4x4 recommendations (for the wife)

[topcat1]

Afternoon all, I'm satisfied that the wifes A3 has finally earned it's keep and is time to be replaced.

We don't want anything brand new (well- it would be nice but we would rather have a car a few years old than suffer the initial depreciation) and she isn't a fan of the RS6 I suggested! Kids space aside it needs to have a tow bar for the horse and would ideally like something with half decent fuel economy although I am aware we won't find many 4x4's that set records for MPG. Years of 60mpg+ from the Audi will make a 4x4 seem painful I imagine.

The confession- she/we are guilty of being "slightly" brand snobs, and it isn't going to work suggesting some brands although I know they are decent.

We have been looking at: Evoque (a bit small), Discovery Sport (reliability??), Tiguan (gone off them a little recently) and into the mix came the F-Pace which is now dipping to under £20k. Will consider up to say 4 years old and reasonable mileage.

Does anyone have some constructive advice/alternative suggestions or are they all much of the same now- my only car buying experience of the last few years consists of vans, trucks, lorries and classics, I haven't had much interest in new kit lately!

I've always preferred to buy outright, but maybe times have changed and a lease of some kind is the way to go- but again I have no experience of it and we are not fussed about having brand new kit.

Thanks, TC

[GreatGranny]

Budget?

What towing capacity doe sit need?

Will it do mostly on road stuff and occasional pulling horse box out of field?

[djc206]

I’ve got an evoque as a courtesy car at the moment. Honestly you couldn’t gift me one, I’m not sure my hatred is entirely rational but the rational things I can think of are tiny on the inside, terrible rear visibility and a lazy auto gearbox. It’s diesel too, that might be another reason why I hate it. Looks ok from the outside but that’s about it. I had a disco sport for a few days a while back and it was ok but again I wouldn’t part with my own money for one and it’s fairly ugly. Of your list I would be inclined to go for the Tiguan.

[PistonBroker]

We ran a 15/65 Tiguan from new for 2 years and the only thing it required was a recall for something - no, not the emissions! - near the end of its time with us. It was a nice thing.

You're right to be concerned about Disco Sport reliability, though in fairness its 'only' been the well-known oil dilution/DPF issues that we've had on our 18/18 car. We got through 2 DPFs in the first year before realising we couldn't run this EU6 car like we did the EU5 Tig and took to leaving it at home for short trips accordingly. Electric tailgate has also had a mind of its own on occasion - when raining, oddly - but otherwise fine. *Touches wood*

F-Pace is of course the same car as the Evoque and Disco Sport but I gather from the briefing that did the rounds the other year that it's not afflicted with the same oil dilution/DPF issues. They didn't see fit to put the DPF so far away from the heat source in that application.

DS lease ends in March and we're going to buy outright with the cash we have this time. Tiguan's a favourite - or, even better, a petrol CRV/CX5 - but I'd not be put off by an F-Pace if we were looking to spend a bit more.

[A500leroy]

Kia Sorento for pulling horses would be the sensible money.

[300bhp/ton]

What weight are you towing, if it's the full 3500kg, then it will sort of dictate your options.

[XJSJohn]

if you don't want to go full horsey with a Range Rover or a Pajero, one of the Volvo's (XC40 / 60) look nice.

[XJSJohn]

300bhp/ton said:

What weight are you towing, if it's the full 3500kg, then it will sort of dictate your options.

curiosity got me googling, suggests an average horse trailer + 2 nags is 1700 - 2000KG

then you have to add the nag in teh front and all the accoutrements

[300bhp/ton]

XJSJohn said:

curiosity got me googling, suggests an average horse trailer + 2 nags is 1700 - 2000KG

then you have to add the nag in teh front and all the accoutrements

I had a look too at the Ifor Williams horse boxes. Lightest was 1700kg full laden, but plenty of 2700kg. I think depending on the breed/size of horse they are 380-1000kg. And a horse box about 900-1400kg depending on size.

Many of the smaller SUV's and road biased ones are 2000-2600kg towing capacity or less for the cross overs. I'd also suggest to the op to consider how often and where they tow too.

Wet grass and or muddy fields. Big fat, wide road tyres and a poor 4wd system will see you stuck in short order. Also something with low range and a centre diff can be very nice for backing a trailer/horsebox up.

[topcat1]

Thanks all, yes I forgot the budget and towing weights- I am targeting sub £20k and expect a couple of tonnes to be fine for capacity. I doubt it will see too many muddy fields but I have had my Disco 2 and Ranger stuck in the past so looking for something a bit more than a Chelsea tractor will be used to. If MPG wasn't so dire I think we would both be happy with a Disco 4 but they aren't exactly known for reliability either.

Wife noticed a new Volvo a few weeks ago and liked the look of them which surprised me but they do look nice.

[ClaphamGT3]

You would get an early 2nd generation XC90 for that money. We have one as a family car and really rate it

[300bhp/ton]

topcat1 said:

Thanks all, yes I forgot the budget and towing weights- I am targeting sub £20k and expect a couple of tonnes to be fine for capacity. I doubt it will see too many muddy fields but I have had my Disco 2 and Ranger stuck in the past so looking for something a bit more than a Chelsea tractor will be used to. If MPG wasn't so dire I think we would both be happy with a Disco 4 but they aren't exactly known for reliability either.

Wife noticed a new Volvo a few weeks ago and liked the look of them which surprised me but they do look nice.

You might find a JK Wrangler Unlimited in budget. They have a 197hp 2.8 diesel and similar performance/mpg to the Disco4.

A bit more quirky, but that makes them a lot of fun and enjoyable to own. But should be very easy to live with daily. They don't have the tow rating of the Land Rover's. But should be enough for your wants. Also overall very practical vehicles too. Oh, and did I say a lot of fun to own/drive.

They also have remarkably strong residuals too.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...



If you want something a little more lavish, there is the Grand Cherokee. Which is more on-par with a Disco/RR in terms of spec and refinement. But IMO are less fun than the likes of the Wrangler.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

[Dusty964]

If you get a wrangler, you will regret it within about 25 metres.
Woefully uncomfortable, poor ride, awful wind and tyre noise on the move (can't comment on engine noise as only ever owned the petrol version, but doubt the diesel will be any quieter...

[Summit_Detailing]

Touareg was the first thing to spring to mind, Q5, X3, XC60, GLC all the next size down.

I assume by brand snob that a Kia Sorento & Hyundai Santa Fe wouldn't be considered!?

Slightly older but a c.2013 Cayenne is easily in budget.

Cheers,

Chris

[ChevronB19]

Save money and get a last of the line Freelander 2. Had a discovery sport for a couple of weeks and far preferred the Freelander.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is a great pick at this price point:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

For something a bit smaller the Volvo D5 XC60 R Design Lux Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

D4 Version of the above

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

If you can get past the badge these are a bit & finish than the Volvo above & they're considerably more friendly on the wallet but if it's all about the badge then these won't work:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Ford Edge Sport 210 as above

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

ST Line X

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

For the badge snob in you

X3 30d M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

[topcat1]

Thanks again, the Q5, X3 and XC60 may be good options, I did actually go to the local Kia garage about a year ago and couldn't get past the orange peel paint on all the models! Also a lot of mediocre plastic from what I remember.

I like the Ford edge but she isn't a fan, and for some reason I can't bring myself to look at Jeeps, maybe because I still like old Landys!

Had a good chat with a friend who's had an F-Pace since new in 2017 and he can't fault it. Also the mother in law drives a nice spec Freelander and it's an easy drive, not much driver feedback IMO but she isn't fussed about a lazy gearbox and light steering! Certainly a cheaper option too.

[dmsims]

topcat1 said:

Also the mother in law drives a nice spec Freelander and it's an easy drive, not much driver feedback IMO but she isn't fussed about a lazy gearbox and light steering! Certainly a cheaper option too.

But you said you were a bit of a brand snob ?

[topcat1]

dmsims said:

But you said you were a bit of a brand snob ?

"A bit", not entirely!

[dmsims]

topcat1 said:

dmsims said:

But you said you were a bit of a brand snob ?

"A bit", not entirely!

Chav chariot it is then