Pickup or Landy for my needs?
Discussion
Probs gonna be a longish post so I'll do a TL;DR at the end...
Currently have a '16 Peugeot Sport 208 GTI as my daily driver. Only 24k miles on the clock and drives a dream but I'm seriously thinking of switching it for something more spacious and rugged.
I don't ultimately need any more space, but moving from the countryside (Stratford upon Avon area) into Birmingham, I don't have the nice twisty roads to enjoy anymore and spend most of my time in congested 30/40 mph limits. I'm also a HGV driver and my new employer won't tolerate more than 6 points, which means I'm always ultra paranoid of speeding fines. So rarely get to enjoy the pug.
Perhaps the biggest factor, however, is my car OCD. As a 6'2 guy who powerlifts and generally fluctuates between 16-17 stone I'm a bucket seat's worst nightmare! To prevent squashing the driver's side bolster (like I did after two years of driving my '16 Polo GTI) I have to grip the steering wheel when getting in and then plop hard into the seat (it's starting to creak a bit now), and when I get out I have to put my hand down on the door frame/scuffplate and awkwardly push myself up to step over bolster. Bit of a pain and probs wouldn't be an issue with a truck or 4x4.
I'm also sick of dodging potholes on site which have twice damaged my £600-a-corner Peugeot Sport rims - made worse by finishing work late and leaving in the dark, with parked wagons often making it impossible to drive around the potholes.
I also regularly give lifts to other drivers in work trousers and workboots and have numerous times had them scrape the door panels when getting out, which (unlike with soft rubber soled trainers) leaves scratches which can easily be felt with a fingernail so won't rub out the textured plastic. I believe that the low seats, bolsters, and long doors (3 door hatch) are part of the reason people often kick the door when getting out, which mightn't be such an issue with a higher vehicle which they step down from rather than step up out of. And don't even get me started on alcantara seats and dusty work trousers. I'm always having to cover the seats and I figure maybe wipeable leather seats would be better.
A three door is also not ideal when taking passengers and I've had to have the front seats reupholstered under warranty as the seat belt holders dig into the bolsters when folding seats forward (a known issue). Now I'm out of warranty I don't want this happening again as it's £££ to fix and involved a three month wait for the leather to be stitched to order.
My car's worth about £10.5k - £11k, and there are loads of 6-10 year old pickups/Landy's about with <80k on the clock for £10-£12k. Wondering if this would get me a vehicle I could rely on as a daily driver and which one would be best for somebody who wants something rugged but also well equipped?
I don't really need to carry much work equipment, and Landys seem better tech equipped and with many to choose from, but tbh I'm worried about reliability and pricy repairs. That's why I'm also considering things like a high spec L200.
Would really appreciate any insight as I'm a bit lost amongst all the options atm. Pickup might be a bit overkill as won't use the bed, but I'm looking at the plush Landy interiors and wondering if I'd still get f
ked off with people ruining them (although a 4x4 is undoubtedly going to be much better for regularly accommodating passengers as opposed to cramming into a sports supermini and perhaps would fare more robustly).
Currently have a '16 Peugeot Sport 208 GTI as my daily driver. Only 24k miles on the clock and drives a dream but I'm seriously thinking of switching it for something more spacious and rugged.
I don't ultimately need any more space, but moving from the countryside (Stratford upon Avon area) into Birmingham, I don't have the nice twisty roads to enjoy anymore and spend most of my time in congested 30/40 mph limits. I'm also a HGV driver and my new employer won't tolerate more than 6 points, which means I'm always ultra paranoid of speeding fines. So rarely get to enjoy the pug.
Perhaps the biggest factor, however, is my car OCD. As a 6'2 guy who powerlifts and generally fluctuates between 16-17 stone I'm a bucket seat's worst nightmare! To prevent squashing the driver's side bolster (like I did after two years of driving my '16 Polo GTI) I have to grip the steering wheel when getting in and then plop hard into the seat (it's starting to creak a bit now), and when I get out I have to put my hand down on the door frame/scuffplate and awkwardly push myself up to step over bolster. Bit of a pain and probs wouldn't be an issue with a truck or 4x4.
I'm also sick of dodging potholes on site which have twice damaged my £600-a-corner Peugeot Sport rims - made worse by finishing work late and leaving in the dark, with parked wagons often making it impossible to drive around the potholes.
I also regularly give lifts to other drivers in work trousers and workboots and have numerous times had them scrape the door panels when getting out, which (unlike with soft rubber soled trainers) leaves scratches which can easily be felt with a fingernail so won't rub out the textured plastic. I believe that the low seats, bolsters, and long doors (3 door hatch) are part of the reason people often kick the door when getting out, which mightn't be such an issue with a higher vehicle which they step down from rather than step up out of. And don't even get me started on alcantara seats and dusty work trousers. I'm always having to cover the seats and I figure maybe wipeable leather seats would be better.
A three door is also not ideal when taking passengers and I've had to have the front seats reupholstered under warranty as the seat belt holders dig into the bolsters when folding seats forward (a known issue). Now I'm out of warranty I don't want this happening again as it's £££ to fix and involved a three month wait for the leather to be stitched to order.
My car's worth about £10.5k - £11k, and there are loads of 6-10 year old pickups/Landy's about with <80k on the clock for £10-£12k. Wondering if this would get me a vehicle I could rely on as a daily driver and which one would be best for somebody who wants something rugged but also well equipped?
I don't really need to carry much work equipment, and Landys seem better tech equipped and with many to choose from, but tbh I'm worried about reliability and pricy repairs. That's why I'm also considering things like a high spec L200.
Would really appreciate any insight as I'm a bit lost amongst all the options atm. Pickup might be a bit overkill as won't use the bed, but I'm looking at the plush Landy interiors and wondering if I'd still get f
ked off with people ruining them (although a 4x4 is undoubtedly going to be much better for regularly accommodating passengers as opposed to cramming into a sports supermini and perhaps would fare more robustly). Edited by AllDayBreakfast on Friday 20th March 05:33
You will find that at up to 10 years old, the pickups are slow and reasonably basic inside. You will get hands free etc but not much else.
Couldn’t tell you about a landy though.
If you have to have a pickup style vehicle, have you considered a crew cab van? I bet they’re faster and a nicer drive as well.
10k should get you a decent van and they have better carry capacity than a pick up with the added benefit of keeping things safe and dry
Couldn’t tell you about a landy though.
If you have to have a pickup style vehicle, have you considered a crew cab van? I bet they’re faster and a nicer drive as well.
10k should get you a decent van and they have better carry capacity than a pick up with the added benefit of keeping things safe and dry
I've seen some nice vans, but tbh I don't need to carry much. I just want something a bit more rugged than a supermini hot hatch which I can pile a few people into without wincing. Aesthetics still matter as it'll be my daily driver, which is why I'm thinking a 4x4 or nicely specced truck.
AllDayBreakfast said:
Probs gonna be a longish post so I'll do a TL;DR at the end...
Currently have a '16 Peugeot Sport 208 GTI as my daily driver. Only 24k miles on the clock and drives a dream but I'm seriously thinking of switching it for something more spacious and rugged.
I don't ultimately need any more space, but moving from the countryside (Stratford upon Avon area) into Birmingham, I don't have the nice twisty roads to enjoy anymore and spend most of my time in congested 30/40 mph limits. I'm also a HGV driver and my new employer won't tolerate more than 6 points, which means I'm always ultra paranoid of speeding fines. So rarely get to enjoy the pug.
Perhaps the biggest factor, however, is my car OCD. As a 6'2 guy who powerlifts and generally fluctuates between 16-17 stone I'm a bucket seat's worst nightmare! To prevent squashing the driver's side bolster (like I did after two years of driving my '16 Polo GTI) I have to grip the steering wheel when getting in and then plop hard into the seat (it's starting to creak a bit now), and when I get out I have to put my hand down on the door frame/scuffplate and awkwardly push myself up to step over bolster. Bit of a pain and probs wouldn't be an issue with a truck or 4x4.
I'm also sick of dodging potholes on site which have twice damaged my £600-a-corner Peugeot Sport rims - made worse by finishing work late and leaving in the dark, with parked wagons often making it impossible to drive around the potholes.
I also regularly give lifts to other drivers in work trousers and workboots and have numerous times had them scrape the door panels when getting out, which (unlike with soft rubber soled trainers) leaves scratches which can easily be felt with a fingernail so won't rub out the textured plastic. I believe that the low seats, bolsters, and long doors (3 door hatch) are part of the reason people often kick the door when getting out, which mightn't be such an issue with a higher vehicle which they step down from rather than step up out of. And don't even get me started on alcantara seats and dusty work trousers. I'm always having to cover the seats and I figure maybe wipeable leather seats would be better.
A three door is also not ideal when taking passengers and I've had to have the front seats reupholstered under warranty as the seat belt holders dig into the bolsters when folding seats forward (a known issue). Now I'm out of warranty I don't want this happening again as it's £££ to fix and involved a three month wait for the leather to be stitched to order.
My car's worth about £10.5k - £11k, and there are loads of 6-10 year old pickups/Landy's about with <80k on the clock for £10-£12k. Wondering if this would get me a vehicle I could rely on as a daily driver and which one would be best for somebody who wants something rugged but also well equipped?
I don't really need to carry much work equipment, and Landys seem better tech equipped and with many to choose from, but tbh I'm worried about reliability and pricy repairs. That's why I'm also considering things like a high spec L200.
Would really appreciate any insight as I'm a bit lost amongst all the options atm. Pickup might be a bit overkill as won't use the bed, but I'm looking at the plush Landy interiors and wondering if I'd still get fked off with people ruining them (although a 4x4 is undoubtedly going to be much better for regularly accommodating passengers as opposed to cramming into a sports supermini and perhaps would fare more robustly).
When you say Land Rover, I assume you are meaning more like an L322 Range Rover, Disco 3 or Range Rover Sport. Rather than a Defender?Currently have a '16 Peugeot Sport 208 GTI as my daily driver. Only 24k miles on the clock and drives a dream but I'm seriously thinking of switching it for something more spacious and rugged.
I don't ultimately need any more space, but moving from the countryside (Stratford upon Avon area) into Birmingham, I don't have the nice twisty roads to enjoy anymore and spend most of my time in congested 30/40 mph limits. I'm also a HGV driver and my new employer won't tolerate more than 6 points, which means I'm always ultra paranoid of speeding fines. So rarely get to enjoy the pug.
Perhaps the biggest factor, however, is my car OCD. As a 6'2 guy who powerlifts and generally fluctuates between 16-17 stone I'm a bucket seat's worst nightmare! To prevent squashing the driver's side bolster (like I did after two years of driving my '16 Polo GTI) I have to grip the steering wheel when getting in and then plop hard into the seat (it's starting to creak a bit now), and when I get out I have to put my hand down on the door frame/scuffplate and awkwardly push myself up to step over bolster. Bit of a pain and probs wouldn't be an issue with a truck or 4x4.
I'm also sick of dodging potholes on site which have twice damaged my £600-a-corner Peugeot Sport rims - made worse by finishing work late and leaving in the dark, with parked wagons often making it impossible to drive around the potholes.
I also regularly give lifts to other drivers in work trousers and workboots and have numerous times had them scrape the door panels when getting out, which (unlike with soft rubber soled trainers) leaves scratches which can easily be felt with a fingernail so won't rub out the textured plastic. I believe that the low seats, bolsters, and long doors (3 door hatch) are part of the reason people often kick the door when getting out, which mightn't be such an issue with a higher vehicle which they step down from rather than step up out of. And don't even get me started on alcantara seats and dusty work trousers. I'm always having to cover the seats and I figure maybe wipeable leather seats would be better.
A three door is also not ideal when taking passengers and I've had to have the front seats reupholstered under warranty as the seat belt holders dig into the bolsters when folding seats forward (a known issue). Now I'm out of warranty I don't want this happening again as it's £££ to fix and involved a three month wait for the leather to be stitched to order.
My car's worth about £10.5k - £11k, and there are loads of 6-10 year old pickups/Landy's about with <80k on the clock for £10-£12k. Wondering if this would get me a vehicle I could rely on as a daily driver and which one would be best for somebody who wants something rugged but also well equipped?
I don't really need to carry much work equipment, and Landys seem better tech equipped and with many to choose from, but tbh I'm worried about reliability and pricy repairs. That's why I'm also considering things like a high spec L200.
Would really appreciate any insight as I'm a bit lost amongst all the options atm. Pickup might be a bit overkill as won't use the bed, but I'm looking at the plush Landy interiors and wondering if I'd still get f
ked off with people ruining them (although a 4x4 is undoubtedly going to be much better for regularly accommodating passengers as opposed to cramming into a sports supermini and perhaps would fare more robustly). Edited by AllDayBreakfast on Friday 20th March 05:33
These are all good vehicles, but are complex and can result in high maintenance costs. However lots and lots of people run these every day in the UK. And by and large the vast majority are probably fairly trouble free.
If you are prepared to have a go at fixing things yourself, you could end up with a really nice vehicle. I know loads of people who run vehicles such as these and most of the time most of the people have no issues at all with them.
mpg is going to be a lot less than your current car however. And expect general running costs to be higher. Also they are all pretty refined and some fairly quick, so risk of points is not likely to be lessened.
As for pickups, I'd say you need to go and drive one. I rather like pickups. But remember the vast majority run leaf suspension at the rear. Land Rover stopped using this nearly 40 years ago. Most modern pickups will not ride as well as a Defender does. And even more so when not loaded.
Spec varies wildly on pickups too. You can get some modern tech, but some are pretty basic too. While an up market Land Rover product is going to be a step or several up from your Pug. Most pickups are quite plasticky inside and probably more akin to the Pugs interior quality or lower.
Rear seats in some are also a tad small and cramped, but will depend on the exact model you are looking at.
If pickups really appeal, you might want to have a browse at some US trucks too. Such as a Dodge Ram. You'll end up with an older truck, but as a rule the US trucks are much nicer inside and well specced. Plus more likely to hold its value. Most are petrol, but I have no idea how many miles you are doing. So this may not matter.
The US pickups are bigger than the UK spec ones, inside and out. But the UK trucks are long, which might be a pain when parking sometimes.
The last vehicle you may want to consider is a JK Wrangler Unlimited. This is the 5 door long wheel base model. 2.8 diesel, as frugal as the pickups or the diesel Land Rover's. Often quite well specced, and just as rugged as a pickup, but nicer inside and likely to ride and drive better too. They also hold their money very well.
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Landy too expensive to own get something easy comfortable and surprisingly cheap to run like this
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
LateStarter said:
Landy too expensive to own get something easy comfortable and surprisingly cheap to run like this
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
The op says he wants something "rugged" and you suggest pretty much the most "anti-rugged" vehicle money can buy https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
I have a 2016 Isuzu dmax crew cab with a canopy to keep things dry in the back. It a great vehicle. Plenty of space in the front, a roof rack that can hold a full sheet of plywood/kayak etc
However. It’s slow. It’s a bit agricultural and it’s basic inside (I went for base spec with rubber mats and minimal electronic so there’s less to go wrong I. The bush).
The ford rangers are really nice inside. Feel like a diesel car. Quite quick and well equipped. But you pay for that.
All dual cab Utes will have next to no space for rear passengers. So back seat passengers will be squished and not terribly comfortable over long journeys. Doesn’t matter to me, I’m always up front.
I love my ute and I don’t particularly care if it’s filthy inside or out (being the farm ute it gets abused a fair bit).
And it’s great not worrying about speed humps or potholes. The driving position is nice and high and they are big vehicles. You won’t have trouble finding it in the car park - the moose will stick out a fair bit from a standard parking spot.
Enjoy them. They’re great
However. It’s slow. It’s a bit agricultural and it’s basic inside (I went for base spec with rubber mats and minimal electronic so there’s less to go wrong I. The bush).
The ford rangers are really nice inside. Feel like a diesel car. Quite quick and well equipped. But you pay for that.
All dual cab Utes will have next to no space for rear passengers. So back seat passengers will be squished and not terribly comfortable over long journeys. Doesn’t matter to me, I’m always up front.
I love my ute and I don’t particularly care if it’s filthy inside or out (being the farm ute it gets abused a fair bit).
And it’s great not worrying about speed humps or potholes. The driving position is nice and high and they are big vehicles. You won’t have trouble finding it in the car park - the moose will stick out a fair bit from a standard parking spot.
Enjoy them. They’re great
Cheers for the replies guys. Lots to think about.
As I've not historically done a lot of miles, I've always been pretty content with hot hatches despite being a big guy. However, since driving the wagons again I feel I'm probably more comfortable in my Merc wagon than in my actual car most of the time. Bucket seats are great for a spirited drive but make my lower back ache after a while as can't seem to get as settled.
The tipping point I think was the other weekend when I had two mates (both fairly big guys) up from my hometown. All crammed into my three door pug with close to 50 stone weight between us. Car felt really heavy and much less refined. I started thinking I could do with something bigger for that and also for navigating bumpy sites, and it laid the seed.
As I've not historically done a lot of miles, I've always been pretty content with hot hatches despite being a big guy. However, since driving the wagons again I feel I'm probably more comfortable in my Merc wagon than in my actual car most of the time. Bucket seats are great for a spirited drive but make my lower back ache after a while as can't seem to get as settled.
The tipping point I think was the other weekend when I had two mates (both fairly big guys) up from my hometown. All crammed into my three door pug with close to 50 stone weight between us. Car felt really heavy and much less refined. I started thinking I could do with something bigger for that and also for navigating bumpy sites, and it laid the seed.
The ride on pick ups isn't the smoothest due to their suspension set ups, personally I'd just go for a normal SUV & with a max of 12k you can get a nice car that'll be reliable comfortable & swift.
As for people getting in whilst covered in dirt get some good floor mats & the seats will wipe down with ease.
Grand Cherokee Overland
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Limited
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Infiniti EX GT Premium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
FX
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
VS
Ranger Limited
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
D Max Yukon
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Navara Tekna
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
I have to be honest unless you need a pick up I'd go for an SUV
As for people getting in whilst covered in dirt get some good floor mats & the seats will wipe down with ease.
Grand Cherokee Overland
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Limited
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Infiniti EX GT Premium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
FX
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
VS
Ranger Limited
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
D Max Yukon
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Navara Tekna
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
I have to be honest unless you need a pick up I'd go for an SUV
Thanks for going to the trouble of posting all those links, ZX10R. Really appreciated!
I think part of the reason I get frustrated atm is that I previously used to have two cars when I lived in Stratford and took more regular passengers. I had an old MK4 Golf GTI which I owned outright and also a leased '16 Polo GTI which lived in the garage and only came out on the weekend and nice days - whoever got that after me got an absolute minter!
The Golf, despite being old, was a decent run around as I kept it well maintained - regular machine polish etc and had aftermarket rims and stereo etc. I'd take the four door Golf when I had several passengers and the three door was kept for non-fatties and my girlfriend to ride in.
I then sold the Golf at the same time my Polo lease ended and bought a Fiesta ST which was promptly stolen, causing me to buy the Peugeot Sport (great little hatch!). It's just hard trying to keep it immaculate whilst going on site and taking regular passengers crammed into its small space.
An SUV may well be the option, followed at some point by a weekend/project car to go in the garage. Several of my fellow drivers are working on hobby cars which I'm a bit jealous of. One is doing up an old Type R, and another has two old Corrados (Storm and VR6) to restore and has just acquired a super retro Scirocco.
I think part of the reason I get frustrated atm is that I previously used to have two cars when I lived in Stratford and took more regular passengers. I had an old MK4 Golf GTI which I owned outright and also a leased '16 Polo GTI which lived in the garage and only came out on the weekend and nice days - whoever got that after me got an absolute minter!
The Golf, despite being old, was a decent run around as I kept it well maintained - regular machine polish etc and had aftermarket rims and stereo etc. I'd take the four door Golf when I had several passengers and the three door was kept for non-fatties and my girlfriend to ride in.
I then sold the Golf at the same time my Polo lease ended and bought a Fiesta ST which was promptly stolen, causing me to buy the Peugeot Sport (great little hatch!). It's just hard trying to keep it immaculate whilst going on site and taking regular passengers crammed into its small space.
An SUV may well be the option, followed at some point by a weekend/project car to go in the garage. Several of my fellow drivers are working on hobby cars which I'm a bit jealous of. One is doing up an old Type R, and another has two old Corrados (Storm and VR6) to restore and has just acquired a super retro Scirocco.
Edited by AllDayBreakfast on Saturday 21st March 17:19
I'd say get the SUV then as you say get a toy.
Something like one of these:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Something like one of these:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
My Pug has an interior similar to the above, so not as plush as say a Range but nicer than a lot of pickups - it's the Peugeot Sport model so about another £5k above normal GTI.
It's hard to see in the pic, but the panel running above dashboard across to vents is leather with red stitching (looks plastic in photo without zooming in).
Edited by AllDayBreakfast on Saturday 21st March 23:41
I would 100% recommend going for a pickup, specifically the ford ranger due to its larger size and no-nonsense yet comfortable and well equipped interior. It’s a real pleasure to drive, I do 8hr round trips in it no problems, and it’s equally at home heading down to the beach or wherever with loads of kit in the back with 5 riding in the double-cab.
I have had quite a few cars, including hot hatches and sports cars, in the past and yet the Ranger is one of my favourite vehicle ownership experiences so far.
I have had quite a few cars, including hot hatches and sports cars, in the past and yet the Ranger is one of my favourite vehicle ownership experiences so far.
That's good to hear, Sealtt.
My mate who's into greenlaning is currently in Disco salesman overdrive, but whilst I like the look of modded up 4x4s, I don't really need something with a snorkel etc. And a lot of standard SUVs just make me think 'housewife taking the kids to footy practice'.
There's defo something aesthetically pleasing to me about the utilitarian look of a nice well maintained truck.
My mate who's into greenlaning is currently in Disco salesman overdrive, but whilst I like the look of modded up 4x4s, I don't really need something with a snorkel etc. And a lot of standard SUVs just make me think 'housewife taking the kids to footy practice'.
There's defo something aesthetically pleasing to me about the utilitarian look of a nice well maintained truck.
And on the odd occasion I need to chuck a greasy 4-5ft torque wrench in the back, I reckon a pickup would be the best bet. It's only every now and then (mainly when collecting a wagon from another depot) but annoying enough to have to take one of the vans and then come back later for my car (which I'm defo not putting the wrench in!).
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