Another - what car should I get....
Discussion
Apologies for: A: having to post a boring quesiton, and B: for the request for a sensible, estate car / 4x4 thing for long journeys and dog carrying duties.
Bascially, I want to spend upto 4K on a dog-car so:
-estate / largish boot
-reliable!
-MPG not too concerned about 25mpg+ ideally 35-40 on a motorway run (flexible on that
)
-reliable
-not too old (<10 years newer = better)
-not done really high mileage (unless known to be ultra reliable)
-not about to die an expensive death.
-is there anything that isn't too boring either quick, 4x4 or damned comfy!
Previous cars have included: Clio 172 cup, Gen7 Celica VVTi, X-type Jag v6 (fell to bits), BMW 1 series (although I kind of gave that to my girlfriend...we still have it), volvo 850 train-station car (very reliable so I sold it), a Fiat 127 (engine ceased, body rotten), Alfa 166 v6 (generally knackered). an eclectic taste.
Ideally I don't want something too common / boring but feel this is probably the best route - Passat / Octavia / A4 / A6 estate.
hoswever living in the stick I have been thinking about whether a 4x4 would be better for the bad winters(girlfirend has to go very treacherous routes to work).
So now unsure whether to go for an Estate with winter tyres, a 4x4 estate (e.g. Legacy, Audi allroad etc) or a softish 4x4 (Forester, Freelander etc).
Will not be used for off-roading as such, but snow, floods and muddy field work would be beneficial
Have I mentioned any cars that I should definately avoid (have read the Freelanders aren't very relible), or am I missing something obvious.
Unusual / Quick / etc all encouraged, but dont' want anything old or likely to be problematic.
Please help me! I have always been after a specific car but need input!
Thanks!!!! Duncan
Bascially, I want to spend upto 4K on a dog-car so:
-estate / largish boot
-reliable!
-MPG not too concerned about 25mpg+ ideally 35-40 on a motorway run (flexible on that
)-reliable
-not too old (<10 years newer = better)
-not done really high mileage (unless known to be ultra reliable)
-not about to die an expensive death.
-is there anything that isn't too boring either quick, 4x4 or damned comfy!
Previous cars have included: Clio 172 cup, Gen7 Celica VVTi, X-type Jag v6 (fell to bits), BMW 1 series (although I kind of gave that to my girlfriend...we still have it), volvo 850 train-station car (very reliable so I sold it), a Fiat 127 (engine ceased, body rotten), Alfa 166 v6 (generally knackered). an eclectic taste.
Ideally I don't want something too common / boring but feel this is probably the best route - Passat / Octavia / A4 / A6 estate.
hoswever living in the stick I have been thinking about whether a 4x4 would be better for the bad winters(girlfirend has to go very treacherous routes to work).
So now unsure whether to go for an Estate with winter tyres, a 4x4 estate (e.g. Legacy, Audi allroad etc) or a softish 4x4 (Forester, Freelander etc).
Will not be used for off-roading as such, but snow, floods and muddy field work would be beneficial
Have I mentioned any cars that I should definately avoid (have read the Freelanders aren't very relible), or am I missing something obvious.
Unusual / Quick / etc all encouraged, but dont' want anything old or likely to be problematic.
Please help me! I have always been after a specific car but need input!
Thanks!!!! Duncan
I have had my 2000 A6 Avant Quattro for 3 years and it has far surpassed my expectations. I needed a do all, carry all type thing and it has been unstoppable. It is a heavy old thing, not an exciting drive, but the cabin is class act compared with similar aged/priced alternatives and it is just generally really well put together.
Engine wise for 25mpg, the 2.7t is out. My 1.8t is not exciting but does a job, returns just shy of 30mpg with mixed use.
Only drawback I would say is that if you have snow/flood concerns, it rides bloody low. Over the last 2 winters, it has never been beaten on a ice/snow covered road, but dont expect it to plough through anything deep. Likewise I imagine for water.
Engine wise for 25mpg, the 2.7t is out. My 1.8t is not exciting but does a job, returns just shy of 30mpg with mixed use.
Only drawback I would say is that if you have snow/flood concerns, it rides bloody low. Over the last 2 winters, it has never been beaten on a ice/snow covered road, but dont expect it to plough through anything deep. Likewise I imagine for water.
Thanks for the advice!
I had a x-type v6 before, and it was a bit of nightmare, and super expensive to fix - so I would never hear the end of it, if it broke etc! Plus fancy a change.
One of the cars I have been eyeing up locally is an A6 SE avant, 1.8T (not quattro) with 46k, mint condition for 4K on a '53 plate - seemed reasonable to me. maybe not the most desireable 2wd small engine, but looked pretty tidy from the pictures.
Also, the 25mpg is flexible for something interesting!
Thanks, Duncan
I had a x-type v6 before, and it was a bit of nightmare, and super expensive to fix - so I would never hear the end of it, if it broke etc! Plus fancy a change.
One of the cars I have been eyeing up locally is an A6 SE avant, 1.8T (not quattro) with 46k, mint condition for 4K on a '53 plate - seemed reasonable to me. maybe not the most desireable 2wd small engine, but looked pretty tidy from the pictures.
Also, the 25mpg is flexible for something interesting!
Thanks, Duncan
Subaru Forrester or Legacy Outback. Good performers, drive well and meet most of your other needs. Only issue will be fuel. Although it's fair to say most 4x4's aren't great on fuel anyhow, even the diesel ones.
Softroaders worth looking at:
-Freelander
-Rav4
-Grand Vitara
Proper 4x4's:
-Disco
-Cherokee
-Grand Cherokee
£4k would get you a Defender/90 too. Ruff and ready and not great on fuel. But a joy to own and fantastic residuals.
Softroaders worth looking at:
-Freelander
-Rav4
-Grand Vitara
Proper 4x4's:
-Disco
-Cherokee
-Grand Cherokee
£4k would get you a Defender/90 too. Ruff and ready and not great on fuel. But a joy to own and fantastic residuals.
I had almost the same criteria (except MPG, I wasn't too fussed about that) and was coming from a Clio 200, Impreza before that, Megane R26 before that so I wanted it to be 'interesting' and I ended up with a Legacy Spec B estate.
It's quick but not fast, very comfy, boot is a brilliant size and with rear sears down there is a huge amount of room to lug stuff about, a good drive (for a big old estate car) and I wanted something 4WD as we head to the Alps a fair bit in winter and need to get around and about with the dog etc even in the worst weather.
I love it - it looks utterly boring on the outside but there's just something about it I really like, it feels like a very capable all rounder.
MPG is ridiculous though (for what it is) - I live in SE London and my average, including two return trips to South Wales,over last 1500miles is 20MPG...a lot of that is down to local driving though, where during the week my average can be as low as 14MPG, I'd be seeing almost that from some near-supercars! On a really long run I have seen 28MPG at a cruise control 80mph.
It's quick but not fast, very comfy, boot is a brilliant size and with rear sears down there is a huge amount of room to lug stuff about, a good drive (for a big old estate car) and I wanted something 4WD as we head to the Alps a fair bit in winter and need to get around and about with the dog etc even in the worst weather.
I love it - it looks utterly boring on the outside but there's just something about it I really like, it feels like a very capable all rounder.
MPG is ridiculous though (for what it is) - I live in SE London and my average, including two return trips to South Wales,over last 1500miles is 20MPG...a lot of that is down to local driving though, where during the week my average can be as low as 14MPG, I'd be seeing almost that from some near-supercars! On a really long run I have seen 28MPG at a cruise control 80mph.
In truth a 4 x 4 is rarely if ever required. We do miles and miles every year across the N.Yorks Moors and whilst we do have a Defender, our Nissan Note (!! not at all PH but a bloody good motor) on winter tyres goes everywhere and I mean everywhere that a normal person would want to go.
IMHO - just get a normal FWD estate and put decent tyres on it.
L.F.
IMHO - just get a normal FWD estate and put decent tyres on it.
L.F.
robsav said:
I had almost the same criteria (except MPG, I wasn't too fussed about that) and was coming from a Clio 200, Impreza before that, Megane R26 before that so I wanted it to be 'interesting' and I ended up with a Legacy Spec B estate.
It's quick but not fast, very comfy, boot is a brilliant size and with rear sears down there is a huge amount of room to lug stuff about, a good drive (for a big old estate car) and I wanted something 4WD as we head to the Alps a fair bit in winter and need to get around and about with the dog etc even in the worst weather.
I love it - it looks utterly boring on the outside but there's just something about it I really like, it feels like a very capable all rounder.
MPG is ridiculous though (for what it is) - I live in SE London and my average, including two return trips to South Wales,over last 1500miles is 20MPG...a lot of that is down to local driving though, where during the week my average can be as low as 14MPG, I'd be seeing almost that from some near-supercars! On a really long run I have seen 28MPG at a cruise control 80mph.
I do have to admit, when I do my weekly Autotrader/PH classifieds "What if the Audi packs up tomorrow" search, The Legacy is top of my list too...It's quick but not fast, very comfy, boot is a brilliant size and with rear sears down there is a huge amount of room to lug stuff about, a good drive (for a big old estate car) and I wanted something 4WD as we head to the Alps a fair bit in winter and need to get around and about with the dog etc even in the worst weather.
I love it - it looks utterly boring on the outside but there's just something about it I really like, it feels like a very capable all rounder.
MPG is ridiculous though (for what it is) - I live in SE London and my average, including two return trips to South Wales,over last 1500miles is 20MPG...a lot of that is down to local driving though, where during the week my average can be as low as 14MPG, I'd be seeing almost that from some near-supercars! On a really long run I have seen 28MPG at a cruise control 80mph.
Does anyone else do these?
Thanks all, some very good points and perspectives!!
LF - regarding the 4x4, I have had exactly the same thoughts as well - whether to just get a decent estate and winter tyres on a couple of spare wheels - plus it would be easier for my girlfired to drive in the snow as I think for her catching the front end would be more predictable than oversteer. I remember drifting my X-type off the motorway a couple of years ago...
My current alfa is giving me 15mpg (only doing local miles), so hopefully get something a bit better than that!
The other consideration is that a 4K estate would be largely newer and better spec'd than an equivalent 4x4.
Too many options.
LF - regarding the 4x4, I have had exactly the same thoughts as well - whether to just get a decent estate and winter tyres on a couple of spare wheels - plus it would be easier for my girlfired to drive in the snow as I think for her catching the front end would be more predictable than oversteer. I remember drifting my X-type off the motorway a couple of years ago...
My current alfa is giving me 15mpg (only doing local miles), so hopefully get something a bit better than that!
The other consideration is that a 4K estate would be largely newer and better spec'd than an equivalent 4x4.
Too many options.
OP - you need 4 winter tyres. Our old Merc has them just on the back and we got caught out coming down Carlton Bank on a very icy morning last winter. Normal tyres on the front wouldn't steer so we kept sliding towards the wall on the downhill side of the road. Winter tyres on the back meant I could reverse back up and away but it took 20 minutes to inch our way down with me leaning out of the window to push the car away from the wall.
On a FWD car with winters on the front only: I guess the front will stay planted and you will keep losing the back end.
On a FWD car with winters on the front only: I guess the front will stay planted and you will keep losing the back end.
Well had a weekend looking and found a few things... still very unsure!!
A6 estate - boot is'nt high enough for dog to stand up properly - and just very boring - so that's out.
Subaru forester - test drove nice one (although automatic). Very good car - had a auto fault light on that is getting fixed (auto speed sensor apparently....) but drive fine, if not a bit slow (although someone turned up at garage and started swearing at owner for problems with a car he bought from them.... Nice car, but not many around and seem to be quite highly priced? unsure.
Freelander - looks nice but boot not that big and too many horror stories about the 1.8. No decent TD4s without high mileage under 4k.
Other options...
Honda Cr-V (nice inside, but possibly a fake 4x4?? undecided. Not going to be climbing any mountains in it anyway...)
Subaru legacy outback - few about
Jeep Cherokee - a bit on the large side, nice enough inside, seem reasonable value - but quite brash and in your face. Would get used to that though...
must find a car and decide....
A6 estate - boot is'nt high enough for dog to stand up properly - and just very boring - so that's out.
Subaru forester - test drove nice one (although automatic). Very good car - had a auto fault light on that is getting fixed (auto speed sensor apparently....) but drive fine, if not a bit slow (although someone turned up at garage and started swearing at owner for problems with a car he bought from them.... Nice car, but not many around and seem to be quite highly priced? unsure.
Freelander - looks nice but boot not that big and too many horror stories about the 1.8. No decent TD4s without high mileage under 4k.
Other options...
Honda Cr-V (nice inside, but possibly a fake 4x4?? undecided. Not going to be climbing any mountains in it anyway...)
Subaru legacy outback - few about
Jeep Cherokee - a bit on the large side, nice enough inside, seem reasonable value - but quite brash and in your face. Would get used to that though...
must find a car and decide....
There is actually a car that fits the bill in every critera you have listed (apart from 4wd, which you don't really need).
The Lexus IS200 or (300 Auto) Sportcross estate!
Bascially, I want to spend upto 4K on a dog-car so:
-estate / largish boot YES
-reliable! YES
-MPG not too concerned about 25mpg+ ideally 35-40 on a motorway run (flexible on that) YES
-reliable YES
-not too old (<10 years newer = better) YES
-not done really high mileage (unless known to be ultra reliable) YES
-not about to die an expensive death. YES
-unusual/quick YES-ISH!
The Lexus IS200 or (300 Auto) Sportcross estate!
Bascially, I want to spend upto 4K on a dog-car so:
-estate / largish boot YES
-reliable! YES
-MPG not too concerned about 25mpg+ ideally 35-40 on a motorway run (flexible on that
) YES-reliable
YES-not too old (<10 years newer = better) YES
-not done really high mileage (unless known to be ultra reliable) YES
-not about to die an expensive death. YES
-unusual/quick YES-ISH!
Edited by PaperCut on Wednesday 5th December 13:56
Nissan X-Trail 2.2 DCi.
Owned for 4.5 years, covered a touch over 40,000 miles. Pretty much faultless.
Brilliant in winter, good size boot with seats up and a large flat area when seats are down.
Even took it off road on a couple of occasions and it was actually quite good.
Drove it to the alps skiing 3 times, last time this February to La Tania. Fully loaded with 3 adults and lots of skiing gear. Cruised between 90-100mph the whole way down and coped with -30 and snow all week.
We bought it when we got out Dobermann puppy and it was great for the dog and 2 kids.
Something like this:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
Owned for 4.5 years, covered a touch over 40,000 miles. Pretty much faultless.
Brilliant in winter, good size boot with seats up and a large flat area when seats are down.
Even took it off road on a couple of occasions and it was actually quite good.
Drove it to the alps skiing 3 times, last time this February to La Tania. Fully loaded with 3 adults and lots of skiing gear. Cruised between 90-100mph the whole way down and coped with -30 and snow all week.
We bought it when we got out Dobermann puppy and it was great for the dog and 2 kids.
Something like this:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
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