexity was introduced.
Still equipped with updated electronics and interior comfort features.
At around $50,000 with 50,000–60,000 miles, these are the “50/50 club” trucks we love most—they drive well, look great, and have tons of life left.
2015 G550 Overland Build
2-inch JWO lift with Koni Raid shocks
Brake lines, Hutchinson beadlocks, 33″ tires
Roof rack + iKamper RTT
Android Auto + Apple CarPlay upgrade inside
Blacked-out trim for a modern, aggressive look
This truck is ready for weekend adventures or daily driving—and it didn’t break the bank.
G500s & G55s from 2002–2011
Represent incredible value (often mid-$30Ks to low $40Ks)
Many still have low miles and the ultra-reliable M113 “LS of the Mercedes world” V8
Easy to upgrade: suspension, bumpers, audio, and even portal axles
Often make excellent off-road rigs with simple mods
We’ve seen stock V8s from this era go 300,000+ miles with no major engine work—just regular fluid service.
Not all trucks are winners. Be cautious of:
Trucks with no service records or long gaps in maintenance
Evidence of poor accident repair (check for overspray, body panel gaps)
G-Wagons with excessive ownership transfers (especially private party to private party)
And of course… avoid “Frankenstein builds” where the interior is on the outside—we’ve seen it all!
2016–2018 G550s and G63s are powerful and fun but bring added complexity:
Turbochargers mean more oil/coolant lines and cooling system components
Repairs can be expensive if cooling or sealing systems fail
Bird strikes and debris can cause costly damage to exposed intercoolers
They’re amazing trucks—but if you’re on a tight budget or want simpler maintenance, naturally aspirated is king.
If you want the most value per dollar, don’t overlook a high-mileage G-Wagon. These trucks were handbuilt, over-engineered, and designed to last decades.
Whether you’re building an overlander, hunting for your first G, or upgrading your current ride, Alliance Auto Care can help you find, assess, or build the right truck for your needs.
Contact Alliance Auto Care today—we’ll take care of your vehicle from start to finish.
Welcome to Alliance Auto Care, where quality auto care meets convenience. We specialize in servicing European and high-end vehicles, including Porsche, Audi, Land Rover, BMW, Lexus, G Wagons and Mercedes.
Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved.