2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Great vehicle but beware of certain issues. Despite my complaints, I love the car, and will buy another newer one so I can drive it for ten more years, there is no vehicle that compares. Mine is a daily driver with constant use, so keep that context in mind when reading this:
1. The hands free phone kit is useless and cannot be upgraded unless you want to use a 6 year old motorola phone in SOME models. Mine came with a Motorola timeport and the dealer cannot provide an upgrade to make it work with any bluetooth phone as it should.
2. The seats in the 2002 are not upgraded as they are in 03 and later models. They are fine for in town but after a 5 hour trip your ass and back will hurt.
3. The dealers see so few of these, even in Phoenix and Scottsdale where I see many, that they are not very good at fixing them.They also have trouble getting body parts like doors, because Mercedes shipped the vehicles with random parts that differ slightly.
4. The thing is literally a tank, safe and sure footed in rain, storms, snow, on road or off. Blows other SUVs away in this area.
5. Attracts attention, sometimes too much, but generally positive.
6. The 03 and later models have a better stereo and the ability to integrate satellite. Mine came from the dealer with aftermarket pioneer XM tacked on.
7. Handles better than you think in small spaces and in the city, stomp for power and stomp again to stop, this car has enough power to go fast, pass and cruise at highway speeds, but requires a heavy foot.
8.Wind noise sucks, look at the shape, should be obvious.
9. Cargo area is generous and holds enough stuff for a couple to travel for a week with all luggage and beach gear with no problem.
10. At 60K miles the only problems I have had have been minor electrical ones like windows and 3 HEAD UNITS!!!! All covered under warranty but unusual for Mercedes. I would not buy this car without a warranty because like all Mercedes the little things can nickle and dime you to death. The head unit includes all navigation and stereo functions and Runs about $3k in stalled from the dealer, to give you an idea.

Great vehicle but beware of certain issues. Despite my complaints, I love the car, and will buy another newer one so I can drive it for ten more years, there is no vehicle that compares. Mine is a daily driver with constant use, so keep that context in mind when reading this:
1. The hands free phone kit is useless and cannot be upgraded unless you want to use a 6 year old motorola phone in SOME models. Mine came with a Motorola timeport and the dealer cannot provide an upgrade to make it work with any bluetooth phone as it should.
2. The seats in the 2002 are not upgraded as they are in 03 and later models. They are fine for in town but after a 5 hour trip your ass and back will hurt.
3. The dealers see so few of these, even in Phoenix and Scottsdale where I see many, that they are not very good at fixing them.They also have trouble getting body parts like doors, because Mercedes shipped the vehicles with random parts that differ slightly.
4. The thing is literally a tank, safe and sure footed in rain, storms, snow, on road or off. Blows other SUVs away in this area.
5. Attracts attention, sometimes too much, but generally positive.
6. The 03 and later models have a better stereo and the ability to integrate satellite. Mine came from the dealer with aftermarket pioneer XM tacked on.
7. Handles better than you think in small spaces and in the city, stomp for power and stomp again to stop, this car has enough power to go fast, pass and cruise at highway speeds, but requires a heavy foot.
8.Wind noise sucks, look at the shape, should be obvious.
9. Cargo area is generous and holds enough stuff for a couple to travel for a week with all luggage and beach gear with no problem.
10. At 60K miles the only problems I have had have been minor electrical ones like windows and 3 HEAD UNITS!!!! All covered under warranty but unusual for Mercedes. I would not buy this car without a warranty because like all Mercedes the little things can nickle and dime you to death. The head unit includes all navigation and stereo functions and Runs about $3k in stalled from the dealer, to give you an idea.