2001 Mercedes-Benz G500

We understand the G500 we are offering for sale was dispatched from the factory direct to Kuwait. Our seller believes the car was one of many owned by the Royal household – it’s quite a collection.

At some point in its lifetime it was treated to a G63 AMG body kit, though strangely the car has G55 lettering on the tailgate. Anyway, you get the idea. It certainly looks the part and is every bit the head turner.

The raised driving position means that the left-hand drive configuration should not pose a problem. A clear view over the masses in their more humble means of conveyance is guaranteed and with a lusty V8 under the bonnet, any overtaking manoeuvres will be swift.

The G500 has covered some 207,000 kms thus far, or around 128,000 miles, comparatively modest given Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for build quality, reliability and longevity.

Our seller imported the car into the UK fairly recently and it has been properly registered and MoTed and is therefore ready for its lucky new owner. They will also benefit from the considerable recent expenditure designed to ensure that all is well.

White is now such a popular colour, that many of the current crop of luxury SUVs are now chosen in that hue. It does help to disguise the fact that the G500 is a large and imposing vehicle. The dry Kuwait climate has clearly paid dividends as corrosion is rarely ever an issue.

The paintwork is in surprisingly good order for a 20-year-old car, white being a good colour to deflect the heat.

The AMG body kit certainly makes the vehicle stand out even more, but underneath all the showy looks still lies an extremely capable off-roader.

If we are being picky, we note that the front number plate appears to be a little crooked (as it seems to be fitted incorrectly) and there are a few marks on the front body kit/bumper.

There are also a couple of marks on the offside rear corner just above the indicators and the bonnet does sport a few stone chips. The carbon effect on the rear-view mirrors also shows some small signs of degradation.

The smart black alloys look in reasonable condition and are fitted with a matching set of Pirelli Scorpion tyres all round. Good tyres equal good ownership in our books, though we do detect that the rubber is starting to perish in a few places.

The tan interior is quite something. The front seats offer armchair like comfort and are electrically heated and adjustable. They are in excellent condition, with just a few marks from everyday use. The AMG monogrammed headrests lead us to believe that these seats have been fitted later in the car’s life.

Rear seats are similarly luxurious and no cold posteriors either with seats heaters here too.

Door cards tone in nicely as does the wood on the steering wheel.

Carbon effect vinyl covers much of the dash and area surrounding the gear lever and we do note that this is peeling slightly in places.

Carpets have worn well, but could benefit from a steam clean, as could the floor mats.

The enormous boot area benefits from a rubber load liner and although some G-Class vehicles came with an extra pair of seats, we can see no signs that they were ever fitted to our car.

Our seller had a new Pioneer stereo fitted and also installed a rear-view camera, the screen for which is on the rear-view mirror. It will undoubtedly help when manoeuvring.

There is also a sliding sunroof for that wind in the hair feeling.

We have included many pictures of the G500’s underside in our gallery. It all looks a little ‘sandy’ but is remarkably corrosion free. A quick clean up perhaps and we would be tempted to splash some underseal about, especially as the UK’s salty roads await next winter.

The engine compartment is understandably full and whilst it won’t win any concours awards, it all looks to be in serviceable order.

The G500 was subject to its first MoT back in March which it passed with just a couple of minor advisories.

Our seller has spent a considerable amount of money both in Kuwait and here over the past six months. He tells us the following work has been carried out:

• Major service including 16 spark plugs

• Differential oil change

• New belts

• New windscreen

• New vacuum pipes

• Engine overhaul

• New track rod ends

• Brake overhaul with new pads front and rear

• Fuel tank cleaned and new fuel lines

• Overhaul steering rack and pump

There are bills to confirm what work has been done.

The G-Wagen in all shapes and sizes is immensely popular today. Hugely capable off-road, most are now bought more to travel the highways than the byways.

Our G500 is more luxurious than most and with the AMG addenda it strikes a pose. It is not for the shy and retiring as you will get noticed.

The vehicle has been subject to much recent expense and so should now be set fair to begin its new life in the UK.

We estimate that a sale price of between £17,000 and £27,000 is likely to be achieved.

Viewing is always encouraged, within government guidelines of course. The car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’