Auto family wagon with ground clearance £5k ish
Discussion
Hello, looking for some guidance for a family car. We're expecting our first child and need a new car. My wife hasn't driven much in the last few years as she's now WFH permanently so no longer commutes and I tend to do most of the driving. With a new addition on the way she'll have to drive but would prefer an automatic so she has one less thing to think about. We've recently moved to Cornwall and have been struggling with ground clearance in our trusty Mk8 Honda civic (diesel, manual).
We don't need 4wd but it would be a nice feature, auto is a must and a decent size. Civic size (interior) upwards but don't need a land yacht either as it'll struggle on the lanes.
Would like some reliability but realistically will be used mainly on local journeys, needs ISOFIX and a decent safety rating. 2006 onwards as wife has a private plate she likes. Fuel economy not a huge issue as we can use the diesel civic for long journeys.
So far my frontrunner is a Lexus RX400h, I also like the Toyota Rav 4 but the pre 2013 has an annoying side opening boot and post 2013 they get a bit pricey.
Also not too bothered by body shape, hatch, SUV, saloon, estate etc all fine but must have some more ground clearance than the civic.
Honda CRV fits the bill, boring but sensible.
Subaru's concern me slightly with engine issues and they're a bit dated inside. Suzuki again a bit basic and they're a bit small inside.
Skoda Octavia scout is a contender and I like the Volvo V60 cross-country but more than we want to spend.
Anything else that's worth looking at?
Pretty much open to any brand, but I do like Japanese stuff as it's been so reliable for me.
Ideal budget up to £6,000 but happy to spend less. Really not sure how long we'll keep it, if it's great could be years if not then it'll be upgraded as soon as budget permits.
Thank you!
We don't need 4wd but it would be a nice feature, auto is a must and a decent size. Civic size (interior) upwards but don't need a land yacht either as it'll struggle on the lanes.
Would like some reliability but realistically will be used mainly on local journeys, needs ISOFIX and a decent safety rating. 2006 onwards as wife has a private plate she likes. Fuel economy not a huge issue as we can use the diesel civic for long journeys.
So far my frontrunner is a Lexus RX400h, I also like the Toyota Rav 4 but the pre 2013 has an annoying side opening boot and post 2013 they get a bit pricey.
Also not too bothered by body shape, hatch, SUV, saloon, estate etc all fine but must have some more ground clearance than the civic.
Honda CRV fits the bill, boring but sensible.
Subaru's concern me slightly with engine issues and they're a bit dated inside. Suzuki again a bit basic and they're a bit small inside.
Skoda Octavia scout is a contender and I like the Volvo V60 cross-country but more than we want to spend.
Anything else that's worth looking at?
Pretty much open to any brand, but I do like Japanese stuff as it's been so reliable for me.
Ideal budget up to £6,000 but happy to spend less. Really not sure how long we'll keep it, if it's great could be years if not then it'll be upgraded as soon as budget permits.
Thank you!
Freelander 2. Ground clearance, 4x4, diesel and auto (which is a great combination in these) very reliable too, more Ford based than LR. £6k would get you a decent 2010 ish one. TD4 came in 160/150 bhp auto and manual, SD4 has 190 bhp and only came in auto, worth seeking out, brilliant capable all round family car and excellent at towing too if that's a consideration.
Nor a looker but the Subaru Tribeca is a nice option as well as a reliable drivetrain & you can get a nice one under budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203304...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203304...
Thank you all for the suggestions.
I'd be concerned about any land rovers reliability but will take a look- is the Freelander 2 less of a death trap than the original which used the drivers chest as a crumple zone?
Subaru Tribeca I'll run past the wife, seems a good option but it really isn't a good looking car...
Jazz is too small but will have a look at some of the Peugeot's. We're not near the ULEZ so diesel is quite attractive and although the mileage will likely be low they will often be relatively long journeys.
I've been looking at XC60's and XC70's, especially the latter which I find very appealing.
I'll run some of these past the wife and see what she says. She'll ultimately listen to my advice but it would be nice for her to like it too.
My trusty mechanic is still London based so I'm pretty happy to look anywhere in the South of England and bits of Wales. Certainly not looking exclusively in the South West where prices are silly.
I'd be concerned about any land rovers reliability but will take a look- is the Freelander 2 less of a death trap than the original which used the drivers chest as a crumple zone?
Subaru Tribeca I'll run past the wife, seems a good option but it really isn't a good looking car...
Jazz is too small but will have a look at some of the Peugeot's. We're not near the ULEZ so diesel is quite attractive and although the mileage will likely be low they will often be relatively long journeys.
I've been looking at XC60's and XC70's, especially the latter which I find very appealing.
I'll run some of these past the wife and see what she says. She'll ultimately listen to my advice but it would be nice for her to like it too.
My trusty mechanic is still London based so I'm pretty happy to look anywhere in the South of England and bits of Wales. Certainly not looking exclusively in the South West where prices are silly.
Bobupndown said:
I'd be concerned about any land rovers reliability but will take a look- is the Freelander 2 less of a death trap than the original which used the drivers chest as a crumple zone?
Euro 5 ncap rating
Just had a look, that's good. Will look into it more, there's a well regarded LR specialist near me as well. Euro 5 ncap rating
Can't deny I'm still a bit dubious about LR reliability.
Surely this is the most obvious answer? Great spec and fits all your criteria, plus it'll be near on bulletproof
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105132...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105132...
troika said:
Where are you going that you absolutely need additional ground clearance over a normal car?Unless you really need it, you’re seriously limiting your vehicle choice.
I live in the countryside, although near a town my immediate surroundings are very rural with no direct neighbours. The nearest road to me is often flooded with a minimum of 20cm of water. Many of the beaches we frequent as well as the road to a few restaurants and our allotment is so poor the underside of the Civic scrapes along as it goes. One particular road has such a steep drop off angle the only way for me to go down it (and this is genuinely true) is to ask any and all passengers to get out, I continue up the road, do a U turn and pull down the road on the wrong side of the road to minimise the gradient and camber. So apologies for the long winded post but yes, ground clearance is a necessity. I have a personal preference for low cars but it's not practical as a daily driver. My van (2015 Renault Trafic) handles all of the above roads with the utmost ease so it's definitely the ground clearance and not power or drivetrain that's the issue. aaron_2000 said:
Surely this is the most obvious answer? Great spec and fits all your criteria, plus it'll be near on bulletproof
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105132...
Great find! Love the colour combo- just need to convince the wife!https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105132...
Might be a struggle budget wise but a Skoda Yeti with the DSG gearbox could be an option.
We have recently purchased a Manual 4x4 170hp model and it is great as a run around/dog wagon.
Our has xenon’s, heated seats etc and is comfy, efficient and lots of ground clearance and cladding for backroads etc. I am secretly quite enjoying it.
We have recently purchased a Manual 4x4 170hp model and it is great as a run around/dog wagon.
Our has xenon’s, heated seats etc and is comfy, efficient and lots of ground clearance and cladding for backroads etc. I am secretly quite enjoying it.
Bumblebee7 said:
aaron_2000 said:
Surely this is the most obvious answer? Great spec and fits all your criteria, plus it'll be near on bulletproof
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105132...
Great find! Love the colour combo- just need to convince the wife!https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105132...
aaron_2000 said:
Surely this is the most obvious answer? Great spec and fits all your criteria, plus it'll be near on bulletproof
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105132...
No service history, sounds like a well loved car...https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105132...
Just get the RX imo
From experience, Subaru Forester or Outback. Might not have the most up-to-date kit inside or the greatest design flair, but if its looked after, it'll just keep going.
I've had six Subarus, totalling about 17 years of ownership, all have been very reliable, esp when compared to the tales read on this site regarding various 'premium' brands. Subaru parts might seem pricey, but you don't need to buy them very often.
Our neighbour bought a 2007 Forester 2.5X auto about a year ago for his teenage daughter. It had two owners from new, full service history and 230,000km on the clock. To say he's chuffed with it is an understatement - it cost about AU$5k, and has cost just servicing since.
As for the Volvo, I went from a Subaru to a Volvo V70, and then straight back to a Subaru - the Volvo was just rubbish to drive and needed a breakdown call out twice in the 8 months I had it.
I've had six Subarus, totalling about 17 years of ownership, all have been very reliable, esp when compared to the tales read on this site regarding various 'premium' brands. Subaru parts might seem pricey, but you don't need to buy them very often.
Our neighbour bought a 2007 Forester 2.5X auto about a year ago for his teenage daughter. It had two owners from new, full service history and 230,000km on the clock. To say he's chuffed with it is an understatement - it cost about AU$5k, and has cost just servicing since.
As for the Volvo, I went from a Subaru to a Volvo V70, and then straight back to a Subaru - the Volvo was just rubbish to drive and needed a breakdown call out twice in the 8 months I had it.
jaydeeuk1 said:
aaron_2000 said:
Surely this is the most obvious answer? Great spec and fits all your criteria, plus it'll be near on bulletproof
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105132...
No service history, sounds like a well loved car...https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105132...
Just get the RX imo
My vote is for the RX.
I’ve got an RX300 and it’s a great car. Even now it feels like an expensive car where they’ve put that extra effort to make it more comfortable, quiet and refined. Only downside is it likes to drink fuel but otherwise it’s great.
For 5k you’ll probably get a better 300/350 over a 400.
I’ve got an RX300 and it’s a great car. Even now it feels like an expensive car where they’ve put that extra effort to make it more comfortable, quiet and refined. Only downside is it likes to drink fuel but otherwise it’s great.
For 5k you’ll probably get a better 300/350 over a 400.
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