Which 4x4.....?
Discussion
Hi All,
I keep going round in circles deciding on which 4x4 to buy so thought I’d call on the world of PH for help!!
Looking at a budget of £20-25k but cheaper is better! It needs to have decent ground clearance but is also going to be used as a daily, commute being a 75 mile round trip of mainly A roads, so will be doing approx 25k miles a year. Comfort is a big priority, I’ve narrowed down my search to a handful of cars (alll diesels models) of which I’d be looking to get with the Air Suspension option to hopefully help with comfort levels;
Volkswagen Touareg (2012 onwards)
Porsche Cayenne (2011 onwards)
Jeep Grand Cherokee (2013 onwards)
Range Rover Sport (2012/2013 model)
I know the Cayenne is the most sporty drive of the lot but hoping air suspension might help?
The RRS I guess will be the most refined so would be lovely but am I mad doing 25k miles a year in one of this age, I keep reading about reliability issues?
If anyone has any experience of any of these cars I’d appreciate any thoughts and also if any other alternatives I’m overlooking.
Many thanks
I keep going round in circles deciding on which 4x4 to buy so thought I’d call on the world of PH for help!!
Looking at a budget of £20-25k but cheaper is better! It needs to have decent ground clearance but is also going to be used as a daily, commute being a 75 mile round trip of mainly A roads, so will be doing approx 25k miles a year. Comfort is a big priority, I’ve narrowed down my search to a handful of cars (alll diesels models) of which I’d be looking to get with the Air Suspension option to hopefully help with comfort levels;
Volkswagen Touareg (2012 onwards)
Porsche Cayenne (2011 onwards)
Jeep Grand Cherokee (2013 onwards)
Range Rover Sport (2012/2013 model)
I know the Cayenne is the most sporty drive of the lot but hoping air suspension might help?
The RRS I guess will be the most refined so would be lovely but am I mad doing 25k miles a year in one of this age, I keep reading about reliability issues?
If anyone has any experience of any of these cars I’d appreciate any thoughts and also if any other alternatives I’m overlooking.
Many thanks
The Touareg and Cayenne will depreciate like a stone but both are very good, competent cars. The RR should hold its value better but I would be wary of the reliability at that age. It's a hefty chunk of change to spend but at that age any of these cars could throw a big bill, especially with a feature like air suspension.
Is size important? Are you looking to tow? Do any off roading? Depending on your needs it may be worth considering buying a less luxurious but newer model. Would you consider a raised estate car like an audi a6 allroad or must it be a 'proper' SUV?
Based on the limited requirements given being 4x4, raised and comfortable I would personally be looking at a volvo xc60, xc70, xc90 or even a v90 cross country if you can find one in budget. Reliable for the mileage you'll be doing and the best seats in the business. Just try and find a model with a decent tyre profile.
Is size important? Are you looking to tow? Do any off roading? Depending on your needs it may be worth considering buying a less luxurious but newer model. Would you consider a raised estate car like an audi a6 allroad or must it be a 'proper' SUV?
Based on the limited requirements given being 4x4, raised and comfortable I would personally be looking at a volvo xc60, xc70, xc90 or even a v90 cross country if you can find one in budget. Reliable for the mileage you'll be doing and the best seats in the business. Just try and find a model with a decent tyre profile.
My recommendation is the Jeep Grand Cherokee preferably in Overland spec but you won't feel short changed with a Summit or Limited spec cars:
Overland
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Summit
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Limited
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
They're very reliable & robust, the running costs are sensible, the RRS/Cayenne are a bit nicer inside but not by a huge margin but you get a lower mileage/newer GC which on some you'll be able to extend the Manufacturer's Warranty.
The Touareg in R Line would be my second choice, they have a few issues (what car doesn't these days) but nothing that would stop me buying one.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Depending on how much space you need the Infiniti QX70 is worth a look:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Overland
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Summit
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Limited
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
They're very reliable & robust, the running costs are sensible, the RRS/Cayenne are a bit nicer inside but not by a huge margin but you get a lower mileage/newer GC which on some you'll be able to extend the Manufacturer's Warranty.
The Touareg in R Line would be my second choice, they have a few issues (what car doesn't these days) but nothing that would stop me buying one.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Depending on how much space you need the Infiniti QX70 is worth a look:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The RRS when healthy is the pick of the bunch IMO. I’ve had a couple. Test drove a Cayenne and a Touareg. Great cars but not as nice inside. Reliability wise - I had 2 Range Rover sports. First was a 2.7 HSE. Apart from ARB bushes at least once a year it was OK. Had a couple of EGRs go. Kept it for 18,000 miles. Then I got a 5.0 SC autobiography 2010, and although it was incredible inside and out, it was the most unreliable car I’ve ever owned. In a year I did 5000 miles in it, and it cost me more than that in £ to keep it on the road. Over those 12 months it spent 2 in the garage. It had FSH when I bought it, never failed an MOT, good deal on paper.
Of course, for every experience like mine there are 9 good ones, but if you get a bad one they can be an absolute money pit. Get a damned good warranty if you buy one. No personal experience with the Cayennes but I’ve seen similar stories with that marque.
Of course, for every experience like mine there are 9 good ones, but if you get a bad one they can be an absolute money pit. Get a damned good warranty if you buy one. No personal experience with the Cayennes but I’ve seen similar stories with that marque.
Edited by couragebest88 on Saturday 29th December 21:58
Edited by couragebest88 on Saturday 29th December 21:59
I got a last of the line Freelander 2 HSE last year, 18k approved used. So it has a 2 year warranty as a piece of mind.
I utterly, utterly love it. Yes it will depreciate like mad, but I plan (ha!) on keeping it long term. Primarily bought to tow my race car, and it’s bloody good at that, but I’ve also had it off-road and in snow, and it’s great at that. Feels like driving an armchair, and it’s not as ‘bling’ as many of the alternatives.
I utterly, utterly love it. Yes it will depreciate like mad, but I plan (ha!) on keeping it long term. Primarily bought to tow my race car, and it’s bloody good at that, but I’ve also had it off-road and in snow, and it’s great at that. Feels like driving an armchair, and it’s not as ‘bling’ as many of the alternatives.
Srg123 said:
Hi All,
I keep going round in circles deciding on which 4x4 to buy so thought I’d call on the world of PH for help!!
Looking at a budget of £20-25k but cheaper is better! It needs to have decent ground clearance but is also going to be used as a daily, commute being a 75 mile round trip of mainly A roads, so will be doing approx 25k miles a year. Comfort is a big priority, I’ve narrowed down my search to a handful of cars (alll diesels models) of which I’d be looking to get with the Air Suspension option to hopefully help with comfort levels;
Volkswagen Touareg (2012 onwards)
Porsche Cayenne (2011 onwards)
Jeep Grand Cherokee (2013 onwards)
Range Rover Sport (2012/2013 model)
I know the Cayenne is the most sporty drive of the lot but hoping air suspension might help?
The RRS I guess will be the most refined so would be lovely but am I mad doing 25k miles a year in one of this age, I keep reading about reliability issues?
If anyone has any experience of any of these cars I’d appreciate any thoughts and also if any other alternatives I’m overlooking.
Many thanks
What are you currently driving? at 25k that's about £6000/year in fuel. Are concerned about reliability, or the cost of repair should something fail?I keep going round in circles deciding on which 4x4 to buy so thought I’d call on the world of PH for help!!
Looking at a budget of £20-25k but cheaper is better! It needs to have decent ground clearance but is also going to be used as a daily, commute being a 75 mile round trip of mainly A roads, so will be doing approx 25k miles a year. Comfort is a big priority, I’ve narrowed down my search to a handful of cars (alll diesels models) of which I’d be looking to get with the Air Suspension option to hopefully help with comfort levels;
Volkswagen Touareg (2012 onwards)
Porsche Cayenne (2011 onwards)
Jeep Grand Cherokee (2013 onwards)
Range Rover Sport (2012/2013 model)
I know the Cayenne is the most sporty drive of the lot but hoping air suspension might help?
The RRS I guess will be the most refined so would be lovely but am I mad doing 25k miles a year in one of this age, I keep reading about reliability issues?
If anyone has any experience of any of these cars I’d appreciate any thoughts and also if any other alternatives I’m overlooking.
Many thanks
If you are not that bothered about image and need genuine 4x4 capability then don't discount the likes of the Shogun/Land Cruiser/Forester. You could get something newer, and arguably more reliable for that budget. If you are insistent on a 'prestige' badge then personally I would look for a good D4 rather than any of your options.
I currently drive a 2015 Touareg 3.0d R-Line. Fast enough, no problems in 15 months of ownership. Getting an indicated 35mpg (real 33mpg) so far. It's a nice place to be, but a bit big for some of the narrow lanes round here.
We've just come back from holiday - Lanzarote. Needed a 7 seater, so ended up with a Land Cruiser for a couple of days as it was the only suitable car available. Comfy car, but very difficult to work out what it was doing. Very "floaty" suspension and vague steering. I was glad to hand it back and swap it for a Fiat Doblo - much less refined, but easier to drive.
We've just come back from holiday - Lanzarote. Needed a 7 seater, so ended up with a Land Cruiser for a couple of days as it was the only suitable car available. Comfy car, but very difficult to work out what it was doing. Very "floaty" suspension and vague steering. I was glad to hand it back and swap it for a Fiat Doblo - much less refined, but easier to drive.
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions.
I won’t be doing any serious off roading but I do need decent ground clearance for a few excursions I’ll be doing. Cars like Sportage, Kuga etc don’t have enough ground clearance so need to look at the bigger cars. SWMBO won’t have anything like an estate car so they are ruled out.
I do have neck/back issues so I am very sensitive to seat comfort....backrest and headrest shape and adjustment is important, I have sat in each of the cars I have listed and I think seats are fine for me in all of them. Really looking for something refined and comfortable.
Whatever I get I will make sure it has a decent warranty, I’m aware that any of these could present big bills should something go wrong. Currently driving a new BMW 520d M Sport, obviously I realise all these cars will use more fuel than the BMW but hopefully an average of early 30’s mpg is possible (maybe not in the RRS though).
I won’t be doing any serious off roading but I do need decent ground clearance for a few excursions I’ll be doing. Cars like Sportage, Kuga etc don’t have enough ground clearance so need to look at the bigger cars. SWMBO won’t have anything like an estate car so they are ruled out.
I do have neck/back issues so I am very sensitive to seat comfort....backrest and headrest shape and adjustment is important, I have sat in each of the cars I have listed and I think seats are fine for me in all of them. Really looking for something refined and comfortable.
Whatever I get I will make sure it has a decent warranty, I’m aware that any of these could present big bills should something go wrong. Currently driving a new BMW 520d M Sport, obviously I realise all these cars will use more fuel than the BMW but hopefully an average of early 30’s mpg is possible (maybe not in the RRS though).
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