MERCEDES is bringing back the fabled G-Wagen, with new engines and improved trim but that same unique design.

That's exciting for fans but don't forget that there are lots of used heavyweight 4x4s out there which are much cheaper.

The new entry level G-Class is  £57,000 and the range goes up to well over £100,000 so Mercedes is clearly looking to take the Range Rover head on.

But eight to ten-year-old G-Wagens can be found for £25,000 with anything from 25,000 - 50,000 miles on the clock.

If they are about to become trendy again because of the new model, these used motors might be worth buying as a sort of high-risk investment.

Then again you might just like to buy one because it offers go-anywhere ability in luxury style. As well as a used G-Class here are two alternatives.

The design has gone out and come back into fashion as a design classic. The older models are not nearly as refined as the new one but they are just as capable off-road.

270 CDI

G500

6

A 2002 model with less than 50,000 miles on the clock will be around £25,000.

Range Rovers still offer the best on and off road performance - even if the older ones can break down. But the latest models are more refined than the pervious generation and petrol engines can be cheap on the used market.                                                                                                                      

4.4 petrol

2.5TD

13

A 2005 4.4 petrol with 45,000 miles on the clock will be around £24,500.

Supersize 4 x 4 which is spacious and unbreakable. Cheaper and tougher than a Range Rover and with more space. Costly to run but utterly reliable and brilliant off road.          

3.0D

3.0D

12

A 2007 3.0D with 40,000 miles on the clock will be around £27,536.