What Car (4x4)... For My Granddad?
Discussion
Okay, my Granddad is after a new car. To give some perspective, he currently drives a 2001 E38 BMW 728i Sport, which he has owned from new. Whilst still a lovely car in a lovely condition (I'd have it off him were it not for the cylinder deficiency!), it's getting on a bit and he's fed up being completely marooned in the snow as he lives in a fairly rural location. I have been tasked with the job of finding him something new, however, as he isn't really particularly knowledgable about the modern car! His stipulations are that it must be 4WD and be comfortable. He would like to spend around £30k and get something from circa 2009 onwards. Diesel is preferred as he would like better than the 24mpg he gets from the 728i.
He has owned BMWs for years - his current E38 is his second, and before that he had a couple of E34 5-Series' - so naturally his only suggestion was the X5. He sees the E83 X3 as a turd, but would consider the F25 if one could be had in budget. My personal choice would both be Land Rovers: a Discovery 4 or RR Sport. Bear in mind he's in his 70s and keeps his cars for quite a while. This one could potentially 'see him out', so to speak! M Sport or S-Line-style rock-hard suspension is probably unwise.
Not knowing an awful lot about 4x4s, would something like an A6 Allroad be competent enough in the UK's snow? The reason I ask is that something like this looks quite good value. Doesn't have the raised driving position, though. I imagine the 4x4 Skoda Superb is even better value, but I doubt he'd drive one of those because of the badge.
Any ideas / owners of potential candidates wish to contribute? Ta.
He has owned BMWs for years - his current E38 is his second, and before that he had a couple of E34 5-Series' - so naturally his only suggestion was the X5. He sees the E83 X3 as a turd, but would consider the F25 if one could be had in budget. My personal choice would both be Land Rovers: a Discovery 4 or RR Sport. Bear in mind he's in his 70s and keeps his cars for quite a while. This one could potentially 'see him out', so to speak! M Sport or S-Line-style rock-hard suspension is probably unwise.
Not knowing an awful lot about 4x4s, would something like an A6 Allroad be competent enough in the UK's snow? The reason I ask is that something like this looks quite good value. Doesn't have the raised driving position, though. I imagine the 4x4 Skoda Superb is even better value, but I doubt he'd drive one of those because of the badge.
Any ideas / owners of potential candidates wish to contribute? Ta.
Edited by David87 on Sunday 16th September 20:43
New X3 2.0D (F25) starts at about £32K (£33K Auto) and you can probably get 5%+ off that at right dealer so might be worth a trip to dealers - however if his issue is snow, then he'll want at least all weather tyres (mine came with summer tyres) or maybe even need winter tyres (BMW offers deals where they'll swap them over and store them for a small fee). Winter tyres may be want he needs, rather than 4WD - it can make a big difference on snow
XC60 was nice - but I felt the engine/gearbox was lacking on D5 (not all models are 4wd)
You can get a 3 series xDrive - might be worth a look or the Audi 4x4s
XC60 was nice - but I felt the engine/gearbox was lacking on D5 (not all models are 4wd)
You can get a 3 series xDrive - might be worth a look or the Audi 4x4s
Subaru Outback Diesel would be worth considering.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
Cant see any problem in geting this to £30k...
BMW X3 xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto 2.0 2012
NEARLY NEW CAR
5 Doors, Automatic, 4x4, Diesel, 101 miles, #Space Grey, Call 0191 234 7630, Oyster Nevada Leather, Bluetooth Telephone Hands Free Facility, 17" Alloys, X Line Package, Automatic Air Conditioning, "Service Package Inclusive", Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration, 6 Speed Automatic Gearbox, Leather Steering Wheel, Multi Function Steering Wheel, Roof Rails, Heated Front Seats, Auto Dim Interior Mirror, Front Foglights, Park Distance Control, Rain Sensor Wipers with Auto Headlight Activation, Cruise Control, BMW Professional Radio, Extended Interior Light Package, "We Can Guarantee The Future Value Of This Car". £31,590
BMW X3 xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto 2.0 2012
NEARLY NEW CAR
5 Doors, Automatic, 4x4, Diesel, 101 miles, #Space Grey, Call 0191 234 7630, Oyster Nevada Leather, Bluetooth Telephone Hands Free Facility, 17" Alloys, X Line Package, Automatic Air Conditioning, "Service Package Inclusive", Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration, 6 Speed Automatic Gearbox, Leather Steering Wheel, Multi Function Steering Wheel, Roof Rails, Heated Front Seats, Auto Dim Interior Mirror, Front Foglights, Park Distance Control, Rain Sensor Wipers with Auto Headlight Activation, Cruise Control, BMW Professional Radio, Extended Interior Light Package, "We Can Guarantee The Future Value Of This Car". £31,590
Allroad A4 or A6 would win for me.
Or a Subaru - but interiors are less luxurious, more functional.
Either with winter tyres would be pretty unstoppable, and the variable height air suspension is great for normal use as well - might be more waftable than the 728i in the A6 Allroad. 3.0tdi is the engine of choice. Buy nearly new and Audi will probably top up the warranty to 2 years min.
Or a Subaru - but interiors are less luxurious, more functional.
Either with winter tyres would be pretty unstoppable, and the variable height air suspension is great for normal use as well - might be more waftable than the 728i in the A6 Allroad. 3.0tdi is the engine of choice. Buy nearly new and Audi will probably top up the warranty to 2 years min.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff