Which 4 X 4 - Help

[Junty]

Morning all

I've been lurking in the shadows for some time and have decided to take the plunge as I've always been a bit of a mild petrol head.

Currently got a 2003 V70 2.4SE auto 7 seater. Owned from six months old. It's got 167,000 miles on it and apart from normal servicing it's only needed one spring, new solenoid in the auto box and some engine mounts. It's been (and still is) a superb car. We're keeping that and SWMBO will use it as the school run car.

This has all come about because I'm setting up a new business as a grounds maintenance/landscape contractor. I therefore need a decent 4 X 4 which can easily tow 1.5 tonnes without breaking into a sweat for 60% of the time. It also needs to be a seven seater and comfy and as refined as possible. And because it's a work car too it does need to be reliable.

Now I'll admit I've always harbored dirty thoughts about the Discovery 3/4 but am a bit weary of reliability. Although when you speak to people who have them and read owner reviews they don't seem to be quite the nightmare that you hear about. I guess if you're disgruntled you shout louder and longer. My budget is approx. 10k give or take. I don't mind high mileage or age. I also know that there are a number of very common issues with the 3 but that nowadays the indies are on top of them. I also reckon on decent preventative maintenance (oil/filter change, decent battery etc). My other thoughts were a Nissan Pathfinder but apparently they're very noisy? I also thought about a Toyota Landcruiser but discounted it because the 3rd row of seats don't fold away and also on my budget compared to the 3 and the Pfinder, the LC's mileages are just pure scary.

I know on my budget I am a bit restricted, but any thoughts anyone?

Thanks

Junty

[anonymous-user]

You could always stick with Volvo and go for an XC-90! Other option are Audi Q7 or maybe a Jeep commander, also worth looking at the Korean offerings if your not worried about the badge

[anonymous-user]

I had a Disco 3 for 7 years and it had done 144k miles by the time I sold it. Broke down twice while I had it (suspension height sensor & seized gear linkage) but never left me stranded and as you say, you need to stay on top of maintenance. They aren't cheap to run but I wouldn't say they are unreliable, just get one with loads of receipts that's obviously been cared for.

Traded mine in last month for a newer Disco 4, came with 2 years warranty and MOT cover so I'm happy. Lovely cars and great family chariots.

[Junty]

I'd thought about the XC90 but I'm not sure it's going to be "man" enough to tow so often and also be able to tow off road with some fairly hefty loads (think tractor/flails/fencing jobs etc).

Mind you, when I say "off road", I don't mean 4 X 4 enthusiast stuff - some of that is insane. It'll be muddy fields, forest tracks etc. The key is that it needs to be able to tow in those conditions.

I just reckon it's daily work life would be better catered for by a ladder frame chassis. Happy to be corrected on that though.

Mitsubishi Shogun seems an idea worth exploring.

BTW I definitely want an auto.

[vtecyo]

Land Cruiser and take the rear seats out. The extra you may spend you will save on maintenance.

[berlintaxi]

doogz said:

I've got a LWB Shogun, there's a pic in my profile.

3.2 Diesel, 200bhp, will tow 3.5T, 7 seats, well equipped inside, lots of creature comforts, good stereo. Auto though, she wanted one, plus finding the spec we got with a manual isn't easy/possible.

£16,000? fk me, that looks like the bargain of the century, cracking looking vehicle.

[R0G]

Do you have B+E on your licence ?

If yes then ok but if not then you may have difficulties

[g7jtk]

You also need to check into the availability of tyres in the size you need. ( mud tyres for D2, 3 & 4 for 18" & 19")

[g7jtk]

You also need to check into the availability of tyres in the size you need. ( mud tyres for D2, 3 & 4 for 18" & 19")

[eltax91]

Is there not a code of the job whereby all landscape/ tree type people simply have to run a defender?

Will they not throw you out of the club if you get a shogun?

[Stoatman]

Not sure on towing capacities, but forester ?. Surely the 2.5xte has plenty of torque

[daveenty]

Junty said:

BTW I definitely want an auto.

Stoatman said:

Not sure on towing capacities, but forester ?. Surely the 2.5xte has plenty of torque

Did they do an auto box in the Forester? Genuine question, never seen one, only manuals.

The Outback is a good capable car as well. Also Jeep Grand Cherokee, ideally with a nice V8. (Other engines are available but don't sound as nice)

[Busterbulldog]

What you need is a torneo 4x4 or a transit crewcab. Should also be more taxman friendly.

[Stoatman]

Yep , loads of autos. Took me a while to find my turbo manual !