I'm considering my "bucket list" travel options. I love hiking, camping, etc. in remote areas and generally spend my free time on my motorcycles (modified Kawasaki KLX-250S and KTM 450EXC) when I am 'at home' exploring anything and everything accessible on a motorcycle. At this stage of my life, semi-retirement, I'm debating whether I want to see the world on a ~$20K motorcycle or, something a little kinder to an aging body.
I prefer diesel vehicles. I also want something without a bazillion government-mandated 'nannies' and dubious emissions-related concerns. I'm not really an Earth hating "anti-Greta Thunberg" person as I hate Earth destroying pollution and have some concern for global warming and rising ocean levels as well*. However, I also have plenty of experience with pre-"requires ultra-low sulfur" diesel engines that got 5 times the miles per gallon versus a similar gas engine. Today, that gap has closed considerably and gasoline engines have come a long way, though that generally involves high-pressure direct injection and variable cylinder and start-stop technologies.
This gets me to the type 461 MB G-Wagen 250. Why? I don't trust old Land Rover diesel or gas options and I don't want a straight gasoline Japanese import even though Land Cruisers are legends. Old Jeeps that aren't 'molested' beyond recognition are very hard to find so, I doubt I would find one of those for reasonable money and it would be a gasoline engine.
What is a realistic acquisition cost for one of these EX-NATO MB G250 diesel's? What would I be getting myself into regarding maintenance and overall ownership costs besides normal consumables like tires and brake pads? Is insurance going to be reasonable (compliance and financial protection, not full coverage)? Are parts and special tools going to be an issue? I get this isn't a Tacoma or Jeep so parts are apt to be less available at the local parts store but, how likely will I need something urgently to get me back on the road? If I need a brake drum or starter, am I looking at a huge repair bill assuming a local shop can't repair it? What's the likelihood of finding a suitable commercial GD250 "Wolf" somewhere in the EU for reasonable money in good condition?
Then there are the practical considerations! The stock engine has a very good reputation for reliability and longevity. What it doesn't have is the guts to run Interstate speeds out West. What does a 'turbo' upgrade cost and what does it mean to reliability? It doesn't have the center diff lock but, front and rear diff locks should get me very deep into the backcountry before that is even a consideration. At 700Kg 'payload', I wonder if that is enough as a light expedition vehicle, especially if I do a roof rack or roof tent. What other things should I consider or be aware of? Would a gentle 'lift' and suspension upgrade give me more payload, thinking the stock vehicle doesn't need it for reasonable tire upgrades assuming I have the power to pull larger heavier tires?
Thanks in Advance!
Sid
* <rant> I disagree with forcing harsh bad economic choices on people to make minor improvements to the environment while gross polluters do nothing. Attacking minor problems at great expense while MAJOR problems could be addressed for much less just doesn't make sense to me. </rant>
I prefer diesel vehicles. I also want something without a bazillion government-mandated 'nannies' and dubious emissions-related concerns. I'm not really an Earth hating "anti-Greta Thunberg" person as I hate Earth destroying pollution and have some concern for global warming and rising ocean levels as well*. However, I also have plenty of experience with pre-"requires ultra-low sulfur" diesel engines that got 5 times the miles per gallon versus a similar gas engine. Today, that gap has closed considerably and gasoline engines have come a long way, though that generally involves high-pressure direct injection and variable cylinder and start-stop technologies.
This gets me to the type 461 MB G-Wagen 250. Why? I don't trust old Land Rover diesel or gas options and I don't want a straight gasoline Japanese import even though Land Cruisers are legends. Old Jeeps that aren't 'molested' beyond recognition are very hard to find so, I doubt I would find one of those for reasonable money and it would be a gasoline engine.
What is a realistic acquisition cost for one of these EX-NATO MB G250 diesel's? What would I be getting myself into regarding maintenance and overall ownership costs besides normal consumables like tires and brake pads? Is insurance going to be reasonable (compliance and financial protection, not full coverage)? Are parts and special tools going to be an issue? I get this isn't a Tacoma or Jeep so parts are apt to be less available at the local parts store but, how likely will I need something urgently to get me back on the road? If I need a brake drum or starter, am I looking at a huge repair bill assuming a local shop can't repair it? What's the likelihood of finding a suitable commercial GD250 "Wolf" somewhere in the EU for reasonable money in good condition?
Then there are the practical considerations! The stock engine has a very good reputation for reliability and longevity. What it doesn't have is the guts to run Interstate speeds out West. What does a 'turbo' upgrade cost and what does it mean to reliability? It doesn't have the center diff lock but, front and rear diff locks should get me very deep into the backcountry before that is even a consideration. At 700Kg 'payload', I wonder if that is enough as a light expedition vehicle, especially if I do a roof rack or roof tent. What other things should I consider or be aware of? Would a gentle 'lift' and suspension upgrade give me more payload, thinking the stock vehicle doesn't need it for reasonable tire upgrades assuming I have the power to pull larger heavier tires?
Thanks in Advance!
Sid
* <rant> I disagree with forcing harsh bad economic choices on people to make minor improvements to the environment while gross polluters do nothing. Attacking minor problems at great expense while MAJOR problems could be addressed for much less just doesn't make sense to me. </rant>
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