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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
There is currently a 1985 280GE on Ebay. The seller makes the following claim:
This is one of only 500 vehicles
(10 per state)
produced between 1985 and 1987
that Merecedes Benz used to test
the American market response with.
This is quite simply not true. To quote a friend within the MB G-Class marketing group:
Hello Dutch,
You are right, there were no marketing activities for the G-Class of any kind from Mercedes-Benz in the US before 2000. It could be that any grey market dealer made some activities but never with 500 units. The largest, Europa Intl. sold only about 30 vehicles a year until 1998.
Best regards
There may not be anything wrong with this truck; but if this Ebay seller is not telling the truth about his G in this instance, what else is he misrepresenting?
CAVEAT EMPTOR !! |
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DesertStar
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: San Diego, CA USA
Vehicle(s): 85-280GE/95-G320/08-G500
Posts: 2156
| RE: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
I also like the statement of "the economical 6 cylinder"...
Mike |
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gwagen460swb
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Vehicle(s): 280GE SWB, Toyota Highlander, BMW530i, RR HSE
Posts: 513
| Re: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
Yeah I saw that too. I felt like putting a message on eBay to potential buyers about the misleading information. If it were true, I would have seen more Gs in Arkansas years ago. In fact Gwagens were only imported from 1979 to 1986 and from 1989/90 to 2001 through Europa.
I don't think you need to make a misleading statement like that to sell your G. The G sells itself. |
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Rich
Regular
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Elkins Park, PA USA
Vehicle(s): 1984 280GE cabrio
Posts: 77
| RE: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
I actually e-mailed him so I could have my mechanic look at it this Friday, since I am close by. Thought I'd have a fun drive from Allentown to Norristown (about 45 mins) down the turnpike to see how it handles and then get it up on a lift. Since having a '84 300GD and a '00 G500, my mechanic has learned a heck of a lot....enough that Russ asked him if he wanted to be a "service center" for him.
Anyway, surprise...surpise, he wouldn't let me do it. The seller said I could take it to the local Mercedes dealer. I told him "that's really funny..no thanks."
Thanks to you guys on this forum I've learned to do the research first. For a millisecond, I thought perhaps it could be a toy until (hopefully) the diesel G comes out! |
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1996_S500
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
yea, car sellers on eBay often try to make up a wide variety of things just to get a car to sell. Especially things like this, because, most of the time, the potential buyers just buy the car, thinking that they've got a gem on their hands, when really, it is just an ordinary car that was just polished up with nice words. 
BTW, I don't have an awesome G Class. But I really want one. I feel that the G Class is the best SUV that Mercedes-Benz has ever made, and I adore it greatly. I have been fortunate enough to drive a G Class, a 2002 G500, and I loved everything about it. I especially love how you can feel the great build quality of it just by shutting the door, or closing the rear tailgate. Although I don't own one, you will see me sometimes coming to this forum to show all my admiration, and my thoughts on the awesome Geländewagen.  |
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MarcO
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Irvington, NY
Vehicle(s): G 500 SWB, Volvo XC90 V8
Posts: 835
| Re: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
1996_S500 -
Now you are in trouble. This sickness begins with longing and silent admiration. Then you drive it and nothing is ever the same. Wait until you drive it in really bad weather where you can not understand the trouble everyone else is having.
I smell trouble ahead.
Welcome. |
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tclynes
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
oh its true marco, i cant help but go and sit in mine.
on the comment of the economical 6 cylinder, i must have done wrong when i bought my uneconomical 4cylinder, once its sold i must buy the 6 cylinder, those extra 2 cylinders must really help the economy!
Tom |
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Adoni
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle(s): '00 G500, '15 C300 4Matic, '06 L322 G4
Posts: 1283
| Re: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
Oh yes, the sickness does begin, even worse, once you have your first one, you start looking for a second one, considering diesel options, two doors and even cabriolets. I have my eyes on Captain Spalding's 300GE Cabriolet right now. I'm sure he would agree that it would be quite fitting if I bought my 280's little brother from him and kept the family together...guess I need to make another deal...:) |
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1996_S500
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
MarcO - 6/15/2006 5:27 AM
1996_S500 -
Now you are in trouble. This sickness begins with longing and silent admiration. Then you drive it and nothing is ever the same. Wait until you drive it in really bad weather where you can not understand the trouble everyone else is having.
I smell trouble ahead.
Welcome.
haha,
yea, I think i could easily happen to me. Maybe I should stay away from the awesome G, even though I love it so much. I have to find the funds to be able to purchase one. Man though, I love them! They are so nice. And the build quality is unbeatable.
One of the other things I love about the G is that you can feel that it was not built with money in mind, but instead, with quality and perfection. I would love to see the day when my 560 SEL, my S500, and my G Class are parked next to each other. That will be one of the real representations of what Mercedes-Benz is all about. Quality, with no expense spared.
These SUV's are so COOL!!!!!!!  |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| Re: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
1996_S500 - 6/15/2006 5:09 PM
One of the other things I love about the G is that you can feel that it was not built with money in mind, but instead, with quality and perfection. I would love to see the day when my 560 SEL, my S500, and my G Class are parked next to each other. That will be one of the real representations of what Mercedes-Benz is all about. Quality, with no expense spared.
You had better not get a copy of the DVD video showing the G-Class assembly line in Graz, Austria. The hook will then be set, and you won't get away.
There are a few still photos here:
http://www.pbase.com/flydutch/gclass_assemby
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1996_S500
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
DUTCH - 6/15/2006 2:30 PM
1996_S500 - 6/15/2006 5:09 PM
One of the other things I love about the G is that you can feel that it was not built with money in mind, but instead, with quality and perfection. I would love to see the day when my 560 SEL, my S500, and my G Class are parked next to each other. That will be one of the real representations of what Mercedes-Benz is all about. Quality, with no expense spared.
You had better not get a copy of the DVD video showing the G-Class assembly line in Graz, Austria. The hook will then be set, and you won't get away.
There are a few still photos here:
http://www.pbase.com/flydutch/gclass_assemby
:biggrin:
o man, those are really nice pictures Dutch.
Where can I get that DVD?. I want to know so when the time is right, I will get one, and strengthen the hook to get that G. I have been to the assembly line in Germany twice, but I know the one in Austria is probably much better. |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| Re: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
1996_S500 - 6/15/2006 7:40 PM
o man, those are really nice pictures Dutch.
Where can I get that DVD?. I want to know so when the time is right, I will get one, and strengthen the hook to get that G. I have been to the assembly line in Germany twice, but I know the one in Austria is probably much better.
You can get it from me. Email me privately for details. It runs about 18 minutes and includes shots taken on the Schöckl Test Trail, too. |
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MarcO
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Irvington, NY
Vehicle(s): G 500 SWB, Volvo XC90 V8
Posts: 835
| Re: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
Oh, this is going to get ugly. Be afraid, very afraid. Hide your money. Once you look at pictures, once you drive it, the fever is upon you. Then you get your first one and shortly thereafter your wife / significant other starts to ask about it and then wants one. But she wants a swb because it is more "manageable". Then your father borrows it for the weekend and, well, you get the idea.
Be afraid.
Vita Brevis.
Enjoy. |
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AsianML
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
So, has anyone asked the seller why he's misrepresenting the G, and misleading the public? |
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MarcO
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Irvington, NY
Vehicle(s): G 500 SWB, Volvo XC90 V8
Posts: 835
| Re: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
Oh, I think we all came to the same conclusion - because he can!
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ewalberg
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Past: San Francisco. Present: Germany
Vehicle(s): 2000 g500
Posts: 1887
| Re: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
Why surely if we ask him why he's lying he'll come clean and tell us he's a liar?  |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| Re: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
AsianML - 6/15/2006 9:53 PM
So, has anyone asked the seller why he's misrepresenting the G, and misleading the public?
I've had several lengthy email communications with him. He basically told me that I don't know about which I speak; and threatened to take me to court for slander when I told him he was being dishonest. |
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gwagen460swb
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Vehicle(s): 280GE SWB, Toyota Highlander, BMW530i, RR HSE
Posts: 513
| Re: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
In regards to the eBay seller, I sent him a couple of messages. No surprise here--no responses from him.
In addition to MarcO's 6/15/2006 9:32 PM post, what he says is very accurate. My wife was part of the decision to buy a G. She is of German descent/heritage. When it came to a classic German car, she did not want an old Porsche, an MB 2-seater, or VW. The G is rare and desireable. Plus, we wanted something that was 2-doors and still had room in the back for additional passengers as well as cargo.
I think we have 1996_S500 under a spell. I think 1996_S500 has already started searching for a G. What are predictions on 1996_S500 buying on in the next 30, 60, or 90 days? Hehehe!!! |
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1996_S500
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
Man, I think you guys do have me under a spell. I cannot stop going to eBay and looking for G's. Maybe I can try and bid on a no reserve one, get outbid, and at least say that I tried.
Dam, I need to win the lottery. If it is big enough, I will all get each of you another G wagen. But not a entry level one, only the best for my favorite Geländewagen owners....
......... A BRABUS G V12.
AND, not only that! I will personally order it for you from Brabus' Newport Beach, CA showroom.
And, if I am feeling REALLY generous, I will ship them to your houses.
I might need two lotterys for that much.
Stay stoked guys. Here's some pics for ya. hehe
 (W463 G V12 001.jpg)
 (W463 G V12 002.jpg)
 (W463 G V12 003.jpg)
 (W463 G V12 004.jpg)
 (W463 G V12 005.jpg)
 (W463 G V12 006.jpg)
 (W463 G V12 007.jpg)
Attachments
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 W463 G V12 001.jpg (37KB - 7 downloads)
W463 G V12 002.jpg (32KB - 6 downloads)
W463 G V12 003.jpg (44KB - 7 downloads)
W463 G V12 004.jpg (36KB - 6 downloads)
W463 G V12 005.jpg (42KB - 6 downloads)
W463 G V12 006.jpg (50KB - 6 downloads)
W463 G V12 007.jpg (30KB - 7 downloads)
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ewalberg
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Past: San Francisco. Present: Germany
Vehicle(s): 2000 g500
Posts: 1887
| RE: Ebay - Caveat Emptor !!
Beautiful, beautiful truck but there's some dramatic irony to the truck being on Summer tires in the snow. They did a pretty nice job of making aftermarket bumpers that match the boxiness. Conversely, lorinser makes absolutely foul body kits. |
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