Largest 4x4/SUV £5k

[SultanOfSwing]

Hi all,

I work with dogs and sometimes have up to 6 with me at one time. I therefore need a large vehicle.

A van is not something I would consider as my budget won't allow for something I think gives out the right impression to my customers. Plus, I don't want one.

I currently have a 2004 Kia Sorento which has been brilliant. Real workhorse. However it is now approaching 170k miles and I can 'feel' that it's getting tired. The auto gearbox is becoming a bit slow too and I'm not replacing that.

I also could do with a bit more space.

So, I'm trying to find suitable replacements so when the time comes I have a list.

So far, I have the following on my short list, but wanted to throw it out here to see if anyone could think of anything else. The bigger, and squarer, the better. I also like to do some greenlaning hence the 4x4.

Nissan Patrol - around 2005
Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon - around 2003
Nissan Pathfinder - around 2005 (read some concerns about chassis on these)

The biggest of these is the Patrol. But there are very few available at my budget.

Can anyone think of any more?

[Fleckers]

The pathfinder is much smaller that the patrol or Landcruiser

Had a 2000 patrol years ago it was huge

But the patrols are also big and used by the UN so will be well built

[loskie]

have you tried flushing and refilling the gearbox or do you just want a new car.

It really does sound like you need a van

[gman88667733]

Is the Sorento big enough? We have one and find it to be huge. Ours is on 131k miles and the auto box has never had any servicing as far as I'm aware and seems to change gears fine. Is yours not changing at the right time? They are a bit slow to kick down if you want to speed up much.
I recently saw a pathfinder and thought it was massive!

Out of curiosity, what issues have you had with your Sorento? Little bits are going on ours and I wonder how long we have left with it.

[FlatToTheMat]

7 Seat Shogun? Pretty large by UK standards but not as wide as a Patrol etc and drive better on the road
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mitsubishi-Shogun-3-2-D...f:0

Maybe even look out for a 4work version, they are panelled and carpeted in the back. Perfect for the wolf pack

I've had a few Pajeros (I live abroad so but the same thing) decent workhorses. Independent suspension and a long rear over hang limits ultimate off road prowess but they are good on road and can be driven in permanent 4x4 unless most other dedicated off roaders in this price range. They are also mono-chassis so lots more room inside that your shortlist

Pathfinders really arent that big, they look chunky though and are fairly comfy. Seat height isnt great though. Shogun is much higher

Patrols are great off road but I wouldn't want one on road, cumbersome things to drive and quite agricultural. Very different to your Sorento.

Alternatively, what about a pick up with Hardtop? Separate you from the smell and the ability to hose/disinfect the back down easily.

Ranger
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by FlatToTheMat on Sunday 20th January 04:52

[ZX10R NIN]

You could go down the Pickup route as they have a big bed perfect for dogs:

3.0d Isuzu Rodeo or Ford Ranger

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or go for a Grand Cherokee:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Slagathore]

https://www.lintran.co.uk/products/tailgate-dog-gu...

I'd be more impressed if someone turned up in an old van with that kind of setup, instead of a 4x4/pickup.

[loskie]

plus it may not be good for the dogs jumping up into and down from a pickup if they are old

[Terzo123]

I see someone has mentioned a Grande Cherokee. I had one and loved it, but access to the rear is quite high and depending on the dog may not be suitable.

I've also had an old LBW Shogun. Great big tractor, but rust was creeping in and the nail in the coffin was the head cracking, which I believe is a common issue for those of that vintage.