Finally convinced wife out of a Freelander... now what?
Discussion
I just find that with Freelanders you dont get a lot for what you pay for them, nasty interiors, boxy looks and ridiculous performance and economy. Looking for a car mostly for my wife but to double up as a family transport occasionally, while I have a daily runner and space for an RWD, 2 seat V8 weekender in the garage.
Must be:
1.No more than 2250cc (import duties)
2.proper back seats and 4 door (2 x teenage kids)
3.More sensible in running costs than said Freelander
4.between 15-20K
5.Dont want it too big (see 3.)
6.Must be reliable as I will never hear the end of it.
7.Have some style
I was considering something likr a 2009 Merc C-Class 220 CDI Sport, don't like 3 series, too cramped, and both of these cars are everywhere out here in Cyprus. Audi A4, look a bit boring. Thought something Alfa might be nice but do they stack up?
Her current car is a SAAB 9-5 Turbo 2.0 Vector which has been nice but with them possibly going the way of the MG and it being a big, wallowy and thirsty there must be something else I havent considered.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Must be:
1.No more than 2250cc (import duties)
2.proper back seats and 4 door (2 x teenage kids)
3.More sensible in running costs than said Freelander
4.between 15-20K
5.Dont want it too big (see 3.)
6.Must be reliable as I will never hear the end of it.
7.Have some style
I was considering something likr a 2009 Merc C-Class 220 CDI Sport, don't like 3 series, too cramped, and both of these cars are everywhere out here in Cyprus. Audi A4, look a bit boring. Thought something Alfa might be nice but do they stack up?
Her current car is a SAAB 9-5 Turbo 2.0 Vector which has been nice but with them possibly going the way of the MG and it being a big, wallowy and thirsty there must be something else I havent considered.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
The Freelander may be all those things and is probably one of the best small 4x4's but I think in going that way you are paying a 5K premium for something that can be better done closer to the ground, better handling, better interior, more style.
I like the new Sportage as I also have a Kia Pro'Ceed Sport 3 coupe and it is amazingly good, and very well spec'd as my company runabout, but then we are going back to 4x4 type things again. Sorento too big. Forester, hmm not very nice looking is it?
The Golf would be too small I think in the back and the MX5 I think has nowhere to put the kids.
Funny you should bring up the Countryman as I was looking at those a while back, although the interior feels a little quirky but as family transport I dont know. Maybe I will take one out for a spin.
I was also considering either an Alfa 159 or a Guilietta for something different but have to check out the rear leg room and look into the reliability issues.
I like the new Sportage as I also have a Kia Pro'Ceed Sport 3 coupe and it is amazingly good, and very well spec'd as my company runabout, but then we are going back to 4x4 type things again. Sorento too big. Forester, hmm not very nice looking is it?
The Golf would be too small I think in the back and the MX5 I think has nowhere to put the kids.
Funny you should bring up the Countryman as I was looking at those a while back, although the interior feels a little quirky but as family transport I dont know. Maybe I will take one out for a spin.
I was also considering either an Alfa 159 or a Guilietta for something different but have to check out the rear leg room and look into the reliability issues.
Its just the Freelander in my opinion is overpriced and unless you get the top of the range HSE, the rest of them feel quite cheap inside with cloth seats and an archaic looking dash.
18-19K gets a early 2007 with 60k on the clock. You can get non 4x4's a year or so younger, less miles with great specs, modern interiors etc. IMO that is.
18-19K gets a early 2007 with 60k on the clock. You can get non 4x4's a year or so younger, less miles with great specs, modern interiors etc. IMO that is.
Thanks for that suggestion, but I would rather investigate alternatives to the soft roaders if possible. Went to a couple of dealers this morning. Saab 9-3, Giulietta, Mini Country man, all very tight in the back.
I must say I like the idea of a159 as they seem to offer a beautifully designed alternative to the German usual suspects, but they didn't have one at the dealers and so I am not sure how much rear space there is in them.
Most of the time the car will be used for my wifes kid orientated errands, so the thought of a big car like a 5 series feels like overkill. A smaller sized premium car with good space for two adults would be ideal. And for it not to be bland too I hope. An older car that ticks the boxes would also be considered.
I must say I like the idea of a159 as they seem to offer a beautifully designed alternative to the German usual suspects, but they didn't have one at the dealers and so I am not sure how much rear space there is in them.
Most of the time the car will be used for my wifes kid orientated errands, so the thought of a big car like a 5 series feels like overkill. A smaller sized premium car with good space for two adults would be ideal. And for it not to be bland too I hope. An older car that ticks the boxes would also be considered.
I think I might have found something:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3193856.htm
might pop down to VAG showroom and have a look at one
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3193856.htm
might pop down to VAG showroom and have a look at one
dowahdiddyman said:
Jazzdude, can you please give me some feedback on your pro-ceed as am seriously considering one in the next few months.
Amazingly good cars for the price and a quite nicely designed and put together.I have a top of the range 3 with a sport pack, leather, 17" alloys, absolutely loaded with every gadget that you could want.
It is the 1.6 diesel, auto, and has fantastic torque and roadholding and is in fact great fun to throw around, but seems never to be fussed by potholes.
I considered other cars at the time and none came close in offering what this does for the price. Granted it will depreciate more than a Golf but that makes them an even better second hand buy.
dowahdiddyman said:
Cheers for that pal. I always think it is best to get an owners view rather than listen or read all the official bull.
I am going to be going for the 1.6 diesel myself, probably sooner rather than later seeing as at the moment they have the `vat back` offer on, will go in the next week to see if they will do it on a pro ceed 4.
For a car with an unknown pedigree, it never fails to amaze me what a great little package it is.I am going to be going for the 1.6 diesel myself, probably sooner rather than later seeing as at the moment they have the `vat back` offer on, will go in the next week to see if they will do it on a pro ceed 4.
Definitely go for the diesel and the auto its a good option too.
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