Advice
How much does a Unimog cost?
Putting a price on a used Unimog is no easy task. The whole point of this vehicle is that it can be specified to carry out multiple tasks. As a result, Unimogs are often equipped with accessories such as winches, PTOs, cherry pickers, sweepers, flail mowers, recovery jibs and more. So in this article, we are going to look at what you can expect to pay for a used Unimog.
Words by: Auto Trader
Published on 18 February 2021 | 0 min read
The Mercedes-Benz Unimog is one of the most capable and adaptable off-road vehicles in the world. This go-anywhere truck has tank-like off-road abilities, bulletproof build quality and unbeatable reliability. So it’s no wonder they are a popular choice for farmers, municipal contractors, utility companies and more.
Unimogs also have a cult following with enthusiasts, which leads to strong demand for used examples. This means Unimogs hold on to their value well, which is a good thing because a new base model Unimog costs around £175,000. So it’s no surprise most buyers are looking for a used one.
Unimogs also have a cult following with enthusiasts, which leads to strong demand for used examples. This means Unimogs hold on to their value well, which is a good thing because a new base model Unimog costs around £175,000. So it’s no surprise most buyers are looking for a used one.
Factors which determine a Unimog’s price
Age
The Unimog was launched in 1948 as a vehicle to help Germany’s struggling post-war farmers. The first model series 401 built a reputation for being bulletproof and many of them are still available today. They are much sought after by collectors, however, so you can expect to pay a high price for this model regardless of the condition.
As a rule, age is not as vital with Unimogs as it is with other used vehicles. Condition and specification are much more important when determining a price. For example, early long-wheelbase models will cost around £10,000. While a later model 406 from 1984, in relatively poor condition, can cost as little as £3000. So while age is a factor, the condition and specification of the vehicle are much more important.
As a rule, age is not as vital with Unimogs as it is with other used vehicles. Condition and specification are much more important when determining a price. For example, early long-wheelbase models will cost around £10,000. While a later model 406 from 1984, in relatively poor condition, can cost as little as £3000. So while age is a factor, the condition and specification of the vehicle are much more important.
Condition
Unimogs which have been properly maintained last for decades. So when buying a used one, check servicing has been carried out by either a main dealer or specialist. Pay particular attention to the engine and gearbox seals for leaks. It’s also worth getting the vehicle checked out by a specialist who can help spot potential problems.
Technical options
Unimogs are available with a range of options which are either fitted in the factory or installed before delivery by the dealer. Unimogs are rarely sold as standard vehicles and these options can often push the price of a new vehicle to more than £250,000. So you will have to weigh up the cost of any installed options when coming up with a price.
Popular accessories include recovery jibs, flail mowers and cherry pickers. If you need these accessories as part of your business then buying used makes a lot of financial sense. Most private buyers will not need them, however, so they will need to weigh up the cost carefully.
Popular accessories include recovery jibs, flail mowers and cherry pickers. If you need these accessories as part of your business then buying used makes a lot of financial sense. Most private buyers will not need them, however, so they will need to weigh up the cost carefully.
The most popular Unimog models
Unimog 406/416
The Unimog 406 was launched in 1963 and came in both Cabrio and Closed versions. More than 37,000 model 406s were produced between 1963 and 1989, with the closed version accounting for 61.9% of sales. A long-wheelbase model 416 was launched in 1965 which came with more powerful engines and a 2900mm wheelbase.
You can expect to pay anything from £3000 to more than £60,000 for a 416 depending on age, condition and specification. DOKA double cab versions are the most sought after and command a premium over single cab versions. Fully restored models also cost more than standard vehicles.
You can expect to pay anything from £3000 to more than £60,000 for a 416 depending on age, condition and specification. DOKA double cab versions are the most sought after and command a premium over single cab versions. Fully restored models also cost more than standard vehicles.
Unimog 403/413
In 1966 the Unimog 403/413 was added to the range as a cheaper, more affordable option. This came with a smaller 54hp engine and was eventually supplied as both standard and long-wheelbase versions. Visually there is no difference between the various 400 series models apart from the wheelbase.
The popularity and bulletproof nature of the 403/413 mean they come up for sale regularly. You can expect to pay between £4000-£16000 for an early 403, while a good later example will set you back around £50,000. The inclusion of specialist options and equipment may push the price higher.
The popularity and bulletproof nature of the 403/413 mean they come up for sale regularly. You can expect to pay between £4000-£16000 for an early 403, while a good later example will set you back around £50,000. The inclusion of specialist options and equipment may push the price higher.
Unimog 405 U300/U400/U500
In the early 2000s, the Unimog family was completely revised with the launch of the 405 series. This was available in several versions including the popular U300, U400 and U500 models. The 405 series was designed to be a general-purpose truck which proved popular with the municipal, emergency and armed services.
As a result, you will often find 405 series models equipped as fire trucks, road sweepers, cherry pickers and ambulances. The final specification will determine the price, but you can expect to pay anything from £28,000 for an early model 405 to more than £200,000 for a nearly new one.
As a result, you will often find 405 series models equipped as fire trucks, road sweepers, cherry pickers and ambulances. The final specification will determine the price, but you can expect to pay anything from £28,000 for an early model 405 to more than £200,000 for a nearly new one.
Conclusion
So, the answer to the question, 'how much does a Unimog cost?' is anything from £3,000 to £200,000. As such, buyers need to think about how the vehicle will be used and what accessories are needed. Buyers looking for a vehicle to support their business will have very different needs to a private buyer for example.
With most new Unimogs sold as municipal vehicles, later examples come pre-equipped with a range of accessories such as road sweepers, cherry pickers and flail mowers. These can represent good value second-hand if you need this equipment for your business. Private buyers, on the other hand, will find a better value in pre-1985 406/416 models.
With most new Unimogs sold as municipal vehicles, later examples come pre-equipped with a range of accessories such as road sweepers, cherry pickers and flail mowers. These can represent good value second-hand if you need this equipment for your business. Private buyers, on the other hand, will find a better value in pre-1985 406/416 models.
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