Is there any better family car than a Range Rover?

[TownIdiot]

Ken_Code said:

I really like the look of the new Land Cruiser, and as my wife has started saying she likes the more rugged looks of the current Defender which the Toyota also has I might have a try of one.

I’m a bit put off by the relatively low power, but know that that’s just me being silly, 300 bhp is plenty; not every car I buy has to have stupid acceleration.

Definitely wasn't a fast car but was great on the motorway.

[Ken_Code]

ettore said:

Get a Diesel one then - D350 is super refined and 40+ mpg.

I think all 530ds are diesel, but I’m not sure that any is a better choice. The back looks quite claustrophobic, a recipe for carsickness.

[CrgT16]

We are on our second 530d touring and it’s perfect for everything really. I think a FFRR, if you can afford it, is the best car in the world. I would consider one if reliability was of no concern.

[shirt]

Chamon_Lee said:

As others have said the RR is incredible when it’s working. Even that is pot luck if you get a good one, if not it can really put you off the brand and makes you admire it from a distance.

I think they get a bad rep. Seems to be more so in UK with the crappy derv v6 being the most popular and the rain causing the MOST Bus problems. Also the issue when they drop to a certain price point they get encumbered with an owner who doesn't maintain it properly.

I've owned several v8's and see a lot more of them as I own a garage. No real engine or electrical issues of note. They are heavy on brakes and bushes naturally but coolant issues [mainly aging hoses failing] and suspension are easy and, these days, cheap fixes. Problem these days is finding a 322 with reasonable miles and decent cosmetic condition. Mechanically they sail past 200k miles if looked after. Big jump in price and a loss in practicality when you step up to the 405.

Just written off my disco 3 so looking for a last model year L320 with the 5.0SC and ZF 8 speed. RRS looks less chavvy to me these days and its definitely the best version of the discovery they made

Edited by shirt on Tuesday 21st May 13:58

[shirt]

Ken_Code said:

I really like the look of the new Land Cruiser,

interior is far from nice though. better than the previous versions but still...

[andburg]

Ken_Code said:

for me a family car means a big, bright rear seating area with large windows, to stop the young children getting car sick; a vary big boot for when we travel, and a car that’s just “nice” to jump in and drive

not sure where 0-60 comes into being a better family car.

For that criteria I'm not sure what a RR give you that a Ford S-Max Vignale or high spec VW multivan doesn't, or for more luxury and size a a Mercedes v-Class, all are certainly going attract much less attention when out and about meaning you're less concerned about parking. They tick boxes a RR doesn't like fully removable or flexible seating

Sure if you start to say it needs a fridge, four wheel drive and a sub 6s 0-62 time it moves you towards a full size Range / XC90 type vehicle

[Ken_Code]

shirt said:

interior is far from nice though. better than the previous versions but still...

Yes, it’s surprisingly plasticky for a £70,000+ car.

Perhaps that’s supposed to be part of the whole ethos of the car though, hard plastic that’s easy to clean and will last for ever.

[Rusty Old-Banger]

If you've got more than 3 kids, then yes there are far better options.

[Ken_Code]

Rusty Old-Banger said:

If you've got more than 3 kids, then yes there are far better options.

I don’t.

[Ken_Code]

andburg said:

not sure where 0-60 comes into being a better family car.

For that criteria I'm not sure what a RR give you that a Ford S-Max Vignale or high spec VW multivan doesn't, or for more luxury and size a a Mercedes v-Class, all are certainly going attract much less attention when out and about meaning you're less concerned about parking. They tick boxes a RR doesn't like fully removable or flexible seating

Sure if you start to say it needs a fridge, four wheel drive and a sub 6s 0-62 time it moves you towards a full size Range / XC90 type vehicle

Are you honestly suggesting that a V-class is a nicer all-round car than a Range Rover?

Perhaps I ought to have parsed my question differently.

Of cars that could be described as a family car, which one is the best car?

[TownIdiot]

Ken_Code said:

Are you honestly suggesting that a V-class is a nicer all-round car than a Range Rover?

Perhaps I ought to have parsed my question differently.

Of cars that could be described as a family car, which one is the best car?

I suppose it depends how you weight the driving experience in terms of importance


As a passenger a large mpv maybe a better experience. If all passengers are given an equal weighting then 3 out of the 4 could prefer a sedate drive in a big comfy seat with big windows

If the passengers are more important than the driver then one of those imported Japanese mpvs offer a great experience.

[Ken_Code]

TownIdiot said:

I suppose it depends how you weight the driving experience in terms of importance


As a passenger a large mpv maybe a better experience. If all passengers are given an equal weighting then 3 out of the 4 could prefer a sedate drive in a big comfy seat with big windows

If the passengers are more important than the driver then one of those imported Japanese mpvs offer a great experience.

I think that if I put my passengers’ comfort first then an M760i or Flying Spur probably do it better.

[andburg]

Ken_Code said:

andburg said:

not sure where 0-60 comes into being a better family car.

For that criteria I'm not sure what a RR give you that a Ford S-Max Vignale or high spec VW multivan doesn't, or for more luxury and size a a Mercedes v-Class, all are certainly going attract much less attention when out and about meaning you're less concerned about parking. They tick boxes a RR doesn't like fully removable or flexible seating

Sure if you start to say it needs a fridge, four wheel drive and a sub 6s 0-62 time it moves you towards a full size Range / XC90 type vehicle

Are you honestly suggesting that a V-class is a nicer all-round car than a Range Rover?

Perhaps I ought to have parsed my question differently.

Of cars that could be described as a family car, which one is the best car?

No but dependant on circumstances if might be better! you're not going to get bikes with wheels on in a range,

There might not be a better car for you and your circumstances than the Range

[Rusty Old-Banger]

Aah, the Flying Spur, that famous "family car"

"Here you go Jimmy, have that jam sandwich in the back, and take these crayolas too..."

[Ken_Code]

andburg said:

No but dependant on circumstances if might be better! you're not going to get bikes with wheels on in a range,

There might not be a better car for you and your circumstances than the Range

Fair point. We don’t need to fit bikes in but do load the back up with quite a lot of “stuff” for the two young children.

[Phil.]

Ken_Code said:

ettore said:

Get a Diesel one then - D350 is super refined and 40+ mpg.

I think all 530ds are diesel, but I’m not sure that any is a better choice. The back looks quite claustrophobic, a recipe for carsickness.

He’s referring to the D350 drivetrain on the RR not a 530 BMW.

I’m on my 7th FFRR and wouldn’t be without one. I mainly use it for longer journeys rather than local ones.

All have been V8 diesels except for the current L460 D350 HSE which is the V6. This drivetrain is wonderful, smooth, wafty and quick. I did record 50mpg on a tour of Scotland last summer and it easily delivers 40mpg as mentioned above.

The D350 model is definitely recommended for your next purchase before they stop making them

[Ken_Code]

Phil. said:

He’s referring to the D350 drivetrain on the RR not a 530 BMW.

I’m on my 7th FFRR and wouldn’t be without one. I mainly use it for longer journeys rather than local ones.

All have been V8 diesels except for the current L460 D350 HSE which is the V6. This drivetrain is wonderful, smooth, wafty and quick. I did record 50mpg on a tour of Scotland last summer and it easily delivers 40mpg as mentioned above.

The D350 model is definitely recommended for your next purchase before they stop making them

Thanks, that makes sense.

I’ll not be buying new, I’m not made of money…

[Phil.]

Ken_Code said:

Thanks, that makes sense.

I’ll not be buying new, I’m not made of money…

The market is awash with FFRR’s presently and there are some serious deals to be had. Plus the D350 can be found in late model L405’s as well as the new model in used form. Take a look at AT

[Ken_Code]

Phil. said:

The market is awash with FFRR’s presently and there are some serious deals to be had. Plus the D350 can be found in late model L405’s as well as the new model in used form. Take a look at AT

Possibly a silly question, but are they all listed as “D350” or are there a few different model designations with that engine in it?

And, edited for another question, if the annual mileage is low enough that I could just put up with the fuel economy would you still rate the D350 as being the nicer drive?

Edited by Ken_Code on Tuesday 21st May 14:19

[ettore]

Ken_Code said:

ettore said:

Get a Diesel one then - D350 is super refined and 40+ mpg.

I think all 530ds are diesel, but I’m not sure that any is a better choice. The back looks quite claustrophobic, a recipe for carsickness.

I meant the Range Rover!