Discovery or X5 or ?????
Discussion
Hi
I am in the market for a 4X4 but with a relatively small budget of 5k - 7k and have more or less narrowed in down to the above two but I'd be interested to open up to you lot with any thoughts as to anything out of the ordinary to look for when inspecting them, weak spots, nice to have options, or any other suggestions.... Older X5s look like really good value at the moment or am I missing something ??
I'm aware the disco has far better off road ability than the X5 but in fairness that isn't top of my list of requirements. I really just want something that has some 4X4 practicality with the raised driving position etc I've owned a defender previously which I loved but I would like something with a tad more luxury.
I've also thought about Cayennes but they seem a bit out of budget and I've been put off FF Rang Rovers as there seems to be quite a lot of bad press regards maintenance and niggles
What do you think ?
Cheers
john
I am in the market for a 4X4 but with a relatively small budget of 5k - 7k and have more or less narrowed in down to the above two but I'd be interested to open up to you lot with any thoughts as to anything out of the ordinary to look for when inspecting them, weak spots, nice to have options, or any other suggestions.... Older X5s look like really good value at the moment or am I missing something ??
I'm aware the disco has far better off road ability than the X5 but in fairness that isn't top of my list of requirements. I really just want something that has some 4X4 practicality with the raised driving position etc I've owned a defender previously which I loved but I would like something with a tad more luxury.
I've also thought about Cayennes but they seem a bit out of budget and I've been put off FF Rang Rovers as there seems to be quite a lot of bad press regards maintenance and niggles
What do you think ?
Cheers
john
In this price bracket, you should buy on condition and with plenty of service history. Maintenance costs will be potentially high on all 4x4's getting on for 10 years old. Are there specialists in your area, this could sway the decision. The most car like to drive is the X5 and I have only heard good things about the car in general if you can afford to keep it in tip top order...
Not having any personal experience of X5 my old man has had 2 with no problems on both.
With re to Landrovers, they are a good product and work well when they are working.Like all vehicles really they need a good preventative maintenance "plan" to keep them going with out any hitches.
If you are no good under the bonnet then don't bother with an older Landrover.
I ran a 300 tdi 90 for 5 years - ok a bit different from the disco exterior wise but not much different at all with the engines and running gear- I spent maybe an hour a week under the bonnet checking items were still ok,underneath it checking for any loose props and joints and jacked the wheels up checking for bearings.Might sound a bit anal but you catch any problems early before they develop into a costly exercise.
I changed oil every 6months regardless of mileage.Changed the air filter and fuel filter before any MOT.
I never once broke down in that vehicle, it kept on ticking along in those 5 years.
With re to Landrovers, they are a good product and work well when they are working.Like all vehicles really they need a good preventative maintenance "plan" to keep them going with out any hitches.
If you are no good under the bonnet then don't bother with an older Landrover.
I ran a 300 tdi 90 for 5 years - ok a bit different from the disco exterior wise but not much different at all with the engines and running gear- I spent maybe an hour a week under the bonnet checking items were still ok,underneath it checking for any loose props and joints and jacked the wheels up checking for bearings.Might sound a bit anal but you catch any problems early before they develop into a costly exercise.
I changed oil every 6months regardless of mileage.Changed the air filter and fuel filter before any MOT.
I never once broke down in that vehicle, it kept on ticking along in those 5 years.
Older Disco's are great cars, but a bit basic and 4x4's have moved on quite a bit - so it might be a bit too agricultural. They are also prone to small niggly problems. A do-it-all vehicle, but with eyes wide open.
The X5 is a cracking car. Reliable (mainly), cheap, available with a decent spread of engines and very capable. Not quite as practical as the Disco, but runs it VERY close. Handles surprising well for what it is.
I would look at the Merc ML, though they are supposed to be massively unreliable. Also, consider a Jeep. I know its a gamble, but they depreciate like a stone and you can probably get a better spec and newer than any of the others! Decent diesel engines in the end, but do have a bit of a reputation.
The X5 is a cracking car. Reliable (mainly), cheap, available with a decent spread of engines and very capable. Not quite as practical as the Disco, but runs it VERY close. Handles surprising well for what it is.
I would look at the Merc ML, though they are supposed to be massively unreliable. Also, consider a Jeep. I know its a gamble, but they depreciate like a stone and you can probably get a better spec and newer than any of the others! Decent diesel engines in the end, but do have a bit of a reputation.
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