opinions on this cluster of cars

[StangGT]

warning, what car content!

I'm looking for a new (used) car for family/work duties

must have a bit of ground clearance and awd for muddy tracks. It'll do about 15-20k miles pa.

3 kids, so 5 seats needed. Budget is in the region of £16k

I've got:

- Subaru Outback. I'd like a 3.0 or 3.6 petrol... are they really that thirsty? I hear the diesel is gutless. Can they be improved?

- Volvo XC60. Nice place to be, but a little dull?

- X trail 173. ticks all the boxes, but again, a bit dull?

- Octavia 1.8T scout.

- VW tiguan 2.0T petrol. boot a bit small.

I've now discounted Foresters as theyre too small inside...

thanks

[Ved]

- Subaru Outback.

+++ Superb but very thirsty (low 20s) although it'll last forever and entertain you when you're not lugging the kids. Personally I'd go with a Legacy which is pretty much the same aside from the lower panels and ride height.


- VW tiguan 2.0T petrol.

+++ I really like these. I borrowed one last year for a trip to cornwall and it was brilliant. The boot is pretty good but not on any of the 4motion ones as the rear is taken up by the four wheel drive system.

Which Forester did you look at as they're no longer based on the Impreza so are a little bigger.

[Herbs]

A few others to throw in the mix that should meet the criteria to make the choice more difficult

Nissan Murano
Mazda CX7
Audi Q7

It's a good budget and you could probably get an example of most models for it including anything from a XC90/Cayenne Turbo/Range Rover/ Cash Cow etc

[StangGT]

Ved said:

- Subaru Outback.

+++ Superb but very thirsty (low 20s) although it'll last forever and entertain you when you're not lugging the kids. Personally I'd go with a Legacy which is pretty much the same aside from the lower panels and ride height.

I wanted the outback mainly for the ground clearance tbh. Is the 3.6 better than the 3.0?

Ved said:

- VW tiguan 2.0T petrol.

+++ I really like these. I borrowed one last year for a trip to cornwall and it was brilliant. The boot is pretty good but not on any of the 4motion ones as the rear is taken up by the four wheel drive system.

Which Forester did you look at as they're no longer based on the Impreza so are a little bigger.

I looked at the old Forester. The new ones top out at 150bhp (in my budget territory!) and are a bit s l o w.

[anonymous-user]

Volvo XC70? Huge room, nice interior, not bad at all to drive, looks to me are better than XC60 & 90, good engine.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...

Mrs HH has an X-Trail, it is a bit boring, but it's actually a great car and does exactly 'what it says on the tin'...

[StangGT]

Herbs said:

A few others to throw in the mix that should meet the criteria to make the choice more difficult

Nissan Murano
Mazda CX7
Audi Q7

It's a good budget and you could probably get an example of most models for it including anything from a XC90/Cayenne Turbo/Range Rover/ Cash Cow etc

Murano: i was under the impression that they are: slow, VERY thirsty, bad to drive... but I've never driven one tbh!

Mazda; good shout... will look more at those!

regarding the other more 'premium' stuff, I was more after a Q car as it's for work. I visit clients a lot and it wouldnt do to have a Cayenne!!

[Herbs]

I haven't personally driven a Murano but they look different and a 3.5L engine always grabs the attention. I was tempted with one for Mrs Herbs but she wants auto only....

The Volvo/Tourag/Lexus options could be good as a Q car as would an Audi Allroad. Lots of choices!

[Ved]

StangGT said:

Ved said:

- Subaru Outback.

+++ Superb but very thirsty (low 20s) although it'll last forever and entertain you when you're not lugging the kids. Personally I'd go with a Legacy which is pretty much the same aside from the lower panels and ride height.

I wanted the outback mainly for the ground clearance tbh. Is the 3.6 better than the 3.0?

Ved said:

- VW tiguan 2.0T petrol.

+++ I really like these. I borrowed one last year for a trip to cornwall and it was brilliant. The boot is pretty good but not on any of the 4motion ones as the rear is taken up by the four wheel drive system.

Which Forester did you look at as they're no longer based on the Impreza so are a little bigger.

I looked at the old Forester. The new ones top out at 150bhp (in my budget territory!) and are a bit s l o w.

I've got a 2003 Forester (see my garage) and it's brilliant but I wouldn't want three kids in it as it's just a saloon car and only has two ISO points.
A mate in California just picked up a 3.6 Outback and really loves it but I don't think you'll see much difference between the 3.0 and 3.6. It's a bit like kicking a radiator without your shoes on or dropping a hammer on it. Either way it'll hurt you

If you want a left field approach a B9 Tribeca is another option although it does look like the fat cousin of an Impreza:

I've been down the gym:



I've been down the bakery:

Edited by Ved on Friday 18th October 15:15

[anonymous-user]

I used to get anywhere between 21 and 29 mpg out of a 3 litre Spec B manual saloon but I live in the sticks, no urban crawling. I'd expect you get a little less with an auto.

[woody2846]

Tribeca is a good shout, Nice engine. Will come in at alot than budget.
If you would like to talk to a friendy Subaru garage then I may know of someone