timoc42

Hey guys,

While I was bored accompanying my friend shop for his new car (we went to test drive the M5, amazing car, but he ended up getting a CLS 55), I had some fun day-dreaming
of "what if I change my LS to this and that" and "what if I buy a fun car, as a 2nd car"

so, on the way home, I had thought ... mmm, I could get a 2nd car, a silver SMG M3, which BMW of Bayside has.... they are giving a big big discount, because they have a 2004 leftover still sitting in the showroom. They also got 2 M5, one in black and one in red, which they are motivated to move. We got a $1500 off MSRP, and that is without more negotiations.

But, with all the bad roads in new york, I think I want a SUV. Not just any SUV, but a 'rare' one.
So, I thought of 2 SUV, both in similar price ranges (+- 50k)

1. Jeep Grand Cheerokee SRT-8
pros: fast, rare, cheap (less than 50k), cool bodykit
cons: Jeep name, not many will know the difference between a regular cheaper 30k cheerokee.

2. 2004 G500 used
pros: rare, very recognizable, high 'snob-factor'
cons: more expensive to maintain, not as fast, a little more expensive.

What do you guys think? Which one would you take if you are in my shoes, as a 2nd addition to my regular car?

Richie

G500 for me.
The only Benz I would get, well, not the only one but one of very few

INHOCJP

G500 gets my vote. The G is a love it or hate it car. A friend of mine has a black/black G500 and let me tell you, it looks sweet.

My only gripes are the somewhat outdated interior (very old school MBZ) and the not so comfortable ride. But exterior wise, it's a winner. And yes, the G just exudes snob appeal...if that's your cup of tea

EvgeshaIS300

while i love G500, you really should test drive it, term "not as fast" coud realy turn into "slow", also the ride quality is not what you would expect from MB, its very harsh. a friend of mine had it, he got it mostly for the status(cool factor), but in 6 month he was very disapointed and switched it to CL500. while he had no mechenical problems, he had a bunch of electrical glitches, from worning lights on dash saying taillight bulbs are out while they are actually working, to ocasional check engine light.

mmarshall

The G500 would get my vote too....although parts and service are quite expensive. The G-Wagon, unlike other M-B products, dates back to the early 1980's......a time period when M-B arguably built the best vehicles in the world.......and the body and frame solidness on this vehicle has to be seen to be believed. The doors literally feel and shut like bank vaults...I'm not exaggerating. It was originally designed for the German and Austrian militaries.

Outside of the SRT-8 power of the Grand Cherokee and the fact that it is cheaper to service, there is really not much, IMO, to recommend it over the G500. It comes with high-performance tires that are not well-suited for snow and off-roading........two of the things Jeeps are usually designed for.........and the general reliability and build quality of Jeep products, and of Grand Cherokees in particular, is not impressive.

tofu_house

iTrader: (2)

PORCHE CAYANNE TURBO!!!!

but if i chose between the two, the G500 gets my vote.

Stage3

iTrader: (3)

Although I am really diggin the new SRT-8, I also vote for the G500. I dont know if the "wow" factor will be the same with the G500 as it will be with the SRT-8, but at least you have the "cool" factor covered!

timoc42

i read somewhere that the SRT-8 is faster than the cayenne ..
but the G55 is even faster ...

Stage3

iTrader: (3)

G55 is on a planet all on its own... I had a ride in one of my friends old G55... I needed a change of shorts after that!

EvgeshaIS300

here you go,

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...360&q=top gear

i will not accept any responcibility for you running to MB dealership and getting G-Wagen

Lexmex

I added some of my own for comparison (am I missing any)

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 6.1L V8 415 HP
Mercedes G500 5.5 L V8 469 HP (though there was a 5.0 L V8 292 HP)
Mercedes ML55 AMG 5.4 L V8 342 HP
Porsche Cayenne Turbo 4.5 L V8 450 HP
Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged 4.2 L V8 400 HP
BMW X5 4.8 L V8 355 HP

and one truck

Dodge RAM SRT-10 8.3 L V10 500 HP (I had to add it as I have driven one here and it is sick).

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

i WOULD TAKE THE SRT ROAD BEAST

Sv.Tequila

Hands down the G55 AMG , I just finish driving one like 1 hour ago! I'm currently taking care of my neighbour's house and their dog, they said I have full access to use their G55 wow that thing is a beast! But it wastes gas lke crazy though, even though they gave me access to to their Black Card too! There currently selling it for $101K its a 2005 blk/blk with EVERYTHING in it!

Johnny Rad

I like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo recommendation.

At the last autoshow, I got up close and personal with a G500/55. I was surprised at how cramped the front and rear seats were! Hummer tight. If it's not a big deal, go for the AMG version. Actually, you might be able to swindle a deal on one right now since the new G is due in.

IronCobra

Oh yes!!!