In case you didn’t already know, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (yes, the one that’s just been replaced with an all-new model) is one of the world’s most expensive SUVs.

Buying a brand new one in the U.S. will set you back at least $123,600, which is the base price for the “entry-level” G 550 version – and that’s before you start ticking any boxes in the options’ list.

Now, if you don’t mind missing out on some of the latest Mercedes-Benz gadgets, opting to purchase an older model G-Class at an auction could turn out to be a smart move, and since the German brand has kept the styling practically intact for many years, it would take a trained eye to spot that it’s 14 years old.

For example, take a look at this 2003 model we found on Bring a Trailer. The seller has listed the car without reserve, and with four days still left, the highest bid is $17,000, a number that will obviously go up as the auction nears its end. After looking at a bunch of 2003-2006 G 500 models with more than 100,000 miles (160,000 km) on the clock on both Autotrader and eBay Motors, we found that a lot of them are priced somewhere between $35,000 and $40,000, so we wouldn’t be surprised if eventually it sells for a similar amount.

Finished in Silver Gray with a Gray leather interior, this G 500 has 133,800 miles (215,330 km) on the clock, and aside from the tinted windows, it’s being described as stock. Other features include the OEM split five-spoke alloys, power sunroof, dual-zone climate control, power seats, sat-nav and plenty more.

This example is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that’s good for 292 HP and 336 lb-ft (455 Nm) of torque. It’s certainly nowhere near as quick as a modern-day G 550, but, apart from the performance, you will still be getting the G-Wagen experience.

Finally, the seller was even nice enough to include a brief POV driving video, showing how the car behaves and sounds on the road.

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